A Famous Japanese Restaurant in Ploenchit
Tonkatsu AOKI just opened at Velaa Sindhorn Village, and it’s already drawing queues every day, especially at lunch and weekends. I dropped by recently and waited almost 40 minutes before getting a table — and even then, it was a tight squeeze inside. The place isn’t big, but it’s nicely done with warm wood panels and an open kitchen, so you can watch the team working like clockwork. You can tell they’ve done this before.
They’re known for perfect Japanese tonkatsu — golden, crisp, and light, not oily at all. You get to choose between hire (fillet) and rosu (loin), both thick and juicy inside. They take their time, so even once you’re seated, food doesn’t come fast. But it’s worth the wait. Each tray comes with rice, miso soup, pickles, and finely shredded cabbage, just like in Japan. They even let you grind your own sesame seeds for the sauce.
Portions are quite generous — my rosu katsu was thick, not dry at all, and had a perfect crunch. Prices are on the high side for Bangkok (sets start around 400–500 baht), but the quality makes it feel fair. There’s also a prawn option — big tiger prawns, nicely battered, either on their own or as a mixed set with pork. Some people go just for that.
They also serve dessert from Guss Damn Good — the Japanese Peach & Lemon ice cream was a nice surprise. Light and tart, just right after all the fried stuff.
Another thing — they’ve got a small pet-friendly zone outside. If you’ve got a dog in a stroller or carrier, you can sit out there. Not something you expect from a tonkatsu place, but people seem to love it.
Service is polite but very busy. I’d go again, but probably on a weekday and definitely before noon. It’s a solid spot if you’re craving a proper katsu fix — just don’t show up hungry and expect to walk straight in.
Tonkatsu Aoki Info
Location: Velaa Sindhorn Village – Langsuan Road – Ploenchit
Cuisine: Tonkatsu
Location: Basement
Phone: 092 254 6588
Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Price: Moderate
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