Katsu is a common Japanese dish that’s catching on in the United States. It was born out of simplicity and convenience, but dine around Las Vegas and you’ll find that some versions are better than others.
🧐 What is Katsu?
Katsu is a breaded cutlet, fried and covered in panko (white bread cut into flakes). Pork is the most popular (tonkatsu), followed by chicken and different forms of beef.
🐷 The History of Katsu
Katsu can be traced back to the late 1800s as Western influence grew in Japan. Originally, it was eaten with a knife and fork, but chopsticks are now preferred. Tonkatsu was found on menus in Tokyo’s ritzy Ginza district in the 1890s but was popularized in the working-class Chiyoda district in the 1930s.
🥢 How’s It Served?
In its classic presentation, tonkatsu is served with cabbage on the side (a cost-effective measure that became tradition) and a brown sauce that blends tangy, umami flavors with a taste that’s often compared to Worcestershire (and may even include it). A serving sometimes includes rice and miso soup on the side.
👀 Where to Get Katsu in Las Vegas?
Katsuya Ton Ton is the gold standard in Las Vegas, located near the corner of Durango and Warm Springs in the up-and-coming Southwest Valley. Instead of a conventional fryer, the kitchen team uses two pots with rice oil at different temperatures. Katsuya Ton Ton also stands out for exceptional ingredients like organic chicken and all-natural Berkshire pork from Canada’s Sunterra Farms.
👍 Ok, Cool. Where else?
Ton Shou opened in early 2024 and is earning raves for its katsu and other Japanese dishes. It’s open until at least midnight. Producer Layla Muhammad vouches for Japanese Curry Zen, which has three valley locations. I’m also a fan of creative versions in unexpected places, so check out the ahi tuna katsu at Durango’s Ai Pono Café or the Iberico katsu at Casa de Raku in Chinatown.
- Shout out to laugh machine Jason Harris, who suggested lunch at Katsuya Ton Ton during our recent interview. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]
