Tonkatsu Perfection at Katsuhisa Muan in Yokohama’s Takashimaya

During our trip to Japan, we often spend a few hours in department stores. Takashimaya Yokohama is one of our favorite stores, located right next to the Yokohama Station West Exit. Most department stores in Japan dedicate the top floor to various restaurants. We often go up there to have lunch and relax.

Almost always, we find restaurants catered for tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet), soba, tempura, and pasta. Our go-to is usually tonkatsu. Most Japanese tonkatsu restaurants offer a set menu – pork cutlet, rice, miso-soup, thinly sliced cabbage, and pickles. Our favorite department store, Takashimaya Yokohama, is no exception. This place, Katsuhisa Muan, was recommended by our nephews, located on the 8th floor of the Takashimaya department store.

Katsuhisa Muan is originally hailing from Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture which is north of Tokyo. It has made a significant mark in Yokohama with its unique approach to this classic Japanese dish. Tonkatsu, at its core, is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish, consisting of breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. Its charm lies in the quality of the meat and the precision of the cooking technique, turning a humble piece of pork into a crispy, juicy, and flavorful delight. Katsuhisa Muan elevates this experience by meticulously selecting premium pork, specifically from renowned Gunma brands, ensuring each bite is a testament to the meat’s intrinsic flavors.

The mastery of Katsuhisa Muan’s chef is evident in the cooking process. Each cutlet is fried at a carefully controlled low temperature, a method that requires patience and skill. This technique ensures that the pork is cooked to perfection, encapsulating a tender and succulent interior beneath a golden, crispy exterior. The result is a tonkatsu that stands out for its meatiness, allowing the natural sweetness and umami of the pork to shine through.

Complementing the tonkatsu is a selection of sides that further accentuate the meal’s authenticity and quality. The miso pickles, sourced from an old miso brewery in Maebashi, offer a tangy contrast to the rich pork, while the highland cabbage from Gunma adds a fresh, crisp element to the dish. These accompaniments, carefully chosen for their regional significance, enrich the overall dining experience, offering a taste of Gunma in every bite.

The restaurant also offers a unique twist to enjoying tonkatsu. Patrons are encouraged to first savor the cutlet with a sprinkle of rock salt available at each table. This method highlights the natural flavor of the pork in a different light, contrasting with the traditional use of tonkatsu sauce. This approach not only showcases the quality of the meat but also provides diners with a novel way to appreciate the dish.

Beyond the main attraction, Katsuhisa Muan prides itself on an extensive menu that caters to various palates. Both lunch and dinner sets are available, offering a comprehensive meal that includes tonkatsu as the centerpiece. The side menu is equally impressive, featuring a variety of dishes that complement the main course. To accompany the meal, the restaurant boasts a selection of Japanese sake and shochu, available at reasonable prices. This well-curated selection of beverages adds another layer of enjoyment to the dining experience, allowing guests to pair their meal with the perfect drink.

Katsuhisa Muan is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those seeking an elevated tonkatsu experience. It represents a harmonious blend of tradition and culinary artistry, a place where the essence of Gunma’s finest produce is celebrated. Whether you are a tonkatsu aficionado or a curious food explorer, Katsuhisa Muan in Yokohama’s Takashimaya is a must-visit spot that promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.