Question 1

True or false: A popular way to eat tonkatsu is with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of sesame dressing.

Accepted Answer

True. Shredded raw cabbage is a classic side, often topped with a tangy sesame or ginger dressing.

Question 2

True or false: Tonkatsu is traditionally made with pork loin or pork fillet, not chicken or beef.

Accepted Answer

True. Tonkatsu specifically uses pork; variations like chicken katsu exist but are not traditional tonkatsu.

Question 3

True or false: The name 'tonkatsu' literally translates to 'pork cutlet' in Japanese.

Accepted Answer

True. 'Ton' means pork and 'katsu' is short for cutlet, derived from the English word.

Question 4

True or false: Tonkatsu is always served with a side of wasabi and soy sauce for dipping.

Accepted Answer

False. Tonkatsu is typically served with tonkatsu sauce, not wasabi and soy sauce; that's for sushi or sashimi.

Question 5

True or false: Most Japanese tonkatsu sauce is made from Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and fruit purees.

Accepted Answer

True. The thick, tangy sauce is a sweetened, thickened version of Worcestershire sauce with apple or tomato puree.

Question 6

True or false: The panko breadcrumbs used for tonkatsu are made from grated, dried bread without crusts.

Accepted Answer

True. Panko is made from bread without crusts, creating larger, flakier crumbs for a lighter, crispier coating.

Question 7

True or false: Tonkatsu was originally deep-fried in lard to achieve its signature flavor.

Accepted Answer

False. Tonkatsu is traditionally deep-fried in vegetable or canola oil; lard was never a standard choice in Japan.

Question 8

True or false: Tonkatsu was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century.

Accepted Answer

False. Tonkatsu originated in late 19th-century Japan, inspired by Western dishes, not Portuguese cuisine.

Tonkatsu Trivia Questions