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Japanese Food By Area

Kushi Katsu (串カツ)

kushikatsu 串カツ

Kushi Katsu is a local dish from Osaka. Not only is it famous in Western Japan, but it’s also a popular dish in Tokyo. While it is a common food in the country, there are different types of katsu. So, why do the Japanese love frying meat cutlets?

What is Kushi Katsu?

what is kushi katsu

Kushi Katsu (also Kushikatsu) is sometimes referred to as “Kushiage”. The creator mixed meat and vegetables together before putting them in a skewer.

The name of the dish comes from two words: “kushi” and “katsu”. “Kushi” means skewers while “katsu” means deep frying in oil. Thus, the name “Kushi Katsu” began.

Restaurants and even food stalls all over Osaka sell Kushi Katsu. As a matter of fact, it is almost impossible not to find one when you’re roaming in the city. To emphasize its popularity, you can find shops that have long queues outside. In other words, people are willing to fall in line and wait just to eat Kushi Katsu.

History of Kushi Katsu

Where is the origin of Kushi Katsu? Of course, many would think it’s Osaka. However, it’s still unclear up to date. As a matter of fact, there are different theories about its history.

Osaka Taisho era

One of the theories is that Kushi Katsu started in downtown Tokyo. In addition to that, the dish is still very popular in the are these days. There are several stores in the Tokyo area that serve this dish in particular.

Meanwhile, another theory is that Nagoya’s Miso Katsu came from Kushi Katsu. For instance, they have a tradition of dipping Kushi Katsu in Hatcho Miso soup.

Lastly, the theory that it really originated in Osaka is what most people know. Many believe that Kushi Katsu was born around the end of the Taisho Era. The owner of the restaurant used to give this to the workers. At first, Kushikatsu was just fried beef. However, they added vegetables and seafood later on.

What is the difference between Kushi Katsu in Kanto and Kansai?

While Kushi Katsu is available both in Kanto and Kansai, there’s a little difference between them. Likewise, Kushi Katsu is different from Kushiage in Kanto. Unlike in Osaka, where both are just the same.

Kanto-style

In Kanto, Kushiage and Kushi Katsu are not the same. Although both have meat, Kushiage has seafood and vegetables. They would insert the meat and onions alternately in Kushi Katsu. On the other hand, Kushiage contains meat, vegetables, and seafood. Then, they will insert these into bamboo skewers. Lastly, they will cover it with flour and deep fry.

deep-fried meat skewers

Kansai-Style

In Kansai, both are just alike. People also put meat, vegetables, and seafood together before rolling into the batter. Then, they will insert them into bamboo skewers and deep fry after. In short, Kushiage and Kushi Katsu in Osaka are just the same.

Kushi Katsu Recipe

Making this local food is fast and easy! In fact, the ingredients may be readily available in your kitchen. So, how to cook Kushi Katsu?

What are the ingredients of Kushikatsu?

Good for 4 persons
beef meat (tenderloin)400 grams
onions1/2 pc.
Shiitake4 pcs.
sweet potato1/2 pc.
salta pinch
eggplant1 pc.
cabbage100 grams
tomato1 pc.
lemon1/2 pc.
egg1 pc.
flour300 grams
breadcrumbs1 1/2 cups
oil3-4 cups
peppera pinch
cooking kushikatsu

Obviously, this recipe is the same as Kansai-style.

How to cook Kushi Katsu?

STEP

Before anything else, prepare the vegetables by rinsing them with water. After that, pat dry and cut them into bite-size pieces. Then, shred the cabbages into thin slices and soak in water.

STEP

Secondly, put sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe container. Then, heat it for about two to three minutes to soften them a little. While waiting, pound the beef tenderloin with a meat tenderizer.

STEP

In the meantime, insert the meat and vegetables into bamboo skewers. While sprinkling salt and pepper, heat oil in a deep fan.

deep-frying kushi katsu kushiage
STEP

Dip them into flour, egg, and breadcrumbs at this instant. When the oil is hot enough, deep-fry the skewers in high heat. As soon as the breading turns golden brown, remove them from the heat.

STEP

Finally, drain the excess oil and serve them with cabbage, tomatoes, and lemon. You can also include a sauce of your choice.

Kushi Katsu Sauce

Of course, we all have our sauce of choice! While you can eat Kushi Katsu as it is, dipping it in a sauce makes it even better. For this reason, we have listed some of the popular sauce options below.

Kushi katsu sauce worcestershire

The special Worcestershire sauce is the most popular sauce of choice, to begin with. Unlike Nakano sauce, this one is lighter since they added soy sauce. Other ingredients include ketchup, oyster sauce, water, and Sanon Tou. Mix them all together and boil in a pan to make the famous special Kushikatsu sauce.

Meanwhile, there are people who are big fans of mustard. We all know that the combination of mustard and sesame tastes like heaven! That is no exaggeration, by the way.

Soy sauce, of course, is one of the top contenders for Kushikatsu sauce. It’s basic yet it enhances the flavor of the meat. Shiitake also tastes even better when drizzled with soy sauce.

While the sauce can be addicting, take note that dipping the skewers more than once is not allowed. It is rude and stores usually have signs about this.

Kushi Katsu Restaurants

Rumors are true, there are quite a number of stores that sell this Osaka local food. Check out these shops the next time you visit the city!

Kushi Katsu Daruma (串かつだるま 道頓堀店)

kushi katsu daruma (串かつだるま 道頓堀店)

This is arguably the most popular Kushi Katsu restaurant. As a matter of fact, people dubbed their version “Daruma Kushikatsu”. Whether you’re in Dotonbori to shop or eat, make sure to drop by Kushikatsu Daruma!

They have been serving since 1929 and lines are always long daily. The store offers three sauce flavors and customers can only dip their skewers once. Kushikatsu Daruma is easy to spot with the famous “angry chef” brand.

Address: 1 Chome-6-8 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Contact Number: +81662138101
Business Hours: 11:00 to 21:00 open daily

Ageha Grand Front Osaka (揚八 グランフロント大阪店)

Ageha Grand Front Osaka (揚八 グランフロント大阪店)

Do you want to taste fluffy Kushi Katsu? You should visit this place then! It’s just a two-minute walk from Hankyu Umeda Station. The restaurant boasts a modern interior which is perfect for casual dining and occasions.

Address: 7F, 4-20, Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 530-0011
Contact Number: +81664857784
Business Hours: 11:00 to 20:00 open daily

Kushi Katsu Cuisine Katsu Whitey Umeda (串かつ料理 活 ホワイティうめだ店)

Kushi katsu Cuisine Katsu Whitey Umeda (串かつ料理 活 ホワイティうめだ店)

This restaurant has been delighting people since 1960. They are popular for their “Kushikatsu Gozen” for only 1,264 yen. It’s a set meal that includes miso soup and seven types of skewers.

They are also easy to find. In fact, the shop is just a minute away from Umeda Subway Station. When you enter the place, a cozy atmosphere and counter seats will welcome you.

Address: 7, Umeda Underground Shopping Center 2-5 Whity Umeda North Mall 1, Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan, 〒530-0017
Contact Number: +81663123140
Business Hours: 11:00 to 22:00 open daily

Meanwhile, here are some stores that we suggest when you are in the Tokyo area.

Kushi Katsu Tanaka (串カツ田中)

Kushi katsu Tanaka (串カツ田中)

Kushikatsu Tanaka is a chain of restaurants all over Japan. The one in Shinjuku is the most famous one indeed. The place is one of the busiest areas in Japan. From local office workers to tourists, many people visit the place daily.

The father of the company’s vice president handed down the recipe. In addition to that, the first store opened in December 2018 in Setagaya, Tokyo. Customers loved the savory taste of Tanaka Kushikatsu. Eventually, more people started coming in.

Address: 3 Chome-12-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Contact Number: +815017055605
Business Hours: 17:00 to 21:00 (Mondays to Fridays), 12:00 to 21:00 (Saturdays and Sundays)

Kushinobo Tokyo Ginza Main Store (串の坊 東京銀座本店)

Kushinobo Tokyo Ginza Main Store (串の坊 東京銀座本店)

People know Kushinobo with their Kushikatsu Omakase Cuisine. Customers can feast on forty pieces of skewers for only 7,000 yen. This is, in fact, a good deal considering the location and serving size.

The shop also has different table settings which are good for solo, couple, and group dining. You can enjoy crispy Kushiage with a glass of beer in a cozy atmosphere.

Address: 3F Sakaguchi Building, West Fifth Avenue, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 5-5-8
Contact Number: +81335717979
Business Hours: 11:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 22:00 (Mondays to Fridays), 11:30 to 22:00 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Website: https://kushinobo-ginza.owst.jp/

Epilogue

Kushi Katsu, just like Takoyaki and Sakura Mochi, is an Osaka local food that is simple yet savory. The rich taste of meat complements the crispiness of the breading after frying. Don’t ever visit Osaka again without tasting these sumptuous skewers!

kushikatsu 串カツ

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