Why Tonkatsu deserves more attention

Tonkatsu rarely gets the international recognition it deserves. The clean and umami-forward complexity is genuine, not simple, and the technique involved in using fresh wasabi correctly takes real skill.

Japanese cuisine philosophy of shokunin craftsmanship shapes how even simple dishes are prepared. I encountered it first in a ramen shop at lunchtime and that context helped me understand it properly. sake is the natural accompaniment and the combination makes the case for the dish. If you haven't explored this cuisine seriously, Tonkatsu is the dish to start with.