**** Kayaba has closed
Every so often I get the craving for some Tonkatsu. And my go-to, based on price and execution is Kayaba. And so I headed to Mitsuwa Marketplace and waited my turn in line for my Tonkatsu ($8.50). What I got was rather surprising.
Notice how dark the cutlet is? Man, this was totally fried to death….and maybe beyond. The panko breading was hard as rock….it had separated from the meat during the cooking process. There were actually gaps between the breading and the protein, which by the way, was dry as heck.
Bad technique and poor quality control, what a bummer. I've usually had decent meals at Kayaba and I'm hoping this is just an off day. At least the potato salad was as good as ever….but I didn't pay like nine bucks for a scoop of potato salad.
Much like my previous craving, this one goes unfulfilled…….
Kayaba
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd Ste 119 – In the Mitsuwa Marketplace
San Diego, CA 92111
oh no!:(
I know Kat. What a disappointment.
You may have to change your moniker to mmm-notsoyoso. 🙂
Yeah over fried tonkatsu is like over fried chicken wings. There’s no saving em after they reach a certain fry threshold in my opinion. I haven’t visited Kayaba in years. We tried their tempura udon one time and it was pretty bad.
Bummer about the crappy meal. 🙁
That’s just sad……… A tonkatsu bento from Nijiya reheated probably would’ve been better.
Perhaps Jan…perhaps…..
Have you tried their Tonkatsu Faye? It was the best thing they made…until now of course.
Yeah CC…it was……
I wouldn’t have even needed to reheat it Junichi……
That’s some sad Katsu…. We should meet up again for some good katsu somewhere!!!
We should Hannah….or good whatever. You’re still in San Diego then?
Yes Kirk still in SD. Moved to University Heights and really loving it. My partner Devon and I would love to meet up sometime soon.
Sounds great Hannah!
My favorite tonkatsu in town is at Izakaya Masa. Tastes just like the best of ’em at home in Tōkyō.
Hey Jim – I’ve had the Buta Kushiage at Masa but not the tonkatsu. For some reason, I’m not overly impressed by most of what they make. Thanks for the rec though.