JPN: Sarashina (更科)
Totally wasn't expecting the jumbo-sized 'tonkatsu'!
As I stepped into yet another prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, my very first meal in Wakayama was nothing short of delightful. The humble flagship store of Sarashina, a family-run establishment located not far from Wakayama station, was a truly serendipitous find that afternoon.
Pork Cutlet Set ¥1,100 (~S$10.10)
Taste: 8.5/10
There's no English menu at the restaurant. The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is トンカツ定食. For the price, I wasn't expecting such a big portion that exceeded my expectations. Each bite into the pork cutlet pieces, generously coated in rich and savoury sauce, revealed a tender and juicy core. Besides rice, there were shredded cabbages topped with mayonnaise, miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) soup and cucumber slices.
Duck Soba ¥980 (~S$8.85)
Taste: 7.5/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 鴨なんば. I'm quite certain it was my very first time having duck in all my trips to Japan thus far. It was a pity that there were only a few slices of the meat though. The broth was adequately savoury, and while the soba (Japanese buckwheat noodle) was enjoyable, a bit more chewiness could've enhanced the overall experience.
Omu Rice ¥780 (~S$7.20)
Taste: 8/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is オムライス. The generously portioned fried rice enveloped in omelette was as mouth-watering as it appeared. The fried rice was fluffy and delightful, complemented by well-balanced brown sauce that wasn't too heavy. The pickled red ginger was a good accompaniment to the dish.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
If you like saucy pork cutlet, do give it a try. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Pika's advice: I've read that it's possible to upsize some of the dishes for an additional ¥100 (~S$0.90).
Sarashina
(更科)
4-59 Misono-cho
Wakayama City, Wakayama
Japan
(Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat: 11.30am - 8.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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