Kyoto, Japan｜Ganchi

Best meal I’ve had on my trip so far. The owner knows basic English and is super kind! I got the tonkatsu (fat type) set and it was the perfect meal size. Super close on the Nara line from Kyoto! Would totally recommend. It only had 8 seats but lunch times isn’t as busy.

Quick tips: ask your hotel front desk to reserve a seat for you. You may be turned away. For 1200 yen, this place is a steal. Not only did I have the best Tonkatsu, I also somehow had the best miso soup I've ever had (it had an added touch of pork to it). Everything else was fantastic as well. The rice is cooked to perfection, and the tea pairs well with the food. The green tea at the end to clean my palette was a nice touch. Some history: the owner opened this shop thirty years ago after he was tired of working at another restaurant. Now he gets visitors from all around the world looking to try his food. Atmosphere: with only ten seats, you'd imagine it to be packed, and I'm sure it does. But the two times I visited, I was the only person there. The owner doesn't have great English, but he will try his best with conversation once prompted. Ask him about where he gets his beloved ceramic cups as a starter :) Highly recommend! 5/5!

No problems at all ordering in English, just ask for the tonkatsu set and specify whether you want fat or lean meat (fat is definitely the way to go though). Tonkatsu, salad, and the pork and miso soup were all great. The small pickles on the side went well with the katsu.