Saboten Aberdeen

Thursday November 27,2025

Ordered the #8 meal, pork chop came out not crispy, like a wet towel despite waiting 14 minutes for the meal to be made. 👎👎

Not enjoyable and wasted $16 bucks. Crap.

Others on here saying it's good are delusional. Clueless.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

The pork tenderloin Katsu don was delicious, and the house-made breadcrumbs tasted good. The pork itself was also of good quality. However, the service was disappointing; the cashier rushed through her customers, lacking the most basic courtesy.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Extremely cheap staff and restaurant. I wanted to pay for a take out bag after I finished my meal. I was prepared to pay the 35 cents but they wouldn’t not let me pay by card as they don’t want the fees for a small purchase. Long story short I had to carry my messy takeout by hand bc they wouldn’t let me pay for a bag w card. Very inconsiderate restaurant

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Tried the no 2 Loin set and for a food court restaurant, it exceeded my expectations! The katsu was fried light and crispy and had a good fat/meat ratio. Even without ordering the tenderloin, it was actually quite tender! There was a good portion of rice, side pickles and miso soup. The cabbage was sliced very thin and delicious with the ponzu sauce, only wish there was more of it. I would get this again if I’m craving for pork katsu.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Am I eating pork fat with bread crumbs or katsu, quality throughout the years has declined this is NOT worth it anymore service is mid do not come here anymore sucks!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

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