LocalEatsJapan

Yabaton, having its origins in Nagoya, and whose founder Yoshio Suzuki created miso katsu is a very popular chain that has now made its way to both Kanto and Kansai prefectures respectively (specifically Tokyo and Osaka). 

Each prefecture has a few shops, but the one I have been to a few times is the one located in Ginza, Tokyo. The only reason for this is that it is convenient, and though I want to compare it in Nagoya one day, I really don’t think the taste will differ too much, so it is not on a priority list of mine. 

The Ginza shop is big, and they have 2 floors. Both times I have been here I was able to get in without lining up, but this might have been luck – I am not sure. It was a little bit ago that I went so I am unsure of how it is now, but it is a popular shop so I imagine that there is a possibility for a bit of a wait (it is Ginza after all). 

Now in regards to the menu, you may have noticed that I didn’t specify that they serve “tonkatsu”, but instead just “katsu”. This is because, while tonkatsu is their main dish, they also have other types of katsu (like shrimp or scallops) which (I believe) come with the same miso sauce. If they don’t come with the sauce, then I recommend asking them and they should be able to provide you with it (because this is what makes them famous). 

The sauce is made out of red miso which is generally the stronger of the two (white and red), except it has been made sweet and so it contrasts very nicely with the rather rich fried food that is katsu. 

Of course, whenever you have any sort of katsu they are going to have a sweet-ish sauce to go along with it, but I often feel like it isn’t enough/embarrassing when I notice myself pouring more than half the bottle out (not literally). 

But with Yabaton, they give you a heaping amount, and actually pour it over top of it beforehand for you (at least if it is tonkatsu that you have ordered.)

I personally ordered the “warabi tonkatsu” which you can upgrade to a set for an extra 400 yen (which I did).

I am unsure of if you were to not order the set it comes with rice or not, so I think that it is something worth asking, but mine personally came with the tonkatsu, rice, miso soup, and a few tsukemono (pallet cleanser/pickled vegetable things).

You can choose what kind of rice you would like (either a more hearty, and probably healthier red grain or plain white rice). I initially went with the former and while good, I ended up getting a refill of just the normal stuff which I don’t think can be beaten. Yes, they do free rice re-fills here which is nice.

The pork itself was cooked to perfection, and the sauce is poured over while it is still hot so it is almost as if it seeps in and makes its way through the crust to the pork itself – it is very good. 

What makes Yabaton stand out from other tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo is that they have taken a regional specialty and executed it at a level that justifies the trip even if you never make it to Nagoya. Miso katsu is not something you will find at every tonkatsu shop — most stick to the standard Worcestershire-style sauce — so having access to it in Ginza without needing a Shinkansen ticket is genuinely convenient.

For first-timers the warabi tonkatsu set is the obvious starting point and the one I would recommend without hesitation. The upgrade for ¥400 is a no-brainer given what it adds to the meal. If you are going with someone who is less adventurous with food the standard tonkatsu is equally excellent and the red miso sauce converts even the most skeptical.

Ginza can feel like an intimidating and expensive area to eat in but Yabaton is reasonably priced for the quality and portion size you receive. It is the kind of restaurant that reminds you that some of the best eating in Tokyo happens in places you would not necessarily expect to find it.

If you are spending time in Ginza for shopping or sightseeing, Yabaton deserves a spot on your itinerary. It is one of those meals you will think about long after you have left Japan.

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