🔥 A First Bite into Tonteki in Mie
While searching for a quick, satisfying meal in Asahi, Kuwana City, I stumbled upon a spot that seemed almost too bold to pass up — Chan Honten (ちゃん本店), famous for its tonteki in Mie. The big signage boasting garlic pork steak immediately caught my attention. As a first-time visitor, I was eager to find out if this local gem lived up to its reputation.
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📍 Quick Facts About Chan Honten
- Restaurant Name: Chan Honten (ちゃん本店)
- Location: Asahi, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture
- Date of Visit: April 2025
- Price Range: ¥1,000–¥2,000
- Specialty: Tonteki (garlic pork steak)
- Dining Style: Casual, semi-fine dining
🍽️ What We Ordered
We sampled three dishes to get a feel for the menu at this local favorite for tonteki in Mie:
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.
👅 First Impressions: Flavor Highlights
- Tonteki: The garlic sauce was flavorful without being overly salty. However, the dish itself felt slightly standard — good but replicable at home.
- Ramen: The broth offered a deep richness, but the tonkotsu flavor was on the lighter side compared to hardcore ramen spots.
- Fried Rice: Surprisingly, the standout. Perfect “wok hei” aroma, not greasy, and simple in the best way.
If you’re chasing tonteki in Mie with rich flavors and classic execution, Chan Honten delivers — though it may not wow serious food adventurers.
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.
🏡 Inside the Restaurant: Atmosphere & Service
Chan Honten’s interior was more refined than expected: wood-paneled walls, cozy booths, and soft lighting gave it a semi-upscale ramen house vibe.
Staff were polite, quick, and attentive — even checking if we needed anything before their last order cutoff, which was a thoughtful touch. However, foreigner-friendliness was low, with no visible English menus, so bring a translation app or basic Japanese skills.
💸 Is It Worth It for Tonteki in Mie?
For around ¥1,000–¥2,000, it’s a solid deal if you’re craving hearty garlic pork in a clean, relaxed setting. The portion sizes were generous, and while the tonteki didn’t completely blow me away, the experience was satisfying.
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🥇 The Dish That Stole the Show
Ironically, it wasn’t the tonteki that stood out most — it was the fried rice. Light, aromatic, and executed with real technique. It made a bigger impression than expected and would be worth ordering even solo.
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.
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