Tonkatsu Katsushin

Pork perfection.

Tonkatsu and jazz… two of my favourite things….and both feature prominently at Tonkatsu Katsushin (TK). Tucked away in small soi off Surawong and flanked by massage parlours and small seedy bars, TK is a bit of a “diamond in the rough” restaurant (the area is not that rough to be honest).

But don’t fret about the neighbourhood, the cosy inn-styled TK is all about awesome food and jazz music (no Kenny G).

The TK chefs prepare, cook and serve (possibly) the best tonkatsu in Bangkok - light and crispy on the outside, juicy and delicious on the inside. In my opinion, the best food is always the simplest.

Other must-order eats include a pepper crusted raw tuna dish, lotus root chips, refreshing japanese salads and a big selection of snacks including bbq'ed chicken gizzards and other goodies.

Raw tuna never tasted so good

In a city jammed with japanese eateries how good is TK? Based on our dining experiences – pretty damned good - a top choice for super Japanese food at wallet friendly prices.

Looking for another good indicator? It's always busy and seems a popular joint in particular, for japanese salarymen and their gigs (also known as giks or kiks).

For readers who don't live in Thailand, gig is the local slang term for "bit on the side."

And according to my colleague, who is an expert on these matters, there are varying degrees of gig-ness from part-time lovers to full-on relationships. And having a gig or two is not just a male thing, women are equal players in the gig game.

TK is located in Soi Tantawan (Soi 6) off Surawong Road. It's open for lunch and dinner but is closed on Sunday. Tel. 0-2237-3073.

Read the BK Post review