Tonkatsu chain "Tonkatsu Wako". We have 283 stores (*) nationwide, such as in town corners and commercial facilities, and they satisfy our "fried food desire" every day. * The number of stores is as of January 1, 2015.
Tonkatsu Wako has released "Beef Stew Croquette" as a seasonal product until the end of February. I often see gratin croquettes, but I don't think I see beef stew croquettes very often. I was curious, so I decided to try it.
■ Tonkatsu Wako's beef stew croquette
Beef stew croquette is 346 yen including tax (210 yen for To go). You can order by adding it to the set meal menu.
When I asked the clerk about the size, he said, "It's not that big," so I ordered two this time. For that reason, the set meal was the cheapest "Wako rice" (843 yen including tax) in the lunch menu.
There is also "Hiiragi" (1,280 yen) as a set meal including beef stew croquette, but it was not offered at lunch time at the store I entered this time.
The menu arrived in less than 10 minutes.
Elongated beef stew croquette. It's about the size of a large fried oyster, but it's more plump.
When cut, beef stew overflows from the inside.
It's a waste to run out on the net or plate, so it might be better to grab it directly or cut it on rice.
The batter is a little thicker than the pork cutlet, and is basically crispy, and in some cases crunchy. On the other hand, the stew inside is creamy and the contrast of the texture of "crispy" is irresistible. Ingredients such as beef, onions, and mushrooms are also included, and you can enjoy the change in texture and taste.
You can feel the richness of beef stew, but the seasoning in the sense of saltiness is light. If you eat it with rice, you may want to adjust the taste with a tabletop sauce.
At Tonkatsu Wako, not only rice and miso soup, but also cabbage is free for all set meals. I'm glad that I can eat fried food refreshingly without worrying about running out of cabbage.