Editor PICK, Top 3 Donkatsu Restaurants in Seoul

All Tonkatsu in This World Taste Different!

When you hear the three words ‘Donkatsu,’ what kind of donkatsu comes to mind? You might think of the Western-style donkatsu drenched in rich demi-glace sauce, or you might imagine the Japanese-style donkatsu that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. But really, what does it matter? As long as it tastes good, that’s all that counts. Today, the editor will introduce three Japanese-style crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside donkatsu restaurants. The editor’s list of must-visit eateries is cautiously unveiled, so open your eyes wide and check them out.

Donkatsu Palwol

Donkatsu Palwol is located near Samgakji Station. The tenderloin katsu set is 190g and costs 14,000 KRW, while the sirloin katsu set is 200g and priced at 13,000 KRW. Still, the editor confidently says, “Even if the portion is small and it’s 1,000 KRW more expensive, it’s worth it.” In other words, you should order the tenderloin rather than the sirloin. The meat is aged for five days and goes through a 24-hour marinade process, resulting in a tender donkatsu without any unpleasant odor. It’s fried at a lower temperature of 140 degrees Celsius than usual, so you can enjoy donkatsu that’s crispy on the outside, light in flavor, and juicy inside. Donkatsu Palwol’s tenderloin katsu set, with its soft meat grain, is highly recommended. If you want a bit more chewiness, try ordering the sirloin katsu set.

Address: 1st Floor, 183 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Buja Donkatsu

Buja Donkatsu is well-known among Euljiro commuters. There are even two branches, so if you work in Euljiro, try having lunch at the one closer to you. They use premium domestic fresh tenderloin meat directly sourced from Majang-dong and prepare it fresh every day. Can you see the pink, lively grain of the meat inside the deliciously fried batter? The thick yet moist meat has no unpleasant smell and is rather mild in flavor. The hidden menu here is the curry. It contains large chunks of onion, carrot, and pork, and has a strong sweet taste. It’s definitely not the usual curry flavor you’re used to. If you feel it’s a pity not to try the curry but want to eat donkatsu at a donkatsu specialty restaurant, order the curry donkatsu. For just 10,000 KRW, you can enjoy a full meal with tenderloin donkatsu and a plate of curry. Unfortunately, the sauce is just regular demi-glace with mustard, but since rice is unlimited, you can eat as much as you want.

Address: 12 Samildae-ro 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 30 Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Neulhaedon

For those looking for great value, Neulhaedon in Nowon-gu is the place to go. The roast (sirloin) katsu is 210g to 230g and costs 11,900 KRW, while the hire (tenderloin) katsu is 170g to 190g and priced slightly higher at 12,900 KRW. Here, I strongly recommend trying the sirloin. Sirloin has a higher fat content than tenderloin but retains some texture. Despite that, it’s not greasy at all; rather, you can taste the savory flavor of the fat layer. If you eat it with a little wasabi on salt, you’ll want to pick out only the fat. If you’re wondering, “Fat is oil, but can oil be savory?” you can find the answer at Neulhaedon, so be sure to experience it.

Address: Room 110, 38-11 Sanggye-ro 1-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul

Let’s go get a donkatsu fix soon!♥

Photo by Yoon Eun-ae