Tonkatsu Shimizu

Tonkatsu Shimizu in Marutamachi is primarily known for one thing: a katsu sandwich of unusual thickness. Located near Jingu-Marutamachi Station, the shop occupies a narrow, deep space typical of Kyoto townhouses. The interior functions as a neighborhood bar after dark, with signed cards from athletes and regulars lining the walls.

The scale of the sandwich has its roots in the owner’s background as a rugby player. He originally developed the dish to satisfy the appetites of his teammates. What reached the table was a slab of pork that barely fits between two thin slices of bread—a ratio that remains the shop’s defining feature.

The preparation of the pork is more technical than the casual atmosphere might suggest. Whether you order the rosu (loin) or hire (fillet), each cutlet undergoes a two-stage frying process. The meat is fried once, allowed to rest so the residual heat can reach the center, and then fried again to crisp the outer breading. This ensures the thick pork is cooked through while remaining tender and slightly pink at the core. The bread itself is thin and toasted, serving more as a handle for the meat than a primary ingredient.

The sauce is applied with restraint, leaning away from the heavy sweetness found in many tonkatsu shops. Despite its size, the sandwich is manageable because the breading is kept thin and the pork is not excessively greasy.

At ¥1,700, the pricing is straightforward for the volume and the level of labor involved. It has become a popular image for social media, but the actual experience is grounded in the owner’s original intent of providing a heavy, high-protein meal.

The shop is small and the cooking process takes time, so it is not a place for a fast exit. Because of its steady popularity with both locals and visitors, seats fill up quickly. We recommend booking in advance to ensure you can get in, as the shop’s hours and availability can be unpredictable. We can handle the reservation through TableEX if needed.