What is Katsu? ‘Cutlet’ in Japanese, katsu is a pounded piece of meat that is fried to a crisp and served with tonkatsu sauce. Mostly made with chicken, it is fried chicken wherein the meat is seasoned, then dredged in flour, then egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs—a flaky type of breadcrumb made with white bread.
The variants- katsu curry and katsudon, and its pork cousin the tonkatsu, are all getting their time in the limelight making it a new favorite after sushi and tempura! There are several versions of the Katsu, which are all derived from Japan’s original recipe. It is a fairly popular dish in Hawaii that is served as lunch. Miles away in Australia, a melting pot of cuisines of the world plus some of the best pavlovas and Lamingtons, Katsu is catching up with the already popular shawarmas and the Nutella donuts. Here are the restaurants with the best katsu dishes in Perth’s Joondalup in Western Australia.
1. Katsu Joondalup
Katsu Curry (Takeaway)
Posted by Katsu Joondalup on Monday, 18 September 2017
As simple as the name, the Dine in & takeaway is a simple establishment with a short menu but with an amazing flavor profile. Their Katsu, as seen in this picture, comes with rice, runny, potatoes and carrot and it is loaded with umami. Easy on the wallet, clean flavors and delicious. You can also grab some sushi if the Katsu doesn’t satiate your appetite! People swear by the Tempura and Gyoza server at Katsu, definitely order a plate for yourself on your next order! You’ll see reviewers noting the politeness of the staff, the cleanliness and the quick response as some of the plusses, but the taste and flavor top them all! “It is flavorsome, proper authentic cuisine,” one reviewer says.
Katsu
Address: 1/7 Dwyer Turn Joondalup
Website: Katsu
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 8:30pm
2. Katsuya Japanese Restaurant
Katsuya Japanese Restaurant can Katsu anything- Chicken, shrimp, oysters, pork, salmon- you name it! Their Katsu curry sets come with rice, miso, and a salad and make a great meal for as low as USD 15. They have multiple locations in the Joondalup area and you’re going to walk out and take home a satisfying flavor bomb of a meal! They are also popular for their Beef Teriyaki Don, Chicken Karaage and Tuna Tataki, as well as tasty Salmon Sashimi.
Katsuya Japanese Restaurant
Address: 2/40 Central Walk, Joondalup, Perth
Website: Katsuya Japanese Restaurant
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9pm (daily)
3. Musashi Fine Japanese Food
Musahi is a family-run establishment that is well known for its fresh sushi, cooked to order, bento boxes and ramen. Though Katsu is only a passing mention on their menu, it sure is a must try. Go for the Katsu and stay for the Takoyaki or the Okonomiyaki. They also have Katsudon on their menu, which is the cutlet cooked with Teriyaki sauce, egg and onion, served on a bed of steamed rice. Basically, it is the best of Japanese food under one roof and that is the chef’s most important goal there! Tadayuki and Maki Harada, the owners of the restaurant have a vision to showcase the best of Japanese food and their unique techniques to the folks of Perth, so far, it’s a success!
Musashi Fine Japanese Food
Address: unit 7/115 Grand Boulevard Joondalup
Website: Musashi Fine Japanese Food
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2pm, 6pm - 8:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
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4. Tao Cafe
Tao Cafe has Pad Thai from Thailand, Bun Bo Hue from Vietnam, and of course Chicken Teriyaki and Tempura from Japan. But the Katsu is a must-try that they don’t really talk about. A modern and casual place with a live kitchen, Tao Cafe is the perfect example of a melting pot of Asian Food in Australia.
Tao Cafe
Address: Tenancy 2, 151 Grand Boulevard, Joondalup
Website: Tao Cafe
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 10.30am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 10.30am - 10pm
5. Yamato Japanese Cafe
Chicken Katsu for those who are hungry!! $11.00 with Katsu sauce. Ask for Mayo or Chilli mayo on top for more flavour!
Posted by Yamato Japanese Cafe on Saturday, 18 February 2012
Yamato Japanese Cafe is a cozy little lunch place that serves up some delicious meals that come at a price that’s sure to make your wallet happy! A protein, some well-cooked rice, an umami-loaded sauce and some extra mayo if you ask, all packed in a handy little red tub. The chicken Katsu comes with a Katsu sauce and you can always get some Mayo or Chilli mayo on top. As you can see, those little pieces of perfectly fried panko are sure to leave licking that red tub!
Yamato Japanese Cafe
Address: 1286 Hay Street West Perth West Perth, Western Australia
Website: Yamato Japanese Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2.30pm
6. Ryu Sushi Train
Another small establishment located in the food court of Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre, Ryu Sushi Train makes delicious food that all looks magazine worthy! From bento boxes to sushi and salad bowls, Ryu Sushi is also great if you want to add some Japanese zing to your party foods! The Chicken Katsu Bento box costs around USD 22 and comes with rice, the chicken katsu, of course, salad, sushi, and sauces. They also make a traditional Chicken Katsu and Katsu-don, a bowl of rice topped with the deep-fried chicken cutlet, egg, vegetables, and condiments.
Ryu Sushi Train
Address: Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre, 420 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth
Website: Ryu Sushi Train
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 9am - 5:30pm; Thu: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
The Japanese dish to try
My guess is, it probably was the Katsu’s crunch that made people want to add panko in everything they fried! Katsu is the dish to try if you’re new to Japanese cuisine and the dish that will be your go-to every single time after that! Sure, it’s similar to a chicken tender or a nugget, one might say, but it is the combination of tonkatsu and Katsu on a bed of warm rice, topped with chili mayo or sometimes kewpie mayo and scallion sliced so finely, it’s an art of its own. We suggest you pick a katsu once every week for lunch and find your favorite! Once you’ve tried all the katsu, why not dig into Japanese seafood?
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