West Los Angeles: Lunch at Torafuku Restaurant

At Torafuku, Kamado rice is the star — there is something about the traditional Japanese wood/charcoal fired earthen vessel that makes the grains taste better. During lunch, you pick an entree then you get house salad, small appetizer, miso soup and all you can eat Kamado rice (choice of White, Brown & Multi-grains).





For those on a rice buffet mission, Torafuku’s housemade Furikake (a dry Japanese condiment meant to be sprinkled on top of rice) is provided on each table to help you get to the finishing line.



Charcoal Grilled Free-Range Chicken (10)
The chicken was very juicy without the excessive fattiness and came with a daikon radish ponzu that is both umami and refreshing.



Today's Charcoal Grilled Fish (12)
Salmon and cod were served in easy bite sizes that tasted fresh with solid charred smoky flavors. Seasonings were spot on.




Kurobuta Pork Cutlet (12)
Katsu katsu. Katsu katsu. The sound of chewing the Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) makes me think how they were naming the dish. As if the breadcrumbs batter is deep-fried with firecrackers, the super crunchiness is a good match with the juicy thick cuts of black boar and the dipping Japanese Worcestershire sauce.



Ginger Pork (10)
Unlike how it's typically prepared - panfried - Torafuku's Ginger Pork is char-grilled and like all the charred goodies here, the pork thin slices yield excellent mouth watering BBQ flavor. The non-existent ginger scent isn't really missed.




LUNCH SPECIAL: Kobe Beef Bowl (10)
Imagine cutting through a perfectly poached soft-centered egg then combine the gui dark yolk with the super tender Kobe style beef, onion slices, and rice in a big bite. It's worth skipping breakfast.



LUNCH SPECIAL: Chicken Nanban (12)
Delicious fried chicken breast marinated in sweet vinegar served with tartar sauce that brought the protein to the next level. Another complementing dish to Kamado rice.



Whether you want to stuff yourself with a mountain of rice or simply enjoy a healthy tasty meal, Torafuku’s got the right combination. It’s good Japanese food like something you will find in a good restaurant in Japan. And don't be surprised to find yourself back the next day.



Torafuku
torafuku-usa.com | 10914 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 - map | menu | (310) 470-0014