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TONKATSU (02) 2314-0528 XiMen Branch: 49, EMei St, 2F (02) 2516-2606 NanJing East Branch: 178, NanJing E Rd (near YiTong St) Hours:XiMen: 11 am-10 pm NanJing: 11 am-9:30 pm Credit cards not accepted. No service charge. www.mercuries.com.tw

--By Shanzi Chen, translated by C. Donovan Smith

Fans of Japanese deep-fried pork know how hard it is to enjoy this dish for under NT$300. Since the Mercury store chain entered the Japanese deep-fried pork fast food market with it's NanJing East Road branch two months ago, word-of-mouth has spread by blog of their reasonably-priced offerings. General Manager Chang Jung-Chi notes that although their stores are fast-food outlets, it is still important for his team to bring in the best and latest techniques in from Japanese counterparts -- then develop their knowledge to deliver a product well suited to the local market. The pork is brought up from Taidong's high-end CAS supplier and then kneaded in a central kitchen to increase the tenderness. Customers can also enjoy a cabbage salad, miso soup and Xiluo steamed rice with their meal.

A. Lucky Fried Pork (NT$140); a specially tender, popular pork tenderloin dish.
B. The decor is bright and classically Japanese -- not at all like a fast food joint.