You know it's really good when you can't stop thinking about it days after eating the dish. Like this amaze-balls chicken katsu set I had for lunch at the Japanese store next to my office. It's simple, $14 gives you rice, a side dish, miso soup, pickled radish and green tea. It's not one of those trendy Japanese places, but it's simple and authentic. The crisp batter neatly envelopes tender chicken meat, giving an explosive crunch that bursts with flavour especially with a dash of salty-sweet tonkatsu sauce. Balanced with the fresh cabbage, it makes for a rewarding lunch. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of its preparation - it takes real skill to whip up something as satisfying as this chicken katsu set. Thick, rich miso soup that bares the hours of prep that goes into it. Tender meat that has clearly been pounded into submission and lovingly breaded for that perfect bite. Even the side dish blooms with flavour despite its nondescript appearance. Service, as always, is polite, prompt and perfect. The Japanese owner is so professional and I feel this air of calm every time I dine there. No need to be pretentious, no need for fancy names, barely the need for words beyond saying thank you. If you work in my area, make this your go-to place for homely Japanese fare. #rakuraku #japanesefood