Originally posted January 17, 2018
Reposted March 15, 2023

Kyoto Sets a High Standard for Great Food

Kyoto cooks some of Japan’s best foods because of the region’s high standards for refined cuisine, quality of ingredients, and, of course, taste. There are countless amazing restaurants, dishes, and sweets originating from Kyoto, including the best tonkatsu chain restaurant: Katsukura

Step in Nature at Katsukura

Katsukura specializes in tonkatsu, which is fried pork cutlet, often referred to as simply “katsu”. While the restaurant originated in Kyoto, there are multiple locations around Japan, including in Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond (see below for all the locations, addresses, and hours).

In most Katsukura locations, the entrance is like walking out of the city into a natural retreat with decor reminiscent of Kyoto’s gorgeous lush nature.

 

There is Such a Thing as a Healthier Katsu

Katsukura’s most delicious katsu stems from the care to choose healthier, high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Most katsu restaurants boast of premium pork, as is the case with Katsukura. Adding to that, the restaurant asserts that the pig is raised and butcher in clean environments which produces that clean-tasting pork cutlet.

The panko crusting is made homemade from a particular type of bread to guarantee that signature flaky fluffiness which is one of the main highlights of Katsukura’s katsu.

The vegetable oil used to fry the katsu has zero cholesterol.

The rice includes a ratio of 1 part barley to 5 parts white rice. That addition of barley grain rice adds extra fiber, calcium, and vitamin B1. That makes order extra bowls of rice, as it is unlimited, less guilty because of those extra nutrients and fiber.

Also unlimited are the tsukemono pickles to be eaten with the rice and miso soup. As is the cabbage served with the plate of katsu. Throughout the year, the restaurant serves different cabbages according to what is freshest and in season.

The yuzu dressing for the cabbage is oil-free. Then there are the two kinds of katsu sauces made of fruits and spices for natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Note, the “spicy sauce” is not actually spicy, but rather made of 11 spices for a bolder taste.

All the thought and preparation into the details of these ingredients are what make Katsukura standout as the best katsu restaurant in Japan.

 

Food Photos from Katsukura

Katsu from Katsukura in Kyoto. If you go to Kyoto, you must have a meal at Katsukura. There is something special and extra delicious about having katsu from where it originated. In fact, Katsukura is at its best and tastest in Kyoto
The standout factor in Katsukura is the breadcrumbs. The restaurant prides themselves on their homemade panko crust which makes the coating even flakier and fluffier. And wow, that crunch and bite in your mouth is amazing
Aside from the set menu of pork katsu, you can also order a la carte items to make your own meal or as add-ons, if you are extra hungry. This cream croquette is wonderfully creamy and nicely fried, but it did lack seasoning for more flavor
Fried oysters are seasonal in Japan. When you see them, you must order Japanese oysters especially when they are in season during winter months. They are incredibly large while still creamy and delicious
In subpar katsu restaurants, the batter of fried oysters is so thick and even undercooked inside. Here at Katsukura, the batter is nicely portioned to the oyster and perfectly cooked all the way through

 

Addresses & Hours

Multiple Locations in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, throughout Japan, and even in Shanghai. Check out Katsukura’s Main Website for your closest location and hours.
 
 
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