JPN: Yabaton (矢場とん)
First time having 'miso katsu'!
Nagoya is renowned for miso katsu, a regional specialty of pork cutlet doused in dark sauce featuring hatcho miso, which is made of 100% soybeans, salt and water. Since its founding in 1947, Yabaton has played a major role in popularising the delicacy, expanding its reach beyond Aichi Prefecture to cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
English menu is available at the restaurant.
Teppan Tonkatsu Set ¥1,900 (~S$16.85)
Taste: 8.5/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 極上リブ鉄板とんかつ. The set includes a bowl of rice, miso soup and pickled lotus roots. Laid on a hot iron plate was a bed of shredded cabbage, followed by a freshly deep-fried pork cutlet generously topped with hatcho miso-based sauce.
As the dish arrived sizzling hot, the aroma of caramelised sauce and lightly charred cabbages filled the air, making it impossible not to drool. The rosu katsu, a richer cut of pork with a strip of fat along the side, was tender and juicy. The sauce was rich and flavourful, but I'd prefer it to be a little less salty.
Hire Tonkatsu ¥1,800 (~S$16.00)
Taste: 8/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is ひれとんかつ. A better choice for those who prefer a leaner cut, the hire katsu didn't disappoint, though I personally have a preference for its more indulgent counterpart. The set came with the same accompaniments as mentioned earlier, but the shredded cabbages and carrots were served raw on the side, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
Mini Crab Croquette ¥700 (~S$6.20)
Taste: 8.5/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is ミニ蟹コロッケ. I was glad I tried the mini croquettes, which brought together crispy golden exterior and rich, creamy filling. They were served with with hatcho miso-based sauce as well on the side, but I didn't feel the need to roll the croquettes in it at all. Pika's advice: The main outlet, which is located much further north, serves kaiseki (Japanese multi-course meal) if you're interested.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8.5/10
Ambience: 7.5/10
Service: 7.5/10
Overall: 8/10
I didn't try the miso katsu at its main outlet, but I did drop by the next day to take a photo with the statue of the mascot.
Yabaton
(矢場とん)
3-3-21 Sakae
B1/F CentRise
Nagoya, Aichi
Japan
(Daily: 11.00am - 10.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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