Ponta Mainstore: The Birthplace of Tonkatsu! (Listed in MICHELIN Restaurants)

Ueno is filled with tourist attractions including the zoo, museums, and parks - so many that you can't visit them all in just one day. It's also an ideal base for sightseeing, with convenient access from downtown Tokyo and Shinkansen connections. Known as a "shitamachi" (traditional downtown) area of Tokyo, it maintains a retro atmosphere and is always bustling with people and energy.

Ueno is known for having many skilled restaurants and establishments with rich history. Among these, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurants are particularly popular with both locals and tourists.

Today, we're featuring Ponta Mainstore, a Michelin-listed tonkatsu restaurant renowned as the birthplace of tonkatsu.

Ponta Mainstore: The Original Creator of Tonkatsu in Japan

Founded in 1905 (Meiji 38), Ponta Mainstore is a long-established restaurant. The first-generation owner, who was formerly a chef for the Imperial Household Agency (Kunaichou), created a cutlet that is now considered the "original tonkatsu." He adapted the Milanese-style cutlet, which used minimal oil, into a deep-fried "cutlet" that has remained popular since the restaurant's founding.

Their signature cooking method involves slowly raising the temperature while frying pork loin with the fat trimmed off. This carefully crafted recipe results in tonkatsu that concentrates the umami of the lean meat without being overwhelming. The crispy breading is also light and easy to eat, making it highly praised by customers.

History of Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu consists of thick slices of pork loin or tenderloin coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried in plenty of oil. It's a hearty dish that satisfies hunger.

Its origins can be traced back to the "cutlet" Western dish that became popular during the Meiji era. This cutlet was adapted to Japanese tastes by using thicker meat and deep-frying, thus creating tonkatsu. Traditional accompaniments include sauce, sesame sauce, soy sauce, or salt, and it's also delicious with lemon or mustard.

Ponta Mainstore: A Distinguished Tonkatsu Restaurant Featured in Bib Gourmand

Ponta Mainstore is a prestigious tonkatsu restaurant featured in the world-renowned Michelin Bib Gourmand guide.

Since its inclusion in the Michelin Bib Gourmand, the restaurant has attracted not only locals but also many international tourists. First selected in 2015, it has maintained its traditional tonkatsu preparation and continues to be listed in the guide.

Beyond its excellent food, the owner's friendly demeanor is another appealing point. Why not try this Michelin-recognized cuisine in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere?

Why is Ponta Honke's Tonkatsu So Popular? A Detailed Explanation of Their "3 Special Qualities"

Why is Ponta Honke's tonkatsu (pork cutlet) so popular? Let's dive into the three special qualities that make it delicious.

Juicy Yet Not Heavy Pork Loin with Sweet Notes

First is their juicy yet not overwhelmingly rich pork loin with sweet notes. They source the highest quality pork from throughout the Kanto region, using only the "core" part known as the rib loin.

They thoroughly remove excess fat from the meat and fry it in their original lard made from that same fat. Using the meat's own fat helps it blend perfectly with the cutlet, resulting in excellent flavor.

Through this careful preparation process, the tonkatsu allows you to fully enjoy the natural umami of the meat.

Light and Crispy Breading

Second is their distinctively crispy breading with a light texture. They fry it slowly for over 10 minutes, starting at a low temperature of about 120°C and gradually increasing it, resulting in a slightly pale golden-brown color.

While they use slightly coarse breadcrumbs, the breading doesn't feel greasy and isn't as prominent as it looks. It perfectly complements the meat, which remains the star of the dish.

What impressed me most about Ponta Honke's tonkatsu was this breading. Despite its crispy texture, it feels light on the palate. Even though it was piping hot, I finished it in no time.

Authentic Red Miso Soup and Fresh Pickles Included in Set Meals

Third is the exceptional quality of their set meal components, including miso soup and pickles.

The miso soup features an authentic red dashi made from a blend of mame miso (soybean miso) and kome miso (rice miso). It contains nameko mushrooms that pair well with the red dashi, offering a smooth, easy-to-eat texture.

The nuka-pickled vegetables are remarkably fresh and so delicious they make you want more rice—which is available for free refills. I ended up getting two extra servings of rice!

Both side dishes are so authentic they rival the tonkatsu in quality. While you can order the cutlet separately, why not try it as a set meal with rice, red miso soup, and pickles for a truly Japanese dining experience?

Beyond Tonkatsu: Enjoy Oyster and Whiting Cutlets at Ponta Honke

Ponta Honke also offers various fried seafood options.

Kaki Fry (Fried Oysters)

The fried oysters are a popular seasonal winter dish. The plate comes loaded with shredded cabbage, lemon, and generously sized fried oysters. The oysters are impressively large, making quite an impact when served.

Like their tonkatsu, the oysters are fried slowly at low temperature. The light, crispy breading pairs perfectly with the creamy oysters. Given their substantial size, try them with lemon and salt. Despite their richness, they're so refreshing you'll finish them before you know it.

Fried Whiting (Kiss Fry)

The fried whiting (using line-caught Edo-mae whiting from Tokyo Bay) is also popular. While whiting is commonly seen in tempura dishes, it's equally delicious when breaded and fried.

Edo-mae whiting is characterized by its thick, firm flesh without excess moisture. The meat is so tender it almost falls apart when lifted. Due to their strict focus on freshness and quality selection, there's no fishy smell, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural umami flavor.

My recommended way to eat it is with sauce. Pontaya Honke's whiting has such a rich flavor that it stands up well to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.

Pontaya also has a branch store called "Ponta"

Pontaya Honke has a branch store called "Ponta." Located just 2 minutes on foot from Shopping Town Daikanyama Station, it's conveniently accessible during shopping trips.

The menu offers popular items like tonkatsu, pork sauté, tongue stew, and meat croquettes, available either à la carte or as set meals. Like the main store, their signature tonkatsu has the excess fat removed from the pork loin, resulting in a clean taste that lets you enjoy the meat's natural juiciness. The texture is perfectly balanced - not too soft, with a satisfying bite that melts in your mouth.

Opened by a chef who trained at Pontaya Honke, you can enjoy the same excellent tonkatsu as the main store.

Check out the other two exceptional tonkatsu restaurants known as part of the "Ueno Gosanke"!

Tonpachitei (Tonkatsu)

Let's look at the other two outstanding tonkatsu restaurants that, along with Pontaya Honke, make up the "Ueno Gosanke" (three great establishments).

The first, Tonpachitei, is a long-established tonkatsu restaurant founded in 1947. It's an extremely popular establishment that has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand nine years in a row.

They use 100% lard for frying, which pairs well with the pork, and cook it slowly at a low temperature of 130°C for about 10 minutes. The meat is then transferred to a tray and rested for 2 minutes to achieve a crispy texture. The tender meat has a juicy, slightly sweet flavor that will bring a smile to your face with the first bite.

Tables are equipped with sauce, rock salt, soy sauce, and mustard for self-seasoning. I tried it half with sauce and half with salt. The mellow sauce adds depth to the flavor, while the simple rock salt enhances the natural taste of the meat. I recommend the rock salt for a cleaner taste. Try different combinations to find your preferred seasoning.

[Store Information]
- Address: 4-3-4 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
- Phone: 03-3831-4209
- Hours: 11:30-14:30
- Official website: https://gbb4200.gorp.jp/

Isen Main Store

The second restaurant, Isen Main Store, is a historic tonkatsu restaurant established in 1930. Their motto is "tonkatsu so tender you can cut it with chopsticks," and they've passed down their recipe through generations.

When tough meat was still common during their founding period, they researched and refined their preparation methods to create food that people would love, resulting in their signature tender tonkatsu.

As a tonkatsu enthusiast who has tried many restaurants, I find Isen's tenderness to be exceptional - I was amazed by the softness from the first bite. At the counter seats, you can watch the chef prepare and cook the dishes, adding to the experience.

The restaurant maintains its Showa-era atmosphere, giving you a sense of history. Enjoy their exceptional tonkatsu in this nostalgic setting.

[Store Information]
- Address: 3-40-3 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 03-3834-2901
- Hours: 11:30-20:10
- Official website: https://www.isen-honten.jp/

Isen Main Store is famous as the birthplace of "Katsu Sando"

Isen Main Store is also famous as the birthplace of "Katsu Sando" (cutlet sandwich). Katsu Sando is a sandwich with tonkatsu between bread slices. It was originally created so geishas could eat tonkatsu without messing up their makeup.

The combination of their famous tonkatsu with slightly sweet, soft bread is perfect. While it may look small, it's surprisingly filling and perfect for a snack while sightseeing. Being easy to eat with one hand, it's ideal for eating on the go.