Katsufuku Main Store — Restaurant in Iwakuni

Come home in the evening from a difficult business trip in Tokyo. I felt disappointed by the results; it has a feeling of needing to win a little bit, so when my wife recommends Katsufuku for dinner, it has to be Katsufuku. I wanted to walk to the store after many hours sitting in meetings and in the airport, but my wife says she is hungry, so we choose to drive. For those who want to know about details, I used the Katsufuku Main Store on a late winter evening. The date is 5 March, and the time is 8 o’clock.

Maybe because it is late, the parking lot is mostly empty, and we can use the compact car parking space with ease. As I walk up to the store, the large signs give a luxurious feeling, and I can smile when I see the maneki neko dressed up like Porco Rosso with a pilot hat, sunglasses, and pig nose. Even if the store is serious about pork cutlet, it seems I still enjoy having fun. Due to the late time, there is no wait, but I was worried about it because the waiting area is very small.

As for the seating, there is a counter in front of the kitchen with single seats, so for those eating alone you can enjoy pork cutlet with a peace of mind. As for me and my wife, the salesperson seats us at a large table that could easily fit four or six people. There are at least six of such tables, and in the back there appears to be tatami seating.

Look over the menu. Right now it is the season for fried horse mackerel. We tried it when we came the last time. It was so delicious, we worry it might be too much food if we order it again. The portion is generous. Instead, we both order the black pork filler katsu set meal, with 4 pieces for me (my wife is more reasonable and chooses 3 pieces). I can choose between Koshihikari or Beauty Genmai rice; I order large Koshihikari, and my wife orders Beauty Genmai. Actually, I want to be a little bit ambitious, so my wife and I both order the side menu egg cutlet.

While we order, brightly colored green tea is served. Because the store fries each cutlet as it is ordered, I may have to wait for a little bit . . . after 10 minutes, the set menus arrive. The fillet cutlets are served with one piece cut in half to show the pink centre of the tender fillet, with the other cutlets served whole. A mountain of white cabbage behind it. I was impressed when I saw the bowl with both white and black sesame ! ! Grind it up yourself to achieve a unique flavour that is preferred to ordinary white sesame. The cutlet is also served with a homemade sauce unique to this store, as well as karashi and pink rock salt. There are so many ways to eat it I have trouble deciding!

First, let’s eat the heaping amount of shredded cabbage all at once! Cabbage has free refills, so I was impressed to see the sister walking around the store to check if the customer needs more. Next, a bite of fillet with no seasoning. The breading is crispy and light, and not too oily. The flavour of the fillet makes me want to eat black pork on repeat! Try it with the sauce, which has a nostalgic flavour, and is improved when I add the ground sesame. Pink rock salt gives a lively feeling, but be cautious with using too much. My recommendation is the karashi with the katsu sauce for the most enjoyment. The rice is firm, and helps to reset my palate in between bites. Miso with pork has a rich flavour, and I can finish with two kinds of pickles. Don’t forget the egg cutlet! The crispy breading is balanced by the brilliant red egg yolk, and with some katsu sauce, it is the best combination, and should be recommended for every customer ! !

I wonder why it is called the Katsufuku Main Store . . . even if it seems like it could be a chain restaurant, I have never seen the branch store, so I wonder if it is the only one . . . as for me and my wife, for cutlet in Iwakuni it has to be Katsufuku! Overall, it is a dependable store with a good taste and friendly customer service. Please be careful during busy times, as there may be a long wait. However, during the late evening, I can enjoy it fully without worrying!

Thank you...

Wow, this place is wonderful! The crisp and crunch of the katsu is so great, yet the meat is still tender and delicious. English menu available. Can pay with card or cash. Plenty of parking onsite. Highly recommend enjoying a meal here. Counter or table seating available. Shredded cabbage is refillable for free. You select your rice type, rice size, and soup type when you order. Great sauce options for cabbage and the katsu. I wish I could replicate this in my...

Quality and Quanity have decreased over the past few years. Food is fair tasting, price is acceptable. Used to be unlimited rice, soup, and cabbage with meal. Now just unlimmited cabbage. Beer photo looks like a nice tall mug maybe 400-450 ml. Reality is a tiny maybe 250-300 ml glass. At the price of ¥580 for a draugh beer tottal rip off. All in all aceptable meal and know remember why this place fell off the regular places to visit. Now more of a once...