2026.6.A Love That Has DisappearedHave you ever eaten a "tonkatsu" that isn't really tonkatsu?Many people would probably respond with a puzzled look if asked that question. However, you can have such a mysterious experience at "Yoda," a tonkatsu restaurant located on Nihon Odori in Yokohama. Opened in 2021, this relatively new establishment is led by Chef Hiroshi Hosaka, who aims to create the "ultimate tonkatsu" that defies all conventional expectations of this dish. While the exact methods of preparation and frying remain somewhat of a mystery, it is clear that the cooking process takes an extraordinary amount of time, far beyond what one would expect from a typical tonkatsu.However, the downside is that with only four seats available for both lunch and dinner, it can be quite challenging to secure a reservation due to its popularity. When making a reservation, you specify the cut and weight of the meat, but due to availability and preparation constraints, your preferences may not always be met. This time, I had hoped for the "rare tenderloin," but…I ended up with 150g of TOKYO-X Spencer roll! ♡♡Wrapped in a golden crust, the red meat of TOKYO-X is a beautiful rosy color, and the fat glistens with juicy flavor. Upon taking a bite, the delicate crunch of the crust gives way to an explosion of rich pork flavor, leaving a lingering, sensual sweetness in my mouth. This is no longer just tonkatsu; it’s a pork dish that transcends the traditional definition of tonkatsu!Rice & Miso Soup ♡The rice and miso soup that accompany the tonkatsu are also incredibly delicious. You can truly appreciate the aroma and sweetness of freshly cooked rice, and I highly recommend starting with just the plain white rice. Then, the miso soup arrives, offering a robust umami flavor from the dried sardine broth, creating a harmonious chain of flavors that unfold in each sip.DessertThis time, the dessert was Dekopon.I have enjoyed TOKYO-X at other places before, but this was the first time I experienced such depth of flavor and sweetness."Tonkatsu is, like tempura, a steamed dish."I’ve heard this before, but I never truly felt that way until now. However, the tonkatsu at "Yoda" was so delicious that it made me think, "So this is what they meant!" It was a shocking and delightful experience.Thank you, Chef Hosaka, for another unforgettable meal! I can’t wait to come back for more.