π’ Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Everyday comfort turned into a treat — that’s katsu curry.
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Introduction
Curry rice is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods—something nearly every household cooks. Even people who rarely make other dishes have their own way of preparing curry. I used to enjoy making it too, adjusting spices and ingredients to find my perfect flavor. Every family and every shop has its own take, each made with care and pride.
Tonkatsu, on the other hand, feels like a special meal. It takes effort to make at home, so most people enjoy it when eating out. That’s why placing a crispy pork cutlet on curry rice turns an everyday dish into a little celebration. That’s katsu curry—the crossover of Japan’s everyday meal and its favorite indulgence.
What to Try
The best way to enjoy katsu curry is to eat the cutlet, curry, and rice together. Let the curry soak slightly into the panko crust—it’s delicious when the crisp coating softens just a bit. Break the cutlet gently with your spoon, mix a little curry and rice, and enjoy the balance of aroma, umami, and warmth.
If there’s tonkatsu sauce or ketchup on the table, try them for a flavor twist. Sauce adds richness; ketchup brings brightness. Since every shop’s curry roux is different, start plain, then experiment—find your own “Tokyo katsu curry.”
Tokyo or Trip?
π’ Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Katsu curry is a dish you can find anywhere in Japan. In Tokyo, curry shops, soba eateries, yoshoku cafΓ©s, and tonkatsu restaurants all serve their own versions. Some are spicy, some mild, some with thick sauces or extra-crunchy cutlets—each has its personality. Try as many as you can and see how Tokyo interprets this national favorite.
The photo shows a katsu curry from Koiwaken, a small yoshoku cafΓ© near Shin-Koiwa Station. The cutlet had a light, fluffy crust, and the refined curry sauce made it especially satisfying.
Explore Nearby
- Spice Curry at Keraku (Meguro) π
- Maguro Cutlet Curry (Tsukiji) π
- Tokyo Shoyu Ramen π
- Tsukiji Breakfast (Chashu-Egg) π³
- Tori-Chiku Udon (Onyanma) π²
Similar Dishes
- Just One Curry in Togoshi-Ginza — Tokyo’s Local-Style Curry π
- Nagoya Miso Katsu (Yabaton) π
- Osaka-Style Kushikatsu (Tokyo) π’
External Links
- Katsu curry — Wikipedia π
- The story of how katsu curry conquered the UK — JETRO Dining in Japan π
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- π Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- π’ Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- π£ Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.