Established in 1966, with 500 outlets worlwide, Saboten is a Japanese tonkatsu institution (like Maisen, but with a bigger international presence). The restaurant chain has perfected the art of the Japanese cutlet: they use a selected breed of grain and barely fed matured pig for their signature dishes; cutlet’s breadcrumbs are freshly grated to give the light, crispy and non-greasy texture; the side rice is Uonuma Koshihikari rice from Japan. In other words, they elevated tonkatsu to a gourmet experience.
The visit
I first visited Saboten in Taipei; it was one of the restaurants on top of Mistuskoshi department store near Taipei Main Station. This is also my first review of an experience in Taiwan.
The experience starts with the sesame bowl: you can smash the sesame and add the tonkatsu sauce. You are also provided by default with cabbage, some pickles and tea.
I had one of their specials: along with a classic loin tonkatsu I got some additional pieces filled with sea urchin. They were both excellent (but the tonkatsu did not reach the level of Maisen in Tokyo).
The miso soup was included. I and a friend also had some additional dishes: cutlet with minced pork meat and pork rolls filled with asparagus and cheese. All very good.
At the end of the meal we were offered a shot of plum drink.
The check
The two of us spent 1276 NTD (around 42 USD). That would be around 21 USD per person for a lunch set and the additional dishes. The price is reasonable for a lunch experience and the quality of the food.
Where in Taipei:
Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Station Front Store
12th Floor, No. 66, Section 1, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District
Many other locations in Taipei and Taiwan listed on their website.