Nice presentation. look fresh and tender pork chop. The portion is good. Rice is warm and soft serving. An egg was warm and it was melted on top of the pork chop. The combination is a good match. read more

Lunch in Richmond usually means a quick trip to Aberdeen Centre mall for some sort of Asian delicacies. My go to is Saboten and their express pork cutlet eatery. This time I went with the deep fried pork loin katsu curry plate and tenderloin katsu sandwich. I love katsu curry dishes and mixing the curry, pork, and rice together. Saboten offers some pretty tasty and solid pork cutlet options, all of which are well prepared and tasty. read more

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Got the chicken katsu and the tenderloin curry and it came with a side of miso soup, pickled vegetables, cabbage and some rice. The curry was very flavourful but it would have been even better if there were some vegetables in it instead of it just being a sauce. I would have liked it more if they added corn, carrots or even potatoes in it. The pickled vegetables were different and a nice touch because it cut through the fat of the cutlet. Miso soup was good. The cutlet was cooked perfectly and the outside was pretty flaky and crispy while the inside was still moist. It is definitely the best one I've tried so far! In comparison to Marulilu and zac zac I would say Saboten has the best cutlet, but zac zac offers customization of your curry. Marililu has the option of an omurice with your cutlet plus curry. So it really depends on what you're looking for, but if you are looking for the best cutlet I would recommend Saboten! read more

I loved the katsu sando! Super tasty crispy katsu, soft white bread with no crust and seasoned with a little grainy mustard. Giving it 4 stars because it was a little small for the price. But really yummy! read more

Saboten - Japanese Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

Katsu curry is my favourite dish, and whenever I can, I taste-test every new katsu curry that I hear about in the lower mainland. Saboten, so far, really is the best. I always prefer to get their loin katsu curry because nothing else that I've tried can match it. They changed the way they fry up the panko and it's a little crispier now, which is excellent, but the loin has always been tender, juicy, and never greasy. Their curry sauce is the best kind around, it has a kick of spice to it but isn't salty by any means. I tried it when I had pneumonia and my tongue was even more sensitive to salt than usual, and my palate didn't reject it. The miso is good, nothing special, and with the cabbage and the pickles they give you, it balances out the dish. They serve the katsu half-dunked in the curry sauce, and I don't find that it makes the katsu soggy, but either way I like drowning my katsu and rice in curry sauce to marinate after it's been served to me fresh. That burst of curry and juicy breaded katsu in your mouth is really just love. I'm very picky with my food so it means a lot when I say that their loin katsu curry makes me feel warm and fuzzy every time. The closest curry dish that can match up to Saboten is Saku at Robson, but while Saku's cutlet is pretty tender, Saboten's is even more so. $17 for bottomless cabbage salad, long waiting times, and uncomfortably close seating beside young gimmicky patrons, to $10 with juicier loin in a family-friendly food court is no contest. Saboten's location just makes it convenient and it's always nice to wash down a hearty meal with some of the bubble teas around. I take my friends here each time I find out they haven't tried it yet - really, everyone is just impressed, it being fast food and all. Seriously, Saboten, I've been coming back to you for years and years, don't ever change your formula for the worse. read more

Horrible customer service. Staff does not know how to take orders and responsibility.

LOVE this place. I can't believe they can offer this level of good food at such a low price. Not sure how I add a photo to my review??? read more

The Good: Prepared Quickly Convenient The Bad: Too much Fatty Meat Miso soup was cold Sauce was slightly salty Confused staff... Overall, it's okay but I probably would not order it again based on taste and service. read more

Saboten - Tonkatsu with Curry on Rice - Japanese Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

Honestly my favourite go-to place in richmond aberdeen centre. Their katsudon is my fave. I suggest you try the katsudon! It's my number one out of all the other places in the food court. I might be biased because I haven't tried some of the other places in the food court but I mean if you have any suggestions please let me know! read more

Saboten - Japanese Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

* Screw this * I came up the escalator and saw the line and my initial reaction was, "Screw this!" I love good tonkatsu. I really do. So I had to grin and bear it and line up to sample the tonkatsu at this new franchised food court offering of this Japanese chain. The line was moving quite slowly for a food court, and after 30 minutes waiting in line I had repeated, "Screw this!" about a dozen times in my head. I finally made it to the counter and the grumpy young woman behind the counter named Veronica took my order. She did not appear to like her job, and likely was thinking, "Screw this!" Then the wait started. The menu is fairly simply with three primary items. It shouldn't take that long, right? Wrong. 5 minutes passed. 10 minutes passed. My "Screw this" mantra was repeating in my head. 15 minutes passed. 20 minutes passed. I looked at my watch and I had already wasted an hour and several hundred, "Screw this" repetitions. I gave up and went back to the counter and asked, "How much longer?" Veronica said, "At least 15 minutes - we're backed up." No apology. Nothing. I said, "Screw this. Give me my money back." I got my money back, and realized that no tonkatsu is worth that type of wait - particularly not a franchised one served on Styrofoam prepared by people who don't seem to like their job. They are lucky I didn't bill them for an hour of my time! Screw this! read more

Another Japanese franchise has hit Aberdeen. If you've had tonkatsu in Japan, you expect a certain amount of quality. First of all, I was a little disappointed when nobody spoke Japanese, but not a surprise since it is Aberdeen. Yes, it was quite busy, but no one cracked a single smile or thank you... hmmm. Anyways, after a long 20min wait, my order of tenderloin, loin and ebi fry (deep fried prawn) set was ready. At first look, it seemed kind of skimpy. The katsu was crispy and juicy, tenderloin was not too dry and tender. Prawn was a good size too.The rice was good, didn't taste like cheap kokuho rose, miso soup lacked a bit of umami though. It was a nice touch to have the yuzu dressing for the cabbage. The amount ended up being perfect for me, but it might not be quite enough for a guy. Most katsu places in Japan have unlimited rice and cabbage, but I doubt this location does. read more

This is the best katsu for the price in town in my opinion. I always order Tenderloin set. Comes with side of thinly slice cabbage, little bit of pickles and miso soup. I find full after, maybe not enough for guys. Always consistent of quality! read more

I've visited Saboten three times now and have yet to be disappointed. Sure the line-up can be long, but during off-peak hours, they aren't so bad. Off peak times are usually around 1:30 p.m. and later on a weekday and mid-afternoon on the weekends. Everything is made to order, so expect to wait about 20 minutes for your order once you've paid. My friend informed me that in Taiwan, Saboten is an actual sit-down restaurant, which makes sense. I've only tried two items off the menu - the tenderloin tonkatsu set and tenderloin katsudon (was tipped off the loin may not be as good). The tonkatsu was crisp, ultra tender, and some of the best I've had in Vancouver. The dipping sauces were great too - a thick sweeter sauce and sea salt were my favourite. I dipped in the sweet sauce first, then the sea salt for the salty/sweet taste. It also came with a coleslaw of some sort. The tenderloin katsudon is definitely my ultimate favourite. It is comfort food to the max! Okay, I exaggerate, but I don't know too many places in town that make a good katsudon. The egg, sauce, tenderloin, and rice all went so well together. I can probably eat two bowls of it myself. Haven't tried the curry yet, but that's next on the list! read more

I was inside Aberdeen mall and the food court options were few and far between and this seemed to be the less scary of all the choices but not by much. I was hungry and I was unable to ignore the hangry, therefore, came here. I had the Katsu Curry which was watered down. Again, you pay for what you get for which wasn't much. With the rice it filled up nicely and the carbs helped a lot for the short ride home. The service was fast and prices were cheap. read more

Love this place! One of my favs in Aberdeen food court! Always consistent and fresh! There is no other place which makes pork cutlets as tasty and tender as this place!!! read more

Saboten - Japanese Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

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I was there the week they opened. 3 stars for the food and maybe 1 star for service At 6pm they ran out of rice and it will take 1/2 hour to cook, ok I'll order first and come back @ 6:30pm. No problem. Good thing I ordered cause by 6:15pm they ran out of crispy coating/bread crumbs!!! They still made people line up just to say sorry we are sold out while they can easily put out a SOLD OUT sign So 6:40pm I got my food consisting of some fantastic crispy & light tonkatsu. I got the combo with 1pc ternderloin, 1pc loin & 1 pc tempura prawn. Meal came with japanese rice, a small bowl of miso soup & coleslaw with a ponsu sauce. $9 I wasn't quite full after eating everything so I went next door to order some wings. read more

The katsu is well done. They have their system down, where the meat is fried without over frying or being too greasy. The plates are simple though... Katsu, small bowl of rice, shredded cabbage for salad, and bowl of miso soup. It's just a bit more pricey for such a simple meal. And you have to wait a bit as your meal is prepared. Recently they started to charge for little things (including cup for water). This is a bit annoying. Feel like they are nickel-diming you. read more

Always loving the taste of this place, but recently the customer service was a meh!!! Been eating lunch / dinner time to time, food still taste awesome but the worker is so overwhelmed and impatient when I went to pick up order the server was not helpful said if they called my order number then it will be ready then. Courtesy reply would be good attitude and approximately order time so I won't need to come back to check every 10 min. Understanding they are busy and understaffed, but still need work on service quality. read more

After living in Japan for 5+ years, I've been looking for a good 'roast katsu' restaurant. Passed by Sabot many times but just had it today. The pork cutlet is still very moist and the breading is light and fluffy, just like in Japan. Everything about the set reminds me of my favorite 'katsu' chain in Tokyo. read more

Saboten - All the sauces are placed in a spot that helps you with what goes with what. - Japanese Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

Just okay. Nice presentation, subpar taste. Thin curry that makes you wish you were eating the Glico blocks at home. The pork cutlet is ok-without the curry it would be bland. read more

Very poor customer service and quality of the meal. Do not recommend to try this food court business.

Nothing but Japanese chicken fried pork chops (tonkatsu). I always see a line for this food and I am wondering myself how can a company like this be surviving for so long. So I joined the line to try this place out. I ordered their tenderlon set where basically it was tenderloin lightly fried and with it comes with the rice and salad and the sauces. I can see why this place has been surviving for so long. One of the reasons why it has been so long is because the fact that many people do enjoy eating deep fried food. It is the food that makes people want to eat more since fat = flavour. The meat itself was a little bit dry. They should have changed the name of the tenderloin plate to tendryplate or something along the lines because it was close to being tender. Thankfully, the sauce was there to save the day as it covered the dryness of the pork. Everything else was basic really. As much it is famously respected in Japan and parts of Asia, I would rather use a black pig to make it then tendryloin. read more

I ordered the curry pork chop cutlet, it was average at best, the sauce was decent, nothing special. While the pork chop crispy on the outside, the inside was a bit rough, maybe overcooked. Though for food court it definitely wasn't bad. read more

I likes me tonkatsu... let's put that out there. When in Japan, I hunt the places out... generally not chain places (have not been to Saboten in Japan), but more the mom and pop specialty places that are pretty much all over the place. Tiny places that serve basically what Saboten serves... a few different sets of katsu... and really, nothing else. So... let's give this a try... we were in the neighbourhood because the wife wanted to pick up a few things from Daiso... so why not give a tonkatsu place a try. The wife ordered the mixed set (loin, tenderloin, and prawn), and I ordered the loin and tenderloin set. There was a small wait for the service... but it looked like they were making to order as opposed to the traditional fast food style of having stuff pre-made and sitting under heat lamps. The pork was tasty... it did taste very fresh... the wife who normally doesn't eat cabbage was liking the shredded cabbage (I guess I should shred it, then maybe she'd eat it at home too). She liked the miso... me... still not liking miso (Not a commentary on their miso... I just don't care for it). The oshinko (pickles) were ok... the sauce... ok. Nothing hammered home to me that this was great tonkatsu, but it was still a nice treat. I hadn't had tonkatsu since the last time I made it (and that was a while ago). So... if in the neighbourhood and craving some tonkatsu... I'd definitely come by again. But I'm not making a cross city adventure just to have it.... it wasn't THAT good. Solid 3 - 3 1/2 stars. read more

Supposingly famous for their deep friend pork cutlet, I suppose it's a better alternative than some food court stuff, but the food itself is ok, just a novelty. Nicely fried without the greasiness, it's lightly battered, kinda flaky so that added to nice texture. Ordered the mix, the tender & loin set. came w/ a nice-size rice bowl (in styrofoam of course), finely cut "cole-slaw", asian versian b/c it didn't have any dripping, wet sauce, kinda dry and plain, miso soup, plus 3 diff versions of dipping sauce: 1. sea salt 2. sour 3. teriyaki, prob. the best one of all. Apparently there's over 500 locations all over Asia. believed just opened here in Aberdeen within last week, i would've done some sleuthing but due to the craziness of Chinese New Year last nite, tons of ppl eating at midnite there lol. right beside Beard Papa's. read more

For the price, it's alright. Nothing to write home about. It's a bit sad considering the potential. Their kitchen/workspace is a mess. The food is just ok. Could be worse. It makes me wonder what is wrong with the culture here that something that can be so refined and delicious in Japan could be so mediocre here in Canada. Then again, a lot of chinese food in the US is pretty bad. There is definitely something missing at the Saboten here. read more

Tonkatsu-dons are usually my go to meal at a sushi restaurant when I don't feel like eating sushi so I was excited to find a place that specializes in tonkatsu. Unfortunately I think I'll have to keep looking. I got the loin katsu don with the egg on top which looked good (they had plastic displays of the food) but in retrospect was a bad idea because it made most of the cutlet soggy. It did blend nicely with the rice though. I thought the overall cutlet was good, juicy and crunchy without feeling heavy. What was lacking was the flavour. It didn't taste like much of anything, even some salt would've helped. Ironically, the included miso soup was too salty. On the plus side, the rice was cooked well and I liked the pickles they included. We didn't experience any long waits despite it being the weekend at lunch time. read more

A place that specializes in tonkatsu? At Aberdeen!? Good right? Weeellll........ Came to Aberdeen with a friend and we decided to go to the food court for lunch instead of any of the restaurants and we noticed Saboten. I didn't know when they popped out, but looking at the past reviews, I'm guessing around Chinese New Years? So it's a relatively recent place. Unlike some of the previous reviewers, I didn't have to wait that long, maybe 10 mins or so? I ordered the tenderloin set and it was $9.52 including tax. You get the tenderloin, breaded and all, a bowl of rice, miso soup, some pickle thing, sesame seed that's already been grinded, and the sauce. The food was....ok, but not really worth the price. The tenderloin was a bit dry. The panko (I assume they're panko) crumb wasn't that crunchy and I didn't care much for the cabbage. The portion was good, but the taste wasn't that great. It was edible, but not omg fantastic. I think the best part was the miso soup and even that wasn't all that great. I had no problem with the service for the most part. I ordered, the person got my order and that was that. However, the guy that was shouting the number for people to get their food often forgot to say the number in English. He always said it in Cantonese and not everyone speaks Cantonese, so often I had to rely on the TV screen that shows the number for pick up. Overall, pretty pricey considering the food was ok. (Also, are food in food courts getting significantly more expensive or is it just me?) read more

My mom introduced me to this place and I like it. It seemed really clean compared to other fast food joints in the place. I once saw some guy sneezing with some runny nose residue in the Korean stall. Gross. Anyways, everything is made fresh and they are pretty busy so no time for any head scratching or whatever. Yes, deep fried pork...what more do I need to say? Okay, maybe more helping of the shredded cabbage just to balance/soak up the fried bits. read more

Nice ton katsu place at a food court setting! I ate same quality ton katsu in causeway bay (HK) for CAD$25 for a same size of lunch set. Saboten tenderloin menu set is only CAD$8.75..... The pork tenderloin is juicy and tender. The bread crumbs are crispy and not too oily. read more

Saboten - ton katsu of "tenderloin" set - Japanese Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

As far as a good katsudon is concerned, it's nothing to write home about. Quite difficult to find well made donburi in Vancouver, this place being no exception. The blending of eggs and the sauce left a bad aftertaste. A little sour than what I was expecting. The batter is all right, as I said nothing to write home about. As much as I would love to try their tonkatsu and other dishes, if they can't get a $10 katsudon done properly, why would I even try their more complicated dishes. Maybe I should get myself arrested in Tokyo and see how the free katsudon they serve in police stations fare. read more

Please note this is Saboten EXPRESS, which mean expectation needs to be adjusted. We have been to the one in Hiroshima Shinkansen station. If I compared these two, this Richmond food court location is really bad: Terrible disposable dishware, self service, luke warm rice, small deep fried pork chop. However, I didn't pay $15 (what was charged in Japan) or even $10 for my tonkatsu curry and the pork tasted very comparable to Japan's version. Yes it is small but very very tasty. Definitely will be back whenever we are in Vancouver! read more

I come here when I'm in the mood for a good lunch that's not too filling but a decent sized meal. Tried most of their menu and the tenderloin is very juicy and well....tender! The loin sets aren't as good as their loins are a fair bit tougher. I especially enjoy their tenderloin katsudon. The flavor is just right! Their curry is good but not the best katsu curry. There are better places like hi genki and guu. I always try and get the sandwich if I want a snack, sadly they are usually sold out. read more

The prices here to the ratio of food you get is really uneven.. Don't get me wrong the pork croquette is really delicious but it's a whopping 10$! However, I believe I had this in Hong Kong before.. There's an actual restaurant that is in the mall of the apple store on the top floor. That place was DELICIOUS. Portion was good and the restaurant interior is really nice. Unfortunately, this didnt add up to the one in Asia :( read more

The presentation of the tonkatsu doesn't look really appealing, but the texture and taste of tonkatsu is totally legit. It's really crunchy, and it was one of the best tonkatsu I've ever head in Vancouver. I wouldn't mind coming here again :) read more

I got the #2 - Loin Set. It was ok. The katsu/pork cutlet was a bit under cook. The taste by itself is bland, mix it with the sea salt and teriyaki sauce made it better. But is it worth the 30min wait? It wasn't a memorable experience. read more

Saboten - Japanese Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

If you're a baller with tons of cash money, maybe you should try this pork cutlet. To be more specific, you need to try the Katsudon, which is deep fried pork cutlet on a bed of rice and onions. You will not find a better tasting piece of pork and if you do PLEASE message me. The downsides about this Katsudon is the size compared to the price. You will definitely need more food after you consume this rice bowl unless you eat like a bird. Price vs quantity vs quality, such a struggle to find a balance. On a more positive note, this Katsudon truly reminds me of the Katsudon in Japan and for that reason you should really give it a try. read more

I got the #1 Tenderloin Set.This was actually pretty impressive considering it came from an express chain/food court! The exterior of the pork was lightly breaded, crispy and flakey. The interior however, was rather bland and a tad bit dry. However, I remedied that by dipping it in the sauce that came with the set. The set also came with pickled radishes and a plain salad on the side. read more

It was a really well fried pork cutlet! My friend and I split the curry set. It came with a miso soup and pickles. Warning, if you want the curry on the side, you need to pay an extra $0.25 for a to go container ! read more

Having been to a Saboten in Shinjuku, in Japan, I have to say I was highly impressed by the quality of the food served here. We came at around 6pm on a Sunday, so we experienced none of the waits that other grumpy reviewers had. I had the Saboten Set, which was pork loin, shrimp and pork tenderloin, all breaded and cooked to perfection, and served with all the right accoutrements. Had this been Japan, I would have been able to get refills on rice and cabbage, and there would have been a serving container of tonkatsu sauce, and I would have had to grind my own sesame, and, most paramount of all, I would not have been eating on non-recyclable styrofoam dishes, but I can sacrifice a little for food that tastes as good as it does at Saboten Express. Even the miso soup was done right. My partner had the Cutlet Curry, and his only complaints, aside from the non-recyclable styrofoam dishes and plastic spoon, was the lack of tonkatsu sauce as an accoutrement (which is de rigueur in Japan), the small portion of rice, and the fact that the pork cutlet isn't as thick as it should be (and it never is no matter where you order oprk cutlet here, at least to the extent of what we've tried so far in BC). But he still raved about how delicious it was, and he loves pork cutlet. He said, and I agreed, that it is better here than at Hi Genki. read more