Gangdong tonkatsu restaurant with loin and tenderloin: Tonka

Getting to Tonka near Amsa Station and visitor information

It is a five-minute walk from Exit 4 of Amsa Station. There is no dedicated parking, so I recommend taking public transportation.

Hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–20:30, with a break from 15:00–17:00 and last orders at 14:30 and 20:00. It is regularly closed every Monday, and there was also a notice for the Chuseok holiday on September 24–25 and a closure on September 29. Evening service may close early each day when the prepared ingredients run out.

If there is space in front of the shop, about one car can park there. Since there is no dedicated parking, you will need to use a nearby parking lot. Please contact the shop with any questions.

They do not take reservations. Just come by and write your name on the waiting list.

A café-like exterior and counter seating

At first glance, you might think, “Huh? Is this a café?” That is the look of the exterior. Inside, warm lighting suits the décor beautifully.

There is also a simple space at the back for hanging coats or storing bags.

The seating is all at a counter, so it is not a large space, but it felt like being served a private meal.

The counter is simply set with cold water and two sauces: tonkatsu sauce and salad dressing.

Since the owner runs the place alone, I think paper cups are used to keep dishwashing to a minimum.

Katsu menu ordered by QR code

You can order using the QR code in front of you. The menu is simple, too. True to its reputation as a great tonkatsu spot in Gangdong-gu, it consists entirely of katsu.

If ordering is difficult, you can also ask the owner directly :)

Japanese-style katsu with a rosy center

As the notice explains, Japanese-style katsu can have a rosy color inside. They say this comes from naturally occurring components in the pork, not from undercooking. Enjoy without worry 😊

After frying the katsu, they let it rest thoroughly before slicing and plating it. An open kitchen facing the counter is also proof of the owner’s confidence in cleanliness and cooking methods. Each piece was fried and arranged with such care that my anticipation kept growing before I even ate it. (That’s mine! 😁✨)

They heap the salad on generously, then slice the katsu last and set it right in front of the counter with soup and rice.

Tonkatsu with both loin and tenderloin

Tonkatsu (loin + tenderloin) ₩15,000

Soup with a deep shiitake aroma

The soup that came with it was really delicious. From the very first sip, the shiitake aroma filled my mouth. The broth was clean rather than greasy, while the shiitake flavor lingered deeply, so I kept reaching for it.

I usually do not drink much soup because it is often salty or sweet, leaving it after a few sips, but I finished every last drop of Tonka’s soup 👍

Limited-quantity special loin cutlet

Special loin cutlet (limited quantity) ₩18,000

Just look at the color of that katsu. It was freshly fried and crisp, while the meat was wonderfully tender; both the loin and tenderloin were delicious.

If you have a bigger appetite, I think the special would be a good choice; otherwise, the regular tonkatsu will do nicely. After finishing the rice, soup, and salad, I was quite full. The meat was thick and substantial, becoming nuttier the more I chewed, with a really nice texture.

Amsa-dong tonkatsu served with care

Tonka is a newly opened tonkatsu place, but it is already drawing so many people that it closes early when the day’s ingredients run out—a Gangdong-gu and Amsa-dong tonkatsu spot I kind of want to keep to myself ㅠㅠ The owner serves each person with care, the shop is clean, clean, clean, and you can feel so much affection for the food here. Anyone who does not go is missing out~ This is Tonka, a great Amsa-dong tonkatsu restaurant.