Gyukatsu Motomura Tachikawa Granduo

When you search for “gyukatsu” (deep-fried beef cutlet), Gyukatsu Motomura is likely the first name that pops up. This viral Japanese chain has taken social media by storm and has become one of the must-visit places to eat in Japan. Known for their breaded, semi-fried beef that diners grill at their table using a small hot stone, reservations for Gyukatsu Motomura are challenging to secure. In fact, most locations are not open for reservations. As a result, lines for walk-ins often stretch out from the store, with wait times reaching up to two hours, especially at popular spots like Shibuya. For those looking to bypass the long queues, head to Gyukatsu Motomura Tachikawa Granduo. Directly connected to Tachikawa Station and just a 40-minute ride from Shinjuku, this branch is one of the few that accepts reservations and tends to be less crowded. The menu here remains straightforward: tender, marbled beef cutlet sets ranging from single to double portions. The signature gyukatsu is pre-fried quickly to achieve a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside rare. The kitchen slices the cutlets and serves them directly to diners, who then grill the slices themselves to achieve their preferred doneness (Gyukatsu Motomura recommends 60 seconds on each side). Each set is accompanied by a dollop of wasabi, soy sauce and horseradish, following the traditional tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) style. To balance the richness of the cutlet, a generous serving of shredded cabbage is included. The ideal way to enjoy the beef cutlets is with Gyukatsu Motomura’s special mugimeshi (rice with barley), which can be refilled as often as desired. The meal also features a small side of pickled vegetables and a serving of warabi mochi for dessert. Reservation for Gyukatsu Motomura Tachikawa Granduo is highly recommended to avoid waiting in line.