Katsudon-ya Zuicho かつどん屋 瑞兆

Rizhao is a well-known pork chop restaurant in Shibuya, and this time I finally managed to eat there, carrying a bit of a pilgrimage feeling. Previously, I arrived too late and found it sold out, so this time I specifically went early and finally got to sit down as desired. The decor of the restaurant is simple, and the service is efficient. The option to choose the portion size is quite thoughtful and practical for people with different appetites.

I ordered the "Pork Chop Rice with Double Eggs." When it arrived at the table, it was visually enticing; the golden, crispy pork chop was laid over the white rice, with the double eggs beside it. The overall composition was simple yet impactful. The most surprising part was that—despite being brushed with sauce—the pork chop's outer layer remained exceptionally crispy and did not become soggy from the sauce. The timing and cooking precision were managed quite well.

The pork chop itself was thick and juicy without being dry, with just the right balance of fat to lean meat; when bitten into, it released juices without being greasy. The sauce was truly the soul of the dish, perfectly balancing salty and sweet flavors, with a hint of caramelization and depth, creating a complete structure with the crispy outer layer and white rice that made it impossible to stop after the first bite.

The double eggs were equally impressive; the yolks were tender and smooth, and when mixed with the steaming white rice and sauce, the texture became even rounder and richer. This way of eating with the eggs interplaying with the pork chop added variety to the bowl of rice, instead of just having a singular flavor profile.

Overall, Rizhao's pork chop rice doesn't rely on flashy presentation to win over diners; it accomplishes the trifecta of "crispy, tender, and saucy" to near perfection. If you want to enjoy a hearty and satisfying bowl of pork chop rice in Shibuya, it’s definitely worth arriving early, or you may find it sold out.