Hongik Donkatsu is a well-known pork cutlet franchise with locations in most cities across Korea. This time, I visited to try their signature menu item—Hongik Donkatsu.
Hongik Donkatsu includes a pork cutlet, rice, soup, clear broth (jang-guk), salad, and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi). For the price(14,000 KRW as of 2025), the portion size was incredibly generous. The cutlet itself was massive—completely covering the plate. I thought I wouldn’t crave another donkatsu for a while after finishing this meal!
At first, I worried it might be all about size with little attention to flavor. But that thought disappeared after the first bite. The breading was thin and crispy, without being greasy, and the pork was juicy and tender—not dry at all.
The sauce was a nostalgic touch: sweet and tangy in the style of old-school Korean gyeongyangsik (Western-style) dishes, pairing perfectly with the crispy cutlet.
Unless you have a big appetite, you may find it difficult to finish the whole thing in one sitting. I was full halfway through! Thankfully, there’s a self-service station with foil and plastic bags for takeaway, so you can pack up leftovers without asking the staff. I brought the rest home, reheated it, and it still tasted great.
Hongik Donkatsu isn’t just big—it’s genuinely delicious. With other menu options available, I’m already looking forward to trying something new next time.
