Ponchi-ken

We were turned away by the staff because they “do not speak English” and the “menu is not in English.” Do not come here, they are racially insensitive and xenophobic. Even though I said we would all order the same thing, I said “Okinawa buta [pork]” and raised my hand to indicate 4 orders. Still, th...e man at the counter just repeated “only Japanese, no English, cannot serve you.”

Visited July 2023

I had only tried gyukatsu (fried steak) before this, so I have no real frame of reference for what tonkatsu should be. I decided to walk over to this tiny place which was quite near my hotel: Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten. I ordered the "special": the Okinawa fried pork. It was perfectly crisp on the ...outside, tender & juicy on the inside. Perfect. What I really enjoyed was the creamy, vinegary sauce you could put on the cabbage. It cut the richness when eaten in combination with the pork. It came with rice and miso soup and the traditional pickles, etc. No English menu here, but the server was able to help me enough to order. If you are in the area, I'd definitely recommend this place.

Visited October 2018

Very small but the Okinawa pig is very soft and tastefull. The miso soup is delicious too. They use a special mix of oils

Visited July 2018

If you want the full experience of old school Japanese, then Ponchi does not disappoint. A small cozy location that just serves what they are good at, no frills. Food - 5 One of the better tonkatsu places I’ve been to. The batter is crispy and fluffy, while the meat is nice and juicy. They cook it... perfectly to a medium and the fat morsels are perfectly balanced. Service - 4 Since this place is small, there are only 3 people working here that handles all that is needed. Atmosphere - 5 A old school feel and coziness blasts you back to the past of Japan. Enjoy but be ready to wait in line. Will return when I get a tonkatsu craving. Off the beaten path but worth the travel.

Visited February 2018

Ponchiken sits on a quiet backstreet in the humdrum central Tokyo district of Ogawamachi. It's an intimate no-frills neighbourhood place, without English signage or menu, though the waiter manages a few words. In any case, the choice is restricted to different types of pork tonkatsu: well prepared... and simply served. Reasonable prices. Awarded a bib in the Guide Michelin.

Visited January 2016