Known for the thickest katsu in Japan, “Osaka Tonkatsu”(Former name : Katsudon Chiyomatsu) is a must-visit for travelers in Osaka. You may have seen it on social media or online, but is it really worth the visit?
In this article, we provide basic information like opening hours, location, and menu of Osaka Tonkatsu. Also reviewing the taste and price from a traveler’s perspective. If you’re unsure about visiting Osaka Tonkatsu, this article is right for you.
What is Osaka Tonkatsu(Former name : Katsudon Chiyomatsu)?
Osaka Tonkatsu serves delicious katsudon (pork cutlet bowls) with an impressive 5cm-thick katsu. Katsudon is a classic Japanese dish featuring crispy fried pork, egg with dashi, and fluffy rice. The restaurant is popular with locals and travelers in Osaka.
Basic information
In this section, you can find the basic information about Osaka Tonkatsu. Make sure to check it out before visiting the restaurant
Operation hours
Below are the operational hours for the original 5cm Katsudon Osaka Tonkatsu (Former name : Katsudon Chiyomatsu Dotonbori Main Store).
*Please be aware that Osaka Tonkatsu closes if they run out of pork.
- Days of Operation: Open 7 days a week
- Daily Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM (last call 9:00 PM)
Location
Osaka Tonkatsu has several locations in Osaka and is known for its katsudon (pork cutlet bowl). In addition, there are shops offering the thickest katsu sandwiches and the largest pork katsu rice balls in Japan.
- Original 5cm Katsu-don Osaka Tonkatsu (Former Name: Katsudon Chiyomatsu Dotonbori Main Store)
Menu
Osaka Tonkatsu’s menu is available in English and Chinese. While waiting in line, staff members take orders from each person individually. So you can discuss any questions or recommendations with the staff when you order, making it very helpful for travelers.
Reservation
Osaka Tonkatsu does not accept reservations, so you often have to wait in line during peak times such as lunch or dinner. (When I went, I waited for about 40 minutes.) It is recommended to visit out of peak times to avoid long waits. However, since they close once they sell out of tonkatsu, so it’s best to arrive just before opening or around 5:00 PM.
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Honest reviews
I visited Original 5cm Katsu-don Osaka Tonkatsu (Former Name : Katsudon Chiyomatsu Dotonbori Main Store) to offer an honest reviews from a traveler’s viewpoint, discussing the taste, traveler-friendliness, pricing, and more.
Use this as a guide when planning your visit to Osaka Tonkatsu.
Traverler-friendly
Most customers at Osaka Tonkatsu are international travelers. The restaurant provides menus in some languages and has English-speaking staff, making it a very helpful and traveler-friendly place without Japanese language barriers.
Additionally, the interior of the restaurant has an old-style Japanese design, making it a must-visit for those who want to enjoy the authentic Japanese atmosphere.
However, the seating style is counter-only (12 seats), which might be a bit inconvenient if you have small children with you.
Food
SPECIAL – 5cm Katsudon (200g pork) with pickles : 1,850 yen (USD11.62)
First, I was surprised by the appearance. The thickness of the katsu is even more impressive in person than it looks on social media and the internet. Watching the katsudon being prepared right in front of you is exciting and enjoyable.
The pork is cooked sous-vide for 12 hours before being fried, making it extremely juicy and tender. For sure It’s very satisfying.
However, the amount of rice is significantly less compared to the meat. I ran out of rice halfway through the katsu. It would be even better if there were an option to increase the amount of rice.
The katsudon came with a variety of seasonings to change up the flavor, curry salt, plain salt, shichimi (Japanese seven-spice), yuzu pepper, sansho (Japanese pepper), and ponzu. These seasonings help keep the large portion of meat interesting and delicious throughout the meal.
Price
The bill was 1,850 yen (USD11.62). Considering the high quality and the portion of the katsudon, it is on the high price compared to other katsudon dishes in Japan. Since the popularity of the restaurant, it likely contributes to the higher prices.
Payment is cash only, and cards or electronic money are not accepted, which can be a bit inconvenient. You pay after finishing your meal. Just call staff for the check.
The budget ranges :1,000 yen (USD6.33) to 3,000 yen (USD18.99).
Overall evaluation
Overall, my rating for this restaurant is high. The staff is accustomed to serving many travelers, and the service is excellent. Most importantly, the thickest katsu in Japan is incredibly delicious. This place is truly worth a visit. The restaurant also offers an authentic Japanese atmosphere, making it highly recommended for travelers.
However, it’s a bit disappointing that reservations are not accepted and payments are cash only.
If you’re visiting Osaka, be sure to check it out!
The recommendation score : 8.5 out of 10
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