Jirochyo Japanese Bar Restaurant

Having lived in Japan for nearly 2, and having loved Katsudon for about 8, I have always looked for the 'real' Katsudon in Melbourne. For some reason, it's really hard to find. Coming to Jirochyo made me stop looking. And that's saying a lot. I don't know what it is, but this restaurant is just like one I visited in suburban Nagoya in 2003. The crisp pork cutlet fried in bread crumbs rested gently on a bowl of perfectly cooked, hot Japanese style rice lovingly layered with a hot fried egg topped with spring onion and 'that' sauce. It's the good stuff. The stuff that makes you feel nostalgic, the stuff that makes you long for Japan. The stuff that tells you that you've found it. The cutlet was cooked perfectly - not dry and overcooked like most of the Katsudon wannabes in Melbourne. Jirochyo's Katsudon or Katsujuu as it's also called and how it's presented on the menu was really worth travelling across Melbourne for. It's not the just the Katsudon either, the Miso soup we started with was not just the stuff you get from a sachet but something really special, something like my host mother cooked for me those many years ago. Such a great restaurant as well that's clean, relaxed, and one that makes you feel very welcome with a Japanese "Irasshaimase!" or "Welcome!" used in stores there. The staff's great, very attentive and friendly with great smiles. If you're looking for great Japanese food at a reasonable price with a friendly atmosphere, it's the worth the trip down to Hampton. It won't disappoint. Don't forget to try the Green Tea Ice Cream for dessert! d(^o^)b