Katsu (カツ) is a Japanese cutlet that is breaded in airy panko crumbs and deep-fried until golden and crisp. Chicken katsu is made with chicken, while tonkatsu uses pork loin. At Ichibantei in NYC’s East Village, you can order Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu and Minced Katsu (each $24), all served with shredded cabbage, katsu sauce, karashi mustard and rice — plus katsu don and katsu curry.
What is katsu?
Katsu is short for katsuretsu, the Japanese take on a breaded cutlet. The secret to its signature crunch is panko — light, flaky Japanese breadcrumbs that fry up crispier than standard breading. A good katsu is shatteringly crisp outside and juicy inside, served with tangy katsu sauce and a pile of finely shredded cabbage.
Katsu dishes at Ichibantei
- Chicken Katsu ($24) – panko-breaded chicken thigh cutlet, katsu sauce, karashi mustard, shredded cabbage
- Tonkatsu ($24) – panko-breaded Kurobuta pork loin cutlet, the classic version
- Minced Katsu ($24) – a beef-and-pork patty, breaded and fried (menchi katsu)
- Chicken Katsu Don / Katsu Don ($24) – cutlet and egg over rice; see our donburi guide
- Chicken or Pork Katsu Curry ($26) – cutlet with Japanese curry; see our Japanese curry page
How katsu is served
Our cutlets come with steamed rice and miso soup, finely shredded cabbage, thick-and-fruity katsu sauce, and karashi (Japanese hot mustard). Prefer your katsu over rice with egg, or swimming in rich Japanese curry? Both are on the menu, so you can pick the format you’re craving.
Where to eat it in NYC (East Village)
You can find these dishes at Ichibantei, an authentic Japanese comfort-food restaurant and izakaya at 100 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, in the East Village — a short walk from Union Square. Lunch is served daily from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. See the full Ichibantei menu, or call 917-965-2327 to ask about a table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between chicken katsu and tonkatsu?
Both are panko-breaded, deep-fried Japanese cutlets. Chicken katsu is made with chicken, while tonkatsu is made with pork (usually pork loin). At Ichibantei both are $24 and served with cabbage, katsu sauce and rice.
What is katsu sauce made of?
Katsu sauce (tonkatsu sauce) is a thick, fruity-savory Japanese condiment similar to a sweeter, smoother Worcestershire sauce. It is the classic pairing for breaded katsu.
Do you serve katsu curry?
Yes. We offer Chicken Katsu Curry and Pork Katsu Curry ($26), pairing a crispy cutlet with Japanese curry. You can read more on our Japanese curry page.
Where can I get chicken katsu near Union Square?
Ichibantei serves chicken katsu, tonkatsu and katsu curry at 100 3rd Ave in the East Village, a short walk from Union Square, with lunch daily 11:00 am to 3:30 pm.
In the mood for something crispy? Browse the complete menu, or follow us on Instagram for daily specials.
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