Katsu Jin — Restaurant in South Pasadena

Hidden gem low key want to gatekeep haha. Best katsu I’ve ever had! (outside of Japan and Hawaii duh!) First of all they had you grind sesame yourself like traditional Japanese place. The aroma was slowly released and very pleasant also great way to pass the time.

I got pork loin katsu it was beyond amazing so crispy yet so tender and juicy inside. I also loved the tiny fat bits here and there. Highlight was the katsu sauce that made every bite even more magical! it wasn’t overly sweet and the sesame definitely added to the deep flavor. Server told me if you want more lean you should get the tenderloin. But the pork loin was perfect for me! Hubby got chicken katsu he also enjoyed a lot.

The entree came with the classics - miso soup, a few Japanese pickles, cabbage salad and rice. We also got gyoza (delicious) and corn rib (texture was great but a bit lacking on the flavor).

Overall this will be our new go-to spot for...

Sort of torn on this one. If you're coming for the Katsu I'd give it 5 stars. If you're coming for other stuff then 4.

Get the tenderloin katsu. It's very tender and juicy. The regular katsu, while very good, was just a bit dryer. This is not going to compare to high quality katsu you get in Japan, but it's probably up there in taste and quality for LA. The side dishes that come do feel small, not asking for them to be a lot more but you get basically 2-5 pieces which really doesn't leave much to enjoy.

Grinding your own sesame is always fun and gives us a pleasant aroma.

The black garlic oil ramen has a very strong and unique flavor. You'll either love it or hate it, we loved it.

The tonkatsu ramen was on the bland side and wasn't as creamy as it should be. We will pass on that next time.

Well be back to try other items in the...

Three of us (two are Tokyo natives) had lunch there on a Saturday. Tonkatsu was THE BEST ever anywhere! Crunchy yet tender and moist. Very good addition to local options. Most of customer groups had at least one Asian-looking person so probably knowledgeable about this kind of food. A few groups had very small children who seemed very content and happy to eat there. Small place and filled up quickly when we were there at 11:45 am. We each had the Tonkatsu set plus tea at a total cost of $74 including tip. Not a fancy place but very clean and modern. Order by scan to site or in person with waiter. Parking in lot in front of store. There will be lines of customers...