Songjeong pork cutlet restaurant: Hana Donkatsu sesame sauce

My go-to when I crave pork cutlets in Songjeong

I have been going to Songjeong much more often lately, and whenever I feel like having pork cutlets there, one place immediately comes to mind without a second thought: Hana Donkatsu Songjeong Beach Branch (하나돈까스 송정해수욕장점)! I first went because I heard it was called one of Busan's three best pork cutlet spots and was curious, but since then it has become a regular place I naturally head to whenever I am near Songjeong. I first visited half doubtful after seeing so many reviews saying it was perfect for lunch in Songjeong, but I have been satisfied every time, no matter how often I go—so today I am sharing the honest story.

Hana Donkatsu Songjeong Beach Branch

The address is 1F, 28 Songjeonggwangeogol-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan. It is on the first floor of the Blue Coffee Korea building near Songjeong Beach, so it was easier to find than I expected. There is a floor directory on the outside of the building, and the Hana sign is right there on the first floor, making it easy to spot. It is close enough for a leisurely walk from Songjeong Beach, so it is great to stop by after looking at the sea. If you are looking for pork cutlets at a good Songjeong restaurant, I recommend saving the address.

Hours are 11:00 to 21:00, with a break from 15:00 to 17:00, so it is best to avoid that window. Last orders are at 20:20, and it is regularly closed every Tuesday, so be sure to check those details before going so you do not make a wasted trip. I went at weekday lunchtime, and parking was available, so the visit was easy. Parking around Songjeong can be a little tight on weekends, but this place felt relatively relaxed, so I could visit with peace of mind.

When I arrived in front of the building, the cute landscaping caught my eye first. The entrance, with pebbles and little potted pine trees, had a subtly lovely feel.

An interior comfortable for groups and family meals

As soon as I walked in, the mix of concrete walls and wood materials felt completely in step with current interiors. Paper-lantern-like lights hung from the high ceiling, making the space feel wonderfully open, and the seating centered on large tables, so groups should be able to sit comfortably too. Some seats looked out onto lush green trees, with lovely natural light and such a cozy atmosphere. The interior would suit both a date and a family meal perfectly.

What pork cutlet dishes are on the menu?

This is a place where opening the menu gives you a lot to think about. Starting with classic tenderloin and sirloin cutlets, there were spicy pork cutlets topped with a hot sauce; cheese nabe and kimchi cheese nabe with plenty of cheese; and cheese roll cutlets and mozzarella cheese roll cutlets dotted with egg yolk. There were also options beyond pork cutlets, such as fish cutlets, shrimp cutlets, and hamburger steak cutlets, plus combinations with buckwheat soba or udon—making it fun to choose according to whatever you feel like that day. They also had sides such as croquettes, which were nice for adding on.

What we ordered — tenderloin cutlet and sirloin cutlet

We ordered 2 pieces of tenderloin cutlet and 2 pieces of sirloin cutlet to share. Since both arrived together, it was especially fun to compare them as we ate.

How were the tenderloin and sirloin cutlets different?

Starting with the look, the breading was seriously something else. Rather than ordinary breadcrumb coating, it was fried in thin, dense strands, like a chrysanthemum in full bloom. The moment it landed on the plate, my eyes went wide.

There was also a generous mound of shredded cabbage, so the plate really looked full and abundant. I could not help admiring it the whole time I was taking photos. When I picked up a piece with my chopsticks, I could see how moist the meat was and how full it was of juices.

The sirloin cutlet is on the left and the tenderloin cutlet is on the right, and ordering both to share one piece each is just right. The tenderloin cutlet was tender and clean-tasting. Its coating was crisp, while the inside was moist rather than dry, so I kept reaching for it. The sirloin cutlet was a little richer and had more chew than the tenderloin, and alternating between the two meant I never got tired of them and enjoyed every last bite.

Sauce with sesame seeds you grind yourself

Dipping the cutlets in sauce was truly the highlight. Pork cutlet sauce and vegetable sauce came in separate containers, with a small mortar and sesame seeds set beside them. You grind the sesame seeds yourself in the mortar and mix them into the sauce, which was fun and made the aroma much nuttier. Details like this feel like part of Hana Donkatsu Songjeong Beach Branch's particular charm.

When I dipped the meat deeply into the sauce with freshly ground sesame seeds, the nuttiness felt doubled. The pork cutlet sauce was slightly sweet and tangy.

The vegetable sauce was richer and nuttier, so it was fun to mix and dip according to my taste.

With rice and salad, it was completely delicious. The balance between the crisp coating and moist meat was so good that I understood why it is called one of Busan's three best pork cutlet spots—and why I keep returning here.

The kimchi and pickled radish were refreshing sides for cleansing the palate. Miso soup also came with the meal, and it was clean-tasting rather than salty, so I kept having more. Paired with the miso soup, it made for a thoroughly filling meal.

A pork cutlet meal I want to return for in Songjeong

The tenderloin and sirloin cutlets I had at Hana Donkatsu Songjeong Beach Branch that day were both still deeply satisfying. The crisp coating and moist meat were wonderfully balanced, so I could understand why it is called one of Busan's three best pork cutlet spots, and why I keep seeking this place out. If you are visiting Songjeong and want a filling nearby meal, especially if you are looking for pork cutlets at a good Songjeong restaurant, I would strongly recommend it. The interior is pretty, the location is convenient, and the food delivers too—it has everything. Whenever I crave pork cutlets in Songjeong from now on, I think I will head here without hesitation. Ah, looking at the photos again makes me want it all over again.