Katsudon @ Ide Katsudon, Tenjin, Fukuoka.

 

Katsudon is one of my simple favourite pleasures. Although some people might just assume is just tonkatsu on top of rice, which is not a wrong statement, it is not a complete one. Most katsudon places will add ingredients to meld the pork and the rice together. This usually comes in the form of an egg and onion combination. And very few does this as well as Ide Katsudon (井手カツ丼). 

A peak inside. 

Originally a powerhouse chain in Saga prefecture not far away, their original star maker are champon noodles. But with a vision th diversify, they have established a katsudon specialty store in 2 parts in Fukuoka. Namely, at the airport and the destination where we are heading to this time, Tenjin. Specifically located at the Oyafuku doori area, this place is pretty accessible and easy to sport. It is pretty ambitious for them to start a new eatery here, considering there are many heavy hitters located here which I have also posted in the blog. But once you have a bite, the confidence is justified. 

Not bad for 980

Being a katsudon place, it is only natural that I get their main attraction which stood at a modest 980 yen. They also have a premium "blissful" version that stood at 1150 yen and oyakodon at 750 yen. But since it is my first time, it is always a good idea to try the main item on the menu. I did find it unusual that they do not have the tonkatsu as a standalone dish, which is usually quite common if you have katsudon. But in any event, what I got was pretty good. 

Check out this close up. 

The finished product was absolutely golden, both on a figurative and literal sense. The pork cutlet was enveloped by velvety egg and onions, which became some sort of sauce that just permeates to the bottom of the bowl. The sight of it was just tempting enough. And each bite was absolutely incredible. The pork was very chewy in a good way, but still tender enough for me to break apart using my wooden spoon. The crust was both crunchy and chewy, considering that it has latched onto the eggy gravy. 

This was great!

Speaking of which, the eggy layer was incredibly delicious. Sweet, savoury, and slightly creamy, it worked like a glue for the pork and the rice. At the same time, including a separate but complementary dimension to the dish. This bowl is not just pork and rice, although it may seem that way. Within minutes, the whole thing went down absolutely fast. 

Palate cleanser

A bowl of clear soup and pickles came along the katsudon to round out the meal. The soup was pretty nice, as it help clear down the palate. However, the pickles were just salted cucumbers. It was nothing too special and I do not mind not having it at all. Nonetheless, it does not temper the experience although I found it unnecessary. 

One of the few art pieces that adorn the premises. I really like it actually

Overall, I really enjoyed this meal. The katsudon was good and reasonably priced, and the decor is actually quite nice as well. It has a very modern and arty feel, giving it a nice touch to the overall experience. A regular teishoku place this is not. So if you fancy a go, why not drop by here for some nice grub? The address is as follows: 

3 Chome-4-14 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001

Front of the house. You cannot miss it.