ryuko

Katsu is the Japanese version of a European favourite – Wiener Schnitzel and Cotoletta Milanese.

This dish features tender chicken coated in panko breadcrumbs, fried to perfection and paired with a rich curry sauce.

Photo Credit: Ryuko

Katsu, a Japanese culinary delight featuring a breaded and deep-fried cutlet, has seen a surge in popularity in Calgary. This comfort food classic, often served with rice, cabbage and a savoury tonkatsu sauce, offers a satisfying and flavourful dining experience. For those seeking to explore this culinary trend, here’s a curated list of restaurants offering exceptional Katsu options.

Kim’s Katsu
Kim’s Katsu in Kensington serves up delicious katsu with a satisfying crunch, thanks to their house-made panko breadcrumbs. Choose from classic options like pork loin and chicken katsu, or try their unique fish and chips katsu. Complement your meal with a steaming bowl of curry or fresh sushi. Check out the second location in Cochrane or visit Katsu & Roll featuring over 10 different katsu options to satisfy any craving.

Redheads Japa Cafe
Since 2010, Redheads Japa Cafe has been a fixture in Calgary’s Design District, serving up authentic Japanese comfort food. Their signature Japa Katsu Curry Rice features a succulent breaded pork tenderloin bathed in a special, customizable curry sauce and served with fluffy rice. Or try their Japa Katsu Sandwich made with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and a touch of creamy mayo and mustard.

Buta Katsu
Located in the NW community of Royal Vista, discover Buta Katsu. The cutlets are breaded and fried until they are crisp and golden. Their selection of katsu is served with tonkatsu sauce, salad and steamed rice. Dine in and you can enjoy unlimited refills of rice and cabbage salad.

Koji Katsu
You can find a variety of katsu at Koji Katsu. Their breading is light and crispy. If you are not sure what to order, try their Koji Special Platter which includes pork, chicken, cheese and prawn katsu, and includes rice, cabbage slaw, miso soup and sauces.

Junkatsu
One of the most popular items at Jukatsu is their Katsu Curry. Available in pork, chicken, shrimp or cheese, their katsu is served with curry and rice. You can find Junkatsu on Crowfoot Crescent NW.

Ryuko
Ryuko has two locations to satisfy your katsu cravings. Choose from juicy Chicken Thigh Katsu or melt-in-your-mouth 3-day aged Pork Loin Katsu, both served with fresh panko, a refreshing cabbage salad with wafu dressing, and our house-made katsu sauce.

Shimizu Kitchen
Shimizu Kitchn on 37th Street SW between Glendale and Killarney communities offers a delightful taste of Japan. This cozy eatery features authentic, made-from-scratch dishes, with their signature Pork Katsu Curry being a must-try. Crispy pork cutlets are simmered in a rich vegetable curry and served alongside fluffy rice. Enjoy the charming atmosphere, complete with a beautiful cherry blossom tree in the middle of the eatery.

Wow Chicken
Wow Chicken offers a katsu paradise with up to nine made-to-order varieties, including classic pork or chicken, Korean King Katsu with a special sauce and cheesy Cheese Katsu. For variety lovers, a sampler option is available. They offer four locations to serve you, with a dedicated halal menu at Macleod Trail.