Eat This Now: Tonkatsu sakura pork collar sandwich at Anjin
Anjin // Photo by Alex Omorodion
One of the most beautiful human experiences is gathering together to share laughs, gossip, and everything in between over a delicious meal. But can this be accomplished as a solo diner?
Anjin sets the stage for this experience in an intimate but lively space, anchored by a Japanese-inspired menu.
However, the Japanese inspiration extends beyond just the food. Inspired by izakaya, a traditional style of Japanese pub and restaurant that emphasizes communal dining, Anjin’s dining area consists of a U-shaped seating arrangement that envelopes the bar and food preparation stations. This encourages dialogue not only among your party but also with the bartenders, chefs, hosts, and other guests.
Anjin keeps a small but diverse menu. The paper menu lists all dishes on one side and a scorecard-style ordering form on the other. Using one of the provided pencils, you can mark the dishes you’d like and the desired quantities. One standout is the tonkatsu sakura pork collar sandwich ($19), which has a unique flavor profile.
From the inside out, a savory pork collar is paired with layers of a white miso egg salad that brightens the dish. On the outside is Anjin’s house-made shokupan bread (Japanese milk bread), adding a light sweetness. Taiwanese shredded cabbage and Carolina Gold tonkatsu sauce bring it all together to create a well-balanced dish where no single element overpowers the others.
Other popular dishes on their menu include the chicken skewers and soft-serve ice cream. On the drinks side of the menu, you will find no shortage of diverse sake options to try, whether as individual servings, bottles, or flights. There are also cocktails – mostly centered on Japanese spirits, plus beer, malts, wine, and non-alcoholic offerings.
I dined at Anjin solo, unsure about how a solo person might get along in such a communal-focused space. I found that it was exceedingly easy to strike up a conversation with the very friendly bartenders and hosts. Before I knew it, I caught myself sharing stories with a group of four seated next to me. Safe to say, whether you are going to Anjin as a group or by yourself, you may leave with a full belly and a fuller heart.
Anjin is at 1708 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64108.
