【Tokyo Gourmet】KIMUKATSU Ebisu｜The original deliciousness of thinly sliced layered fried pork cutlet

Update-Date: Jun 12, 2026

Author: Leo

Categories: Tonkatsu

【Tokyo Gourmet】KIMUKATSU Ebisu｜The original deliciousness of thinly sliced layered fried pork cutlet

Have you heard of this restaurant that uses the unique "layered" technique to make fried pork cutlets, after tasting many famous tonkatsu shops? "Kimukatsu (キムカツ) Ebisu", located just a 5-minute walk from Ebisu Station, is famous for its innovative layered fried pork cutlet. Carefully selected Japanese domestic pork loin is sliced thinly, stacked in 25 layers, and fried until golden and crispy, juicy and tender, with a rich texture. Paired with freshly cooked Japanese domestic Koshihikari rice, every bite, from the rice to the pork cutlet, is a delightful experience for the taste buds. Additionally, the restaurant has developed different flavors of layered fried pork cutlets, regularly introducing new tastes, making each visit feel fresh.

Leo

A Taiwanese living in Japan

First arrived in Japan in 2016 on a working holiday.Returned in 2022 because of some special connection. Conquered all four extreme points of Japan(North, South, East, and West) Currently based in Tokyo. Outside of the professional career, also active as an "Awa Odori dancer" and is passionate about sharing the unique charms of Japan's many tourist destinations
#AwaOdoriDancer
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The original main store hidden in the alleys of Ebisu

Located in the bustling upscale area of Ebisu, Kimukatsu is the birthplace of the brand's global expansion. Store manager Mr. Katsumata revealed that although the brand is currently very popular in six countries around the world and loved by foreign customers, many food enthusiasts still come to this "original" main store in search of the unique flavor of its signature layered fried pork cutlet. What makes the manager most proud is that, in addition to tourists from afar, this place also serves as an energy recharge station for many busy Japanese office workers. Being a choice among locals symbolizes the delicious proof of this 25-layer fried pork cutlet.

Kimukatsu Ebisu Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm) / [Monday - Thursday, Sunday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) / [Friday, Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average Price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from the East Exit of Ebisu Station
Address: 4-9-5, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
More Details Reservation

Exclusive low-temperature cooking and ultimate freshly cooked rice

The delicious secret of Kimukatsu lies in the precise control of temperature. Unlike ordinary restaurants, they use a low-temperature frying technique at 165 degrees, and after frying, the pork cutlet is allowed to "rest for 2 minutes." This crucial 2 minutes utilizes residual heat to penetrate the tiny gaps between the 25 layers of meat, allowing for even cooking inside and locking in the rich juices.

In terms of rice, the restaurant carefully selects top-quality Koshihikari rice from Japan and introduces a high-tech cooking system. To ensure customers can enjoy the perfect state, the timing of cooking the rice is coordinated with the frying of the pork cutlet, using special techniques to complete it within 15 minutes. This precise scheduling is key to achieving freshly made, high-quality rice consistently. Additionally, the rice is served in a wooden tub (おひつ), allowing it to "breathe" through the wood to regulate moisture and absorb excess water, making the grains more translucent and creating just the right texture. When the freshly fried pork cutlet is served alongside the glistening freshly cooked rice, it is definitely a feast for the eyes that makes you want to taste it right away.

Photo: SAVOR JAPAN

25 layers of soft and tender surprise: delicious even when cold

The cross-section of Kimukatsu's fried pork cutlet presents a distinctly different fine texture compared to regular pork cutlets. The manager emphasizes that this method overcomes the traditional drawback of thick-cut pork cutlets becoming hard when cooled, allowing the layered pork cutlet to maintain a fluffy and tender texture even at low temperatures. This advantage is also reflected in takeout meals, overturning the public's past impression that fried pork cutlets lose their quality when cooled, breaking down the resistance people have towards takeout pork cutlets. Many customers start with takeout and then become regular visitors to the restaurant. In addition to the delicate method, the flour used here is different from the commonly used dried bread flour; they specifically select high-quality "fresh bread flour" to ensure that the outer layer is golden and crispy while the inside remains juicy and tender, creating an exquisite layered texture.

Currently, the restaurant offers 7 rich flavor options, including: classic original, cheese, black pepper, garlic, plum shiso, kimchi cheese, and yuzu pepper. Among the seven flavors, this time we chose the most popular classic original and cheese flavors.

After placing the order, the first dish served is finely shredded cabbage selected according to the season. Cabbage is rich in vitamin U, which not only protects the gastric mucosa but also enhances appetite when paired with sauce, greatly increasing one's desire to eat. When the main dish is served, the aroma of the fried pork cutlet instantly fills the entire table. The first to taste is the classic original flavor, which best showcases the 25 layers of texture. A bite reveals the fluffy and soft texture produced by the fresh bread flour, and surprisingly, it is refreshing and not greasy due to the resting time. The cheese flavor offers a different taste, with the smooth and mild cheese perfectly highlighting the tenderness and juiciness of the layered meat slices.

If you want to try a fresher flavor, I highly recommend this time's a la carte yuzu pepper and plum shiso flavor. The slight acidity from the fruit added to the fried pork cutlet enhances the unique layers of the non-greasy fried pork cutlet.

Recommended seasonings and eating methods

In addition to the fried pork chop itself, there are also condiments provided at the table. The restaurant has prepared pork chop sauce, as well as seaweed salt and yuzu vinegar. In terms of order, the restaurant recommends starting with a little seaweed salt to taste, as it best brings out the original sweetness and aroma of the pork chop. Then, based on personal preference, enjoy it with the rich pork chop sauce or the refreshing yuzu vinegar. Additionally, a small reminder is that the onion sauce on the table is meant to be paired with the shredded cabbage! Shredded cabbage drizzled with onion sauce is definitely the best partner for fried pork chop.

Kimukatsu Ebisu Branch

A rich menu tailored for global travelers

In response to the increasing number of overseas travelers, the store has prepared a multilingual menu. In addition to the classic seven flavors of mille-feuille, the recently launched "Gozen Set Meal" is a limited-time offering at the Japanese store. This combination includes chawanmushi, which is loved by foreign travelers, and pork miso soup, with the intention of allowing travelers to fully experience Japanese culinary culture in one meal. The store manager stated that they are currently researching sauces such as "spicy sauce" and "fresh mushroom sauce," which are expected to be introduced in the next season's menu, to diversify the flavor of the fried pork cutlet and attract customers who want to try new things.

A warm and comfortable dining environment

Photo: SAVOR JAPAN

Despite being located in the upscale area of Ebisu, the interior is quite spacious, offering a total of 38 seats, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, making it suitable for enjoying delicious pork cutlets alone or dining with a few friends. The manager mentioned that he started serving here as a part-time student, and due to his deep affection for this restaurant, he now takes on the responsibility of managing it. In the face of changing times, the manager is committed to preserving traditional flavors while listening to the voices of the new generation, developing more attractive dishes, hoping to attract more young people to come in and experience the charm of the layered fried pork cutlet.

conclusion

This time, I visited "Kimukatsu (キムカツ) Ebisu Store" and experienced the deliciousness of the thinly sliced layered pork cutlet. During my interview with the store manager, Mr. Katsumata, I deeply felt the brand's focus and commitment to the details of the dishes. From the 25 layers of low-temperature frying technique, perfectly timed with the wooden tub, to the dedication to developing new flavors on the menu, it showcases the warm hospitality (おもてなし) of Japanese culture. For those who want to try a different kind of pork cutlet, this place is definitely worth adding to your food list in Tokyo. Simply press the reservation button and come to experience the charm of the original layered fried pork cutlet!

Kimukatsu Ebisu Branch

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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