Pork Steak @ Pork Steak Toichi, Hakata , Fukuoka

 

The combo of steak and rice is something we all have come across from time to time. And I myself, find this simple yet powerful combo very satisfying. Having said that, it is not often that the protein at hand would be pork. But this is where the magic happens. As such, let me introduce to you Pork Steak Toichi.

Oh look what we have here.
I was pretty lucky to enter as they were about to shut, hence the "close" sign

Located about 10 minutes away from Hakata station, this diner only serves one thing. You guessed that right, pork steak. Specifically, a set meal that comes with rice, miso soup and a side of pickles. You can request for salad or extra pork, but that is it. This menu is so specific in fact, you do not even need to order. The staff would acknowledge your attendance and your meal is on its way. Now that is efficient service. 

What a simple menu!

One thing about Japanese diners is that if they specialise something, it will probably be very good and this is no exception. The steak is served in a flaming hot cast iron pan which continues the cooking process. Surrounded with onions, this provides a nice aroma. In fact, the smell and smoke of grilled pork invites you just as you step in. To add more flavour, you can either add in minced onions and wasabi or chilli paste, called chilli miso. 

Let the games begin. 

Despite being simple, this was actually pretty good. The pork is fresh and sweet with a hint of pinkness. Yes, it is not cooked all the way through. So if you prefer something more well done, then you can take the piece that you are eyeing on and sear it with the pan it came with. And before I put it into my mouth, I dunked it into the sweet soy dipping sauce that it came with. The saltiness and savoury profile of the sauce really amped up the experience. 

Burn baby burn!

The meat was very juicy and the fat was just sublime. The amount of fat on each piece of the meat was under a good ration. And it just felt like I was chewing butter. Having a piece as it is was pretty tasty, but the soy sauce help cut some of the intensity which was pretty welcomed. I really liked this. More than I realised. 

Pick your poison. 

After that I tried playing around with the other condiments. The onion and wasabi mix provided some fresh and interestingly earthy flavours which i really enjoy. it is similar to some form of horseradish sauce you might find in a Western style steakhouse. The chilli miso reminded me a lot of sambal. It was fiery, spicy and has a hint of sweetness which I enjoy. I alternated between these 3 flavour profiles, making this dining experience pretty interesting, despite having only just pork and rice. The grilled onions at the bottom also came in pretty nicely. They were well charred and reminded me of onion rings, just without the outside batter. 

Surprisingly amazing!

The sleeper hit was actually the miso soup. It was very very very good! I am not sure ow they make it this amazing. I suspect the usage of anchovy stock. It had amazing depth of flavour and it is not your typical nutty and salty flavoured water that you find in most places. This was a great surprise. 

Another angle of the premises. 

Standing at 1200 yen, this was a decent lunch that I recommend people to try if you like pork and play with your food. the only down side is this place does make you smell like your lunch right after you leave. So if you do not mind having porky aromas sticking to you for the rest of the day, this place may not be for you. But if you are planning to take a shower right after that, why not? I hope the above has caught your attention. So if you fancy a go, the address is as follows: 

〒812-0016 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Hakataekiminami, 3 Chome−6−20 No2 Umeda Building