Eat

Casual Japanese Eats

What do Hiroshima locals normally eat? It’s a lot more than okonomiyaki and oysters. Dig into rich, umami bowls of Japanese curry. Find fresh and affordable yet locally sourced kaiten sushi. Slurp up bowls of Sanuki udon, authentic Hakata ramen and sarashina soba. These choices are just a toe in the water, though. Wade in deeper to find crispy Edomae tempura, juicy Mochibuta tonkatsu, hearty bowls of gyūdon, steaming sukiyaki and more below. Our casual eats selection in Hiroshima is your insider on the local diet.

Tonkatsu Kikuya (とんかつ菊屋)

Located just a two-minute walk from the Hiroden Ebisu-cho tram stop, “Tonkatsu Kikuya” is a tonkatsu (pork cutlet) specialty restaurant easily recognizable by its red circular noren (traditional Japanese curtain). Both lunch and dinner feature popular tonkatsu made with high-quality Japanese pork, and set meals including rice, pork miso soup, and pickles are also available. During lunchtime, it’s a popular spot with long lines of locals seeking delicious tonkatsu (reservations not possible for lunchtime).

Moment of Joy

At “Tonkatsu Kikuya,” you can enjoy freshly fried tonkatsu made with Wato Mochibuta, a brand of pork known for its deep richness and umami taste. You can choose from four types of tonkatsu, including premium loin and fillet. Chicken cutlets are also available on the menu, so those who cannot eat pork can also enjoy the meal.