We had just demolished a bigger-than-your-face chicken cutlet at Asakusa Anshinya. Stomachs full. Then we spotted another queue right opposite. Asakusa Menchi — also sitting on my must-eat list, thanks to review after glowing review. Full or not, we joined the line.
Asakusa Menchi Sells One Item. That’s It.
Asakusa Menchi sells minced meat cutlets. Nothing else, unless you count drinks. The filling is Koza pork from Kanagawa Prefecture blended with Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese black beef). Ordering takes five seconds. Just say how many pieces you want.
We paid 350 yen a piece. Last check on their website, it has crept up to 400 yen. Still very affordable.
One more thing worth knowing. They also sell the cutlets frozen. Not much use to us on a short trip, but if you actually live in Japan, buy a stash and fry them at home whenever the craving hits.
First Bite, Instant Regret (That We Only Bought Two)
The queue moves fast, which means the cutlets never sit around. Ours were almost too hot to hold. Good sign.
- Outside: panko-crusted, deep-fried to a proper golden crunch.
- Inside: ridiculously juicy, almost soupy with meat juices.
- The sneaky bit: onions in the filling, adding a gentle sweetness that cuts the richness.
Ultra umami. We had similar minced Hida beef cutlets on our Takayama day trip in Gifu. Honestly? Both were equally brilliant.
Know Before You Go
- Takeaway only — but there is a dedicated indoor and standing area nearby to eat and bin your packaging.
- Do not eat in front of the shop. You will block the queue. Don’t be that tourist.
- Cash only. No credit cards. Bring yen.
Is Asakusa Menchi Worth a Special Trip? Yes.
On our final day in Tokyo, we travelled back to Asakusa purely to eat this again. No shopping, no temple, just cutlets. That should tell you everything.
Asakusa Menchi is a must-must-must eat in Asakusa. Queue up. You’ll thank me.
