Summary
We dropped by ちゃん本店 (Chan Honten) in Asahi, Kuwana City while looking for a quick, satisfying meal — no time to cook, just hungry and curious. It was our first visit, and the bold signage promising tonteki in Mie caught our attention. With its reputation as a garlic pork specialty spot, we had to see if it lived up to the hype. So how did it hold up?
Basic Info
Restaurant: ちゃん本店 (Chan Honten)
Visit Date: April 2025
Price Range: ¥1,000 ~ ¥2,000 per person
Location: Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture
What I Ordered
We tried three items:
1. コマギレ・ダブル (Komagire Double) – a chopped pork garlic tonteki set recommended on the menu.
2. 背脂ミニ麺 (Se-abura Mini Ramen) – a small ramen with a fatty pork back broth.
3. チャーハン (Cha-han) – their signature fried rice.
Flavor Breakdown:
- Tonteki: The sauce was good — flavorful without being too salty — but the dish overall felt something you could easily recreate at home.
- Ramen: The broth had depth and richness, though the tonkotsu flavor was a bit light.
- Fried Rice: Honestly, the star of the meal. A proper “wok hei” (stir-fried aroma), not oily, and simple. No unnecessary add-ons, just solid execution.
Texture Breakdown:
- Tonteki: The pork had standard supermarket-level tenderness.
- Ramen Noodles: Nicely balanced — not too soft, not too firm.
- Fried Rice: Perfectly cooked with each grain standing on its own — not mushy or greasy.
Atmosphere & Service
The interior was surprisingly refined — wood panel walls, warm lighting, and clean booths that gave it a semi-fine-dining feel. Staff were polite and even checked in before the last order cutoff, which was appreciated.
Value for Money:
Foreigner Friendliness:
Speed of Service:
Cleanliness:
Taste & Texture
Taste & Flavor:
Texture & Quality:
First Bite Impression:
Uniqueness & Character
Signature Dish Impact:
Regional Flavor Twist:
Presentation / Style:
Overall Meshidayo Score
It would be great if they developed a more original spin on tonteki to truly define their identity. While the dish checks the basics — a solid garlic sauce, good portion, and familiar flavors — it lacks that signature twist that makes a local restaurant stand out. A house-made variation, special cut, or even a different plating style could elevate the experience and turn Chan Honten from a decent stop into a must-visit for fans of tonteki in Mie.
Final Thoughts
Would I return? Maybe — especially if I find myself seriously craving garlic pork or a straightforward, meat-focused meal. Chan Honten doesn’t try to be flashy; instead, it delivers what it promises: hearty portions, fast service, and that classic tonteki sauce that locals in Mie love.
This spot is ideal for meat lovers, especially those who appreciate a more relaxed, no-pressure dining experience. The vibe inside is casual yet polished, and the staff were friendly and attentive even as we came in close to their last order time.
If you’re a tourist or a foodie looking for flavor-packed surprises or Instagram-worthy plating, this may not fully hit the mark. But if your goal is to explore authentic regional food in a non-touristy setting — and you love garlic pork — then Chan Honten is worth bookmarking.
We arrived just before closing and still got seated quickly, with only about a 15–20 minute wait. That makes it a convenient stop if you’re passing through Kawagoe or looking for a late-ish dinner that doesn’t feel rushed.
What Is Tonteki?
Tonteki (とんてき) is a pork loin steak dish, pan-fried and glazed in a thick garlic-soy sauce. It originated in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, and is known for its bold flavor and tender meat. Often served with shredded cabbage and rice, tonteki is a local soul food that represents Mie’s no-frills, hearty eating culture. Unlike tonkatsu, it’s not breaded or deep-fried — just pure pork power, seared to perfection.
Trivia
Did you know Mie Prefecture is one of Japan’s top pork-producing regions? That’s why dishes like tonteki became local icons — born from availability, elevated through simplicity.
