Tonkatsu and shabu-shabu. Fukuya Black Pork — Restaurant in Kagoshima

English menu available. We arrived at 5pm and there were already a few groups of customers. We ordered a fillet tonkatsu set meal (2650yen) and a loin tonkatsu (2100yen) , both in regular size. It took 30mins for the food to arrive. Kimchi on the side which we thought was unusual. Restaurant is very compact, a one way walk throughout the whole place including the toilet. Group seatings available at the back with seats that customers have to remove their shoes. We read the reviews and saw that people don’t really enjoy their shabu despite it being cooked with coal which was very interesting, that’s why we chose to get the tonkatsu. We overhead the tables around us who ordered the shabu shabu who mentioned that it wasn’t good as well. Unfortunately, the tonkatsu wasn’t great too. We thought it was just average, too much breading that falls apart and not crispy. I liked the fillet better as the meat was softer but my partner preferred the loin. There’s quite a bit of fat in the loin that can make it cloying. There’s a lot better ones out there with a more affordable...

I had been wanting to try this type of food here for a long time, and I think this place truly delivered. I had never tasted anything like it before—the portion was generous, and the waiter kindly walked me through how to season it step by step, so I could enjoy it the way it’s meant to be eaten. It made the meal feel intentional, almost like a small ritual.

If you ever find yourself in Kagoshima, this is absolutely a place you need to visit. The atmosphere is quiet and calming; I went alone and felt perfectly at ease—comfortably present, in one of those rare solo dining moments that just feel right. I tried the set menu with the Chamiton pork, and since I didn’t want to miss out on the other cut, I also ordered the Kurobuta bite. Both were absolutely delicious. Even though I was so full by the end, I swear if they had placed another portion in front of me, I would have devoured it anyway—it was that good.

The kind of meal that leaves you satisfied but still thinking, just...

I came here during my visit to Kagoshima as I knew black pork was a staple here and this place had great reviews. I initially came around 2 but was turned away as they said they were closed for lunch (although it says until 2:30 online). I returned at the start of dinner. I ordered the high quality tonkatsu set and shabu shabu. The tonkatsu was delicious and tender with a very nice crisp on the outside, just how it should be. It came with a bowl of rice cooked perfectly and some cabbage with 2 dressing options. The set was very good when eaten together. The shabu shabu was also very tasty. The pot was cooked over charcoal and my order came with 2 appetizers, veggies, noodles, and dessert (yuzu sherbet). It was all very good and so is their kimchi. Nice comfortable ambiance inside. If you’re not familiar with eating this type of meal, I’d do some research ahead of time to make sure you know what to order and how to eat it. Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend...