Tokyo-based Motomura is the most popular of the handful of restaurants serving gyukatsu (deep-fried beef cutlet) in the capital. Served rare in the middle with a thin, crunchy layer of breading around it, the lightly marbled beef is tender and very flavorful. Season it to taste with rock salt, pepper, onion sauce, soy sauce and wasabi; you can even grill it for a minute on the small hibachi at your table or counter.

Prices start at Y1400 for a set meal with rice, soup, potato salad, cabbage and pickles. English-language menus are available, along with rather detailed instructions on how to eat your gyukatsu.