とんかつさくら (Tonkatsu Sakura)

It's about time we reviewed a Japanese cuisine restaurant. Today we're visiting Tonkatsu Sakura! Yue and I have been here a few times, but it's been a while since the last time.
As the name implies, Sakura specializes in Tonkatsu and other katsu dishes. Katsu refers to panko (breadcrumb) covered, deep fried meat. Tonkatsu is specifically pork cutlet katsu.
You'll see katsu, especially tonkatsu, as part of other dishes and snacks. But that's for another day. It's tonkatsu time!

One great thing about Sakura is that some dishes can come as a set (定食 teishoku). If you get a set, you also get a shellfish miso soup, cabbage, and rice, all with free refills! You get the cabbage immediately, while the rice and miso soup come with your meal.
The cabbage is refreshing. It balances the deep fried meat. There's a nice yuzu dressing it goes well with.
I don't usually eat shellfish (mostly a texture thing), but I really like the miso soup. The shellfish taste mixes well with the miso flavour. I usually only make tofu miso soup at home, so this is a welcomed change. There are tiny shijimi/clams in the miso soup, but they're small enough that I can eat them without issue.
Like some restaurants, you have a pitcher of tea at your table instead of water. You can probably ask for water if that's an issue. I actually prefer water, but I'm sure this is a plus for many people.

Here is what Yue ordered. The pork loin is a bit more fatty, but very soft. I don't really like fat on meat, but this one isn't too chewy (but still a bit). I think I've only had cheap pork when I lived in Canada, so I may not be the best judge, but I found the pork taste very subtle with both of the katsu. The pork loin has a slightly stronger taste.
The tenderloin katsu also came with my order. Let me tell you, it is SO soft and tender. Absolutely wonderful. The sweet tonkatsu sauce makes up for the light flavour.
The panko on all of the katsu is great. It's not too oily. I love deep fried food and the panko is perfectly crispy
Both of our orders came with a small side of pickled radish and mustard greens. The pickled radish is a bit sweet while the mustard greens are a bit sour. Both still have a nice crunch. If you don't like pickled vegetables, you won't like this then. I like to eat it between different items.

And here's what I ordered. Besides the tenderloin katsu, I also got a fried shrimp and crab cream croquette.
I'm not usually a fan of shrimp, but this is not bad. I had Yue eat the tail and head. The flavour isn't too strong. I wouldn't get it again though because it's just not for me, It's probably really good if you like shrimp.
The crab cream is good! Be careful though, because it's very hot! It's super creamy. There's no pieces or anything inside the cream, it's completely smooth. It's pretty rich and thick, so it doesn't immediately pour out. While the taste is a bit stronger than the other katsu, the crab is still subtle.
My order also came with a small egg salad. Tiny but tasty!

I added Sakura on LINE (a popular SNS in East Asia) and got a free small ice cream! Many stores, restaurants, and other services have offers like this. I could choose between vanilla, maccha, and yuzu.
I love maccha ice cream and this one is no different! It has a very strong, bittersweet maccha flavour. A great way to finish the meal!
I didn't find this on their menu at the restaurant. When I checked online, they offer ice cream for around 200~ JPY. That's a bit much, but maybe you also get a bigger portion.