"Kichijoji Sato" is almost always called "Kichijoji gourmet". Exquisite Menchi-katsu such as "Meat Juice Bomb", which is a condensed flavor of meat and vegetables, is very popular, and it is a hot topic that someone is always lined up.
There were fewer people than expected, probably because it was raining lightly on the day I went. The waiting time was about 10 minutes. When I was a student, I remember waiting for about 40 minutes when I came on a holiday. Maybe I was lucky today.
I ordered the most popular "Ganso Maru Menchi-katsu" and "Gekiuma Croquette". The prices are 240 yen and 150 yen (tax included). If you purchase 5 or more Menchi-katsu, you will get a discount of 200 yen per piece. Since it is a popular item, there is a limit to the number of items, and you can purchase up to 20 items per person on weekdays and up to 10 items on weekends and holidays.
I managed to endure the urge to bite on the spot and went home. The minced meat cutlet I bought was put in a paper bag, but the good scent of meat was constantly floating around.
First of all, from Menchi-katsu. It has a round shape like a ball, and is packed with meat (a blend of several types of Japanese beef, including Matsusaka beef).
At the same time as you bite, the gravy spreads in your mouth! Umami! fragrance! The balance between the large cut onions and the meat is exquisite and insanely delicious. The sweetness of the onion is well entwined with the gravy, and the more you chew, the deeper you can enjoy the taste.
No sauce or soy sauce is required because the ingredients themselves are well-flavored. Rather, I want you to taste it as it is without putting it on. I regretted not having bought white rice.
Croquette is not defeated either. The potatoes are a good balance of thick chunks and paste, and the occasional meat flavor and crunchy texture are a nice accent.
Satou in Kichijoji sells exquisite minced meat cutlets and croquettes that you will be addicted to once you eat them. This is one of the shops you should definitely stop by when you visit Kichijoji.
■ Overview of "Kichijoji Sato" Address: 1-1-8 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (Menchi-katsu is sold from 10:30)
Regular holiday: New Year holidays only