Okayama｜A Restaurant Famous for Pork Cutlets: Momotaro Pork and Fukuyoka Pork

While steak specialty restaurants are common, it's rare to find a restaurant dedicated solely to pork cutlets. In Okayama, there's a unique pork cutlet restaurant that serves only two types of pork: Okayama's Momotaro Pork and Fukuoka's Fukuyoka Pork. Surprisingly, this restaurant originated in Kyushu and gained popularity in Okayama. Currently, there are only five locations across Japan, with the farthest one in Nagoya. The sizzling hot iron plate carries freshly seared pork cutlets. To prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect texture, cabbage leaves are placed underneath. Unlike the typical steak-eating experience with a knife and fork, this restaurant offers a Japanese-style fusion pork cutlet set meal. It includes Okayama-grown rice, Hokkaido kelp broth, and miso from a long-established Okayama shop, creating a dish that is both locally inspired and modern. The menu is simple, offering only three items: grilled pork rice bowls, pork cutlets, and hamburger steaks. You can choose portions ranging from 150g to 250g, paired with original sauce, salted green onion sauce, or Korean spicy sauce, allowing for various price combinations. The restaurant prides itself on its three-minute quick cooking method, locking in the meat's juices. When served, the pork cutlet is about 60-70% cooked, allowing diners to heat it to their preferred doneness as they eat. The result is a juicy bite with the natural sweetness of pork. I opted for the salted green onion sauce, which added a completely different flavor experience. This pork cutlet restaurant, which started in Kokura in 2019, follows the "local production for local consumption" philosophy. For instance, in Kyushu, they serve Kyushu's Fukuyoka Pork, while in Okayama, they serve Momotaro Pork. They have also redefined the image of pork as greasy, becoming a popular spot with a daily limit of 100 meals, making it a must-visit for those in Kitakyushu or Okayama to savor delicious pork. 📍Address: 〒700-0907 Okayama Prefecture, Okayama City, Kita Ward, Shimoishii 1-2-1 🚗 A five-minute walk from Okayama Station to AEON Mall. Take the escalator to the 6th floor.