Tonkichi (Tonkatsu Seafood)
{Click here for address + food photos}

After being in Hong Kong almost two weeks, I have yet to have a remarkable meal. Remarkable defined as “something worth talking about.” Sure, I have had street food featuring soy sauce goose and my share of intestines.

After attending a networking event in Lan Kwai Fong, I hip hoped my way towards Causeway Bay to try the much anticipated Tonkichi at the World Trade Center in Causeway Bay. At around 8pm, there was a long wait. After a one hour wait, fried food paradise had finally arrived.

But let me first provide an ample foreword. Tonkich is a Tonkatsu restaurant house. They are known to fry foods that are breaded with a light bread crumb. In Japan, restaurants specialize in certain dishes and in this case, they have mastered frying food.

Frying food itself is when the science of cooking intersects with culinary mastery. Walking through the dark wooden booths, we were greeted by a charming modern interior. Once seated, my friend and I raced toward the selection. Cleverly, we ordered a range of items.

In preparation for the food, fresh sesame seeds are placed in a mortar and crushed. Instantly, fragrant sesame notes appear and a rich syrupy teriyaki sauce mixed into the sauce.

For appetizers, the soft shell crab displayed sea-sweet notes. A squeeze of lemon lightens the dish.

Arriving on a charming tray, the deep friend breaded pork fillet (tonkatsu fillet ~$20 USD) had arrived. The pork fillets are garnished with thinly sliced cabbage that is a salad in itself. One bite, the crispy texture feature nutty notes and compliments the tender meat. The greaseless pieces affirm a properly fried food.

Balancing out the friend food is a great do-it-yourself cabbage salad. Seaweed dressing and vinegar mixed in with the cabbage salad results in a tangy palate refresher.

Continuing our fried food adventure, the oyster and fried shrimp was on par. The fried oysters were plump and meaty making it a great comfort food dish. Fried shrimp rounded out the meal.

The total was around $55 USD for two. The dining experience is worth trying but not a sensational meal.

Note: Rice and cabbage are unlimited in refills and be sure to get there early. We were politely “kicked out” around 10pm.

{Click here for address + food photos}