Eating alone, without distractions, and with all your attention focused on your plate. This is a well-established custom in Japan that is now gaining traction in Hawaii as well, thanks to a new concept designed for tonkatsu lovers.
There are restaurants designed specifically for those who want to focus exclusively on the food—without fellow diners, small talk, or split bills. Yes. They exist. Now that model is coming to Hawaii with the opening of Katsu Zen, the archipelago’s first restaurant to focus entirely on the solo dining experience as applied to the world of tonkatsu.
The restaurant
The restaurant opened in Honolulu, in the space that once housed Little G Café inside the 808 Center. Behind the project is the same owner of the previous establishment, Jared Brown, who decided to completely transform the space to create a concept that’s still unprecedented in the state. The inspiration comes directly from Japan and, in particular, from Ichiran, the famous ramen chain known for its individual seating stations. At Katsu Zen as well, each diner has a private space, designed to eliminate distractions and allow them to focus exclusively on their meal. The counter seats twelve, and for those who prefer to share lunch or dinner, the dividers can be removed, transforming the booths into tables for two. The experience is designed to minimize interactions without compromising service. Once seated, simply scan the QR code at your seat to view the menu, place your order, and pay directly from your smartphone. To request more rice, cabbage, or assistance, simply use the small wooden cards or ring a bell.
The Menu
The menu revolves around freshly prepared tonkatsu. The menu features a variety of options, from full set meals to bowls, featuring pork chops, pork neck, fried chicken, and breaded tiger prawns. Each set comes with rice and soup and includes all-you-can-eat rice and cabbage, while all sauces are made in-house. Among the specialties the restaurant highlights are the tonkatsu made with pork loin and the one made with pork jowl, as well as the fried shrimp dish, served in a particularly generous portion. The table also features the traditional mortar with sesame seeds to grind on the spot and mix into the house tonkatsu sauce, which offers a balanced blend of sweet and tangy notes.
According to Jared Brown, the goal isn’t just to serve a good plate of tonkatsu, but to create an environment where every customer can take their time. “Everyone here knows tonkatsu. We want people to be able to enjoy it without rushing and without feeling pressured,” he explains. For now, Katsu Zen serves only dine-in customers and does not offer takeout. This decision is consistent with a concept that prioritizes the dine-in experience above all else and representsa completely new concept for Hawaii’s culinary scene. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
