Nestled in Midtown Manhattan, Katsu Hama feels like a “hole in the wall” haven for Japanese Katsu in NYC. In fact, this restaurant is only known for its katsu. With a cozy wooden interior, when you sit down you can hear the chefs tenderize pork and chicken. Overall, we had an unforgettable dinner here, and it’s an understatement to say that this place serves great katsu.
What We Ordered:
Chicken Katsu with Cheese
This dish was the standout of the dinner. The chicken was incredibly juicy, perfectly crispy, covered in panko breadcrumbs that added a lot of texture. Have you ever had a hot dog stuffed with cheese? Like every time you ate the hot dog, a burst of cheese also pops out. This order was the exact same thing. It’s super comforting with every bite having juicy chicken and melted cheese. It’s one of those things you reminisce on, and reminded me of my time in Japan.
Vegetable and Pork Miso Soup
One of the sides to the chicken katsu is a miso soup, and the upgraded version (which I got) included vegetables and pork. Miso soup also is a great thing to eat, especially since the weather was cold. This was warm and comforting, but the added vegetables like potatoes and the pork like bacon added body to the soup. It had a layer of depth, was super hearty and satisfying, and was a great way to start the meal.
Potato Salad
Compared to western potato salad, Japanese potato salad is rich, creamy, and a bit sweet. This balanced out the bold flavors of the katsu, and its creaminess balances out the crunch from the katsu.
Salad with Citrus Dressing
Katsu is typically served on shredded cabbage. Think of it as a way to soak up the juices. However, the cabbage itself is still crunchy, and on the side is a citrus dressing that with the cabbage makes a salad that’s bright, citrusy, and contrasts the rest of the plate. It has a great tang that is a good way to balance out “eating too much meat”.
Kirin Ichiban Beer
I love Japanese beer, like a lot. This Kirin Ichiban beer is smooth, bold, but easy to drink. It goes well with all the fried, fatty food, and it’s the kind of beer that makes you fall in love with Japanese brews all over again.
Final Thoughts
Katsu Hama is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese comfort food. If you’re like me and saw a restaurant on Google maps labelled with the category, “katsu restaurant”, it’s best to stay curious and try their the crispy chicken katsu with cheese, hearty miso soup, and perfectly paired Kirin Ichiban beer make for an unforgettable meal. It’s the perfect spot to savor the simple joys of expertly prepared katsu in the heart of NYC
