Think tonkatsu is just deep-fried pork? Think again.
Japan’s love for crispy cutlets goes far beyond the usual. From juicy beef to shrimp patties and childhood-favorite menchi katsu, there’s a whole world of katsu dishes worth discovering.
After living in Japan for over 30 years, I’ve tried them all—and in this guide, I’ll share what each one really tastes like, where to eat them in Tokyo, and which are worth your time (and appetite).
Chicken Katsu（チキンカツ）
To be honest, I don’t really eat chicken katsu that often. It’s not that I dislike it—it tastes good—but it’s just not something I personally crave. That said, I get why people love it. It’s light, crispy, and usually made with juicy thigh meat. If you’re looking for something easier on the stomach than pork, chicken katsu is a solid choice.
Flo says: “Try it with cheese inside. Melty, golden magic.”
Where to Eat in Tokyo
| Restaurant | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tonkatsu Maisen | Omotesando | Offers juicy thigh cuts and cheese katsu |
| Tonkatsu Marugo | Akihabara | No-frills, local favorite with crispy texture |
Beef Katsu（牛カツ）
I still remember the first time I tried beef katsu. I was a university student visiting Kyoto, and I went to a place called Katsugyu. That first bite seriously impressed me—tender, rare beef with a crisp coating. I had this “I can’t believe this exists” moment. It felt really luxurious. This is definitely something worth experiencing while you’re in Japan.
Flo“Gyukatsu = date night katsu.”
Where to Eat in Tokyo
| Restaurant | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gyukatsu Motomura | Shibuya | Always a line, but totally worth the wait |
| Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San | Ueno | Comes with hot stone grill and yam sides |
Fish Katsu（フィッシュカツ）
I actually eat fish katsu quite often. Especially aji fry—fried horse mackerel—which I’ve loved since I was a kid. Even if the fish isn’t super fresh, a thick, well-fried aji can be really satisfying. It’s got that flaky texture and rich flavor that reminds me of home cooking. Out of all the katsu types, this is one I keep going back to.
Flo“Grab it from a bento shop and eat by the river.”
Where to Eat in Tokyo
| Restaurant | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sakana no Daidokoro | Nihonbashi | Good variety of seafood katsu options |
| Saboten (Takeout) | Multiple | Easy to find in malls and stations, good value |
Menchi Katsu（メンチカツ）
This one’s a childhood favorite. Menchi katsu—basically a deep-fried ground meat patty—is something I’ve eaten since I was a kid. Everyone loved it. Honestly, the taste doesn’t vary a whole lot from place to place, but when it’s good, it’s really satisfying. Juicy inside, crispy outside. Simple, but comforting.
Flo“Eat it standing outside the shop. That’s the real way.”
Where to Eat in Tokyo
| Restaurant | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Satou Menchi Katsu | Kichijoji | Super popular, long lines, juicy and rich |
| Isetan Depachika | Shinjuku | Great for upscale, freshly-fried versions |
Katsu Curry（カツカレー）
I love katsu curry. It’s one of those meals that just fills you up in the best way. Japanese curry isn’t like Indian curry—it’s thicker, sweeter, and more comforting. Put a hot, crispy katsu on top and you’ve got the perfect dish. Back in high school and college, we’d eat this after sports practice—huge portions, super satisfying. These days, I only eat it maybe once a year, but every time I do, it hits the spot.
Flo“One word: nap.”
Where to Eat in Tokyo
| Restaurant | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Go! Go! Curry | Akihabara | Big portions, fast service, fun vibe |
| Coco Ichibanya | Multiple | Customizable spice, toppings, and katsu type |
Ebi Katsu（エビカツ）
I don’t eat ebi katsu very often. Maybe once every 10 years? It’s rare for me. But I do remember the ebi katsu burger at MOS Burger being surprisingly good. That said, it might not be the best use of one of your meals while you’re in Japan. If you really love shrimp, go for it. But think carefully—your meals here are precious.
Flo“Cute outside, serious flavor inside.”
Where to Eat in Tokyo
| Restaurant | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOS Burger | All Tokyo | Ebi katsu burger, fast and cheap |
| Katsuretsu An | Ueno | Offers a shrimp-pork mix, lighter than expected |
Korokke（コロッケ）
Korokke isn’t technically a katsu, but it belongs in the same fried food family. It’s made with mashed potatoes or creamy fillings like crab or curry. Kids love it, and I get why. It’s warm, soft, crispy, and super cheap. If you’ve never tried one before, give it a shot—it’s more of a snack than a meal, but sometimes that’s all you need.
Flo“Korokke is Japan’s version of a fried hug.”
Where to Eat in Tokyo
| Restaurant | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Andersen Bakery | Ginza | Great crab cream korokke |
| Any Convenience Store | All Tokyo | Hot, quick, usually under 200 yen |
Final Thoughts
If you’re only eating pork katsu in Japan, you’re honestly missing out.
There’s a whole crispy universe beyond it—beef katsu that made me rethink what katsu could be, aji fry that brings back childhood memories, and korokke that feels like a warm, fried hug.
Some of these dishes are nostalgic, others were totally unexpected. But every single one added a new layer to my experience of Japanese food.
If you’re visiting Japan, don’t just check boxes. Try something different.
Pick up a menchi katsu from a shotengai, or wander into a local curry shop and order the biggest katsu curry on the menu. You’ll remember the crunch long after the trip ends.
Flo says: “You don’t need a map—just follow the crunch.”
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