Katsudon

What is Katsudon?

Katsudon is a Japanese rice bowl topped with a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, known as tonkatsu. The cutlet is sliced and simmered with beaten egg and onions in a savory broth, then placed over steamed rice. The dish combines the crispiness of the pork with the softness of egg and rice, and is often finished with a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce or other condiments. Vegetables and seasonings may be added, giving the bowl a comforting and hearty character.

Where does Katsudon come from?

Katsudon’s name blends 'tonkatsu' (pork cutlet) and 'donburi' (rice bowl), reflecting its main elements. It developed in Japan as a way to combine the popular Western-style fried pork cutlet with the traditional donburi format. Over time, it became a staple in Japanese eateries and homes. The dish’s association with good luck, especially for students before exams, comes from a play on words: 'katsu' also means 'to win' in Japanese.

How is Katsudon made?

To make katsudon, a pork cutlet is coated in flour, dipped in beaten egg, then covered with panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden. The cooked cutlet is sliced and briefly simmered in a broth made from dashi (a Japanese stock), soy sauce, and onions, along with more beaten egg poured over the top. This mixture is then served over a bowl of steamed rice, sometimes with a splash of tonkatsu sauce.

How and when is Katsudon eaten?

Katsudon is usually eaten as a main meal for lunch or dinner. It is served in a large bowl, often with chopsticks, and may be accompanied by pickles or miso soup. The dish is popular in restaurants, cafeterias, and at home. Students in Japan often eat katsudon before important exams, hoping for success. It is a familiar comfort food for many Japanese people.

Kinds of Katsudon

Several regional and ingredient-based versions of katsudon exist. Sōsu katsudon uses tonkatsu or Worcestershire sauce instead of the usual broth and egg, and is found in places like Fukui and Gunma. Demi katsudon features a demi-glace sauce and green peas, especially in Okayama. In Nagoya, misokatsu-don uses a miso-based sauce. Versions with beef or chicken cutlets are also made, such as gyū-katsu-don and oyako katsudon.

What Katsudon means

Beyond being a common meal, katsudon holds a special place in Japanese culture. It is linked with exam success due to the pun on 'katsu', and is a popular choice before tests. Katsudon also appears in Japanese films and TV, often in police interrogation scenes as a humorous trope. Its role in daily life and pop culture reflects its status as a beloved comfort food.

Questions people ask about Katsudon

Good reading and sources

• Investigating the linguistic allure of hard-boiled detectivesThe Japan Times, Article

• Katsudon on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data