After all of the controversy about Kobe beef not actually being Kobe beef in the States, Mr. Selfish and I decided to have some wagyu beef while in Kyoto. Wagyu beef is notoriously expensive. We decided to have some katsu wagyu beef sandwiches, which are a little less expensive but still a bit costly. We tried two place, and both were delectable.

First, we went to Hafuu (located at 471-1 Sasayacho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto), which was well-know for its wagyu takeout sandwiches. Each sandwich was 1,800 yen and completely worth it.

The beef was perfectly cooked and melted. The sandwich also had lettuce, tomatoes, and a heavenly sweet but savory sauce. It was as wagyu should be. I’ll be sad when we leave Japan and all we have our supposed “Kobe” beef.

Second, we went to Inoda Coffee (located at 3-334 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto), which is near Kyomizu temple. It was a rainy day, and Inoda was a perfect lunch stop.

Each cutlet sandwich cost 1,730 yen, which is a little cheaper than Hafuu. Plus, Inoda’s sandwich comes with crispy bacon, even if there is no lettuce or tomato.

Both were quite delicious but I have to say that Hafuu’s wagyu sandwich was a bit tastier than Inoda. Considering that Inoda had bacon strips, that is a big push for Hafuu. If you’re in Kyoto and want to try some real wagyu cutlet sandwiches, you should try them at Hafuu or Inoda Coffee.