Not long after arriving in Kyoto, we set out to do some exploring. And subsequently spent quite some time in the subway system going back and forward because I picked the wrong station… So, while I regrouped, we grabbed lunch at a subterranean outlet called Menbou. It was a good choice. We picked the tonkatsu lunch set, which came with pork katsu, udon, rice, pickles and salad. The tray was huge, and absolutely everything on it was delicious. The tonkatsu was perfectly crumbed, with really tender pork and a katsu sauce you just wanted to lick the bowl for (or maybe that’s just me?). The udon were particularly good, springy and in a light broth enhanced by the flavour of the seaweed and spring onion. I do believe that rice tastes better in Japan, and this bowl was the proof in the pudding – I ate every last grain despite being full. No sauce, just tasty white rice. The pickles were nice and tart and the salad went nicely with the tonkatsu. This place was seriously good! Unfortunately I was only able to find the address of their main store, which is much fancier and may have a different menu.
Menbou, East of Kiyamachi-dori-Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto http://menbo-foods.com
