🥢 Worth the Wait: A Katsu Experience to Remember at Katsuretsu Tei Shinshigai

We visited Katsuretsu Tei Shinshigai during our time in Kumamoto, and it quickly became one of the most memorable meals of our trip. The restaurant is clearly no secret — it’s popular with both locals and tourists, and the moment we arrived, we saw a crowd already forming. Thankfully, the queueing system was automated and fuss-free. We just walked up to the kiosk, took a queue number, and waited about 45 minutes for our turn. Once seated, the anticipation only grew — and when the food finally arrived, it absolutely delivered. The tonkatsu was phenomenal. The outer layer was fried to golden perfection — crispy and light — while the pork inside was juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. I especially loved the fatty cuts, which had that extra richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. We also tried the ginger pork dish, which was just as satisfying. Well-seasoned, slightly sweet, and paired perfectly with rice and sides. Despite the long wait, the staff kept everything running smoothly, and the atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming. You could feel the pride they put into every dish. If you’re in Kumamoto and love tonkatsu — or just good food in general — Katsuretsu Tei is a must-visit. It’s one of those places where the flavors live up to the hype, and you walk away already planning to return. #summervacay #kumamotoeats #katsuretsutei #tonkatsulover #japanesefoodtrip #musttryinkumamoto #foodietravel #worththewait #crispyperfection #japanfoodie #hiddengemjapan #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip