Saboten Aberdeen

I thought this place was gonna be good because it looked all fancy and had those cool fake food displays out front. But man… the pork katsu was gross and poorly cooked. It was super dry and had this weird taste that I didn’t like at all. Kinda gamey? I don’t even know. I ended up throwing it away because I just couldn’t eat it. I was kinda bummed, especially since I saw good reviews before. Maybe it used to be better, but now… yeah, not great. I wouldn’t come back, and if you're thinking about trying it, maybe check the newer reviews first. This one was a miss.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

Love their Japanese set meals! The crispy pork katsu is always tasty and comes with rice, miso soup, and pickles — such a nice balance. Service is always quick and efficient!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Saboten has long been a heavyweight in the world of Japanese tonkatsu, and their Richmond location proves why. I came in curious and left completely impressed.

I ordered the Saboten Set, which includes pork loin katsu, shrimp katsu, and a creamy croquette. From the very first bite, it was clear: this isn’t just deep-fried food—it’s craftsmanship. The pork was tender and juicy, wrapped in a crisp golden shell that shattered beautifully with each bite. The shrimp was sweet and fresh, and the croquette? Soft, rich, and nostalgic.

What I appreciated most was the balance. The cabbage salad, with its zingy yuzu dressing, lightened the whole meal. The rice was fluffy, the miso soup subtle but grounding. While these sides aren’t refillable in Canada, the portions were more than satisfying.

The interior is clean and minimalist—classic Japanese style—and the staff were friendly without being overbearing. It’s clear that Saboten doesn’t just rely on its global brand; this location truly delivers in both taste and atmosphere.

If you're looking for a meal that’s both comforting and precise, Saboten hits all the right notes.

Final – A masterclass in tonkatsu. Crunchy, clean, and unforgettable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A Crispy Comfort – Saboten Richmond Delivers Excellence in Every Bite

If you’re craving golden, crispy perfection that only a true Japanese tonkatsu master can deliver, Saboten in Richmond, BC is a must-visit. Known globally for its deep-fried pork cutlets, this location brings the brand’s signature quality to Canada with precision and care.

I ordered the Saboten Set, and every component was thoughtfully prepared. The pork loin katsu was tender and juicy inside, with a perfectly light, crunchy coating—crispy without being oily. The shrimp katsu had a sweet, clean flavor and the same expert fry. The potato croquette added a creamy, comforting texture that rounded out the set beautifully.

The sides were just as satisfying. The shredded cabbage, served with a refreshing yuzu dressing, helped balance the richness of the fried items. The rice was well-cooked and slightly sticky—the way it should be—and the miso soup was mild and comforting. While sides like cabbage and rice aren't refillable here (as they are in some overseas locations), the portions are generous and well-balanced.

The restaurant is clean, modern, and inviting, with attentive staff and efficient service. It's a great spot whether you're dining solo, on a lunch break, or enjoying a casual meal with friends.

If you’ve never tried Saboten before, the Saboten Set is the perfect introduction—it showcases their variety and attention to detail. It’s clear they’ve brought their A-game to Richmond.

5/5 – A high-quality tonkatsu experience that leaves you full, happy, and planning your next visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and service is always good! The sauces are delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was excellent, but the experience was impacted by the cashier's unfriendly demeanor. A more courteous approach would greatly enhance the overall customer experience.

Ordered their Loin Katsu-Don and Tenderloin Katsu Sandwich and both exceeded my expectations. The loin Katsu-don was not overly salty and was crispy and not oily.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loin katsu don tastes great! The cooked onion and egg added so much flavor. Mixed with the rice and cutlet, it tastes even better! The cutlet was a golden brown colour, crispy and absorbed the flavour of the sauce well. Definitely on the crispier side of all the katsu dons I've had outside of Japan which i think is great while still being really tender inside. Overall very hearty and would recommend :)

A better choice at the Aberdeen food court. Their Katsu dons are good. Pork was clean tasting and was a good portion. The tables are clean and surprisingly the background music was quite pleasant.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Pork loin are very crispy and juicy. With the portion of good , great value !!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loin Katsu could be crispier

Food: 1

Tried the Loin Katsu Don and a side order of loin at Saboten Aberdeen..so good! The katsu side order was crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and the katsu sauce with sesame is perfect was just the right balance of sweet and savory. The Katsu Don is great but if you prefer a crispy Katsu maybe order a different meal as the sauce and egg is poured on top of the Katsu like other Japanese donburis. Portion was generous too, definitely satisfying. Got my order super fast.. perfect for a quick lunch that doesn’t feel rushed. Would totally go back when I’m craving comfort food with a crunch!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

We’ve been coming to Saboten at Aberdeen for years and it’s the best Japanese curry in Richmond! The loin curry is always cooked perfectly and the curry sauce is one of my favorite ways to eat white rice. If I could buy the curry sauce by the gallon I would! Service is always great too. An Aberdeen staple ☺️

Honestly feels bad leaving this review as a long time customer. I've been getting take out here since they opened. Food was top notch and then dropped to mediocre, now is just pure bad. I got the Shrimp and tenderloin Saboten Set. The most expensive one on the menu I believe. The tenderloin is just gross, still have uncut muscle within it and all mushed up, I ended up spitting it out rather than eating it. The meat still has this weird pig taste which I usually does not notice. If they don't stop giving BAD quality food to customers, it's just a waiting game to get eliminated and I feel sad honestly hence why I want to leave a message. For the time being, I guess I will visit Katsu San...

Very poor standards, the way the pork cutlet was fried was very poorly done it was all mushy and moisturized. Additionally there was still the smell of the pork, making it stingy. It was very disappointing compared to how it tasted in the past.