Tonkatsu is the Japanese pork cutlet. In Japan, it is a common item found in lunch sets everywhere but there are even restaurants specifically dedicated to tonkatsu using only the best pork breeds. There is a certain way to it. In Ho Chi Minh City, tonkatsu is a popular dish, but there is one place where to try the full Japanese pork cutlet experience: Fujiro. I read about Fujiro on the Saigoneer, that has a very nice series on “hem gems”, interesting eateries located in alleyways (“hem” in Vietnamese). Not surprisingly, the restaurant is located in the unofficial Saigon’s Japan Town: a net of alleyways between Le Than Ton and Thai Van Lung.
The visit
I went for lunch on a weekday, shortly after noon. The restaurant was already packed and a group of salarymen (I like to think so) was waiting for their turn to occupy a booth. Since I was alone, they let me pass and I was accommodated at the wall counter. Outside they have their menu on display through plastic models: tonkatsu is served in a variety of ways, including with omelette and rice, curry, and fried prawns.
I found the seating perfectly suitable for a quick lunch. By the way, the pictures reflect the situation in July-August 2018; I noticed that they were remodeling a store next door into a restaurant… I suspect they may be moving soon.
The photo above shows why you go to Fujiro. Their jewel of the crown is a special 3 centimeter thick tonkatsu made of pork loin. That was what I ordered.
The set also includes rice, miso soup, some radish and pickles.
The experience would not be complete without mustard and…
…tonkatsu sauce that can be added to this bowl of sesame seeds. According to the tradition, the guest has the privilege to smash the seeds before pouring the sauce.
The thick tonkatsu was something majestic. Perfectly cooked, thickly battered, and with a tad of fat to make the meat even more tasty.
The check
This was one of the most expensive lunch sets on their menu. After tax, it cost me 198,000 VND, that is 8.50 USD. This is a price difficult to question or beat for this kind of quality. You can find cheaper versions, but not this one. And of course, they also serve the normal tonkatsu at a lower price.
And here is a dish I would not mind to try next time.
Finally, it is worth noting that they have the menu available in Japanese, English, Korean and Vietnamese.
Where in Ho Chi Minh City:
8A/5B1 Thái Văn Lung (it is not on the main road, you have the enter the net of alleyways and find your way around).
At time of writing, it is open daily, 11am-2pm for lunch and 5.30pm to 10pm (9.30 on weekends) for dinner.
Check their Facebook page for more photos.