Growing up in Singapore, most of us are no stranger to “food court” quality Japanese cuisine. But here at Kanaaji Katsu, expect nothing less than restaurant-grade katsu that is freshly fried upon each order. Located in a newly refurbished coffee shop in Hougang Village, Kanaaji Katsu sports a brightly lit stall with royal blue and yellow signage that is hard to miss when passing by.
It’s no secret – food here revolves around katsu. Depending on your preference, each Teishoku (set meal) order is either served as a donburi (rice bowl) or simply with Japanese curry. Prices start from as low as $4.50 for a humble bowl of curry udon while the signature rosu katsu curry will only set you back $7. Seafood options include the grilled saba ($8), ebi katsu don($7), and the salmon katsu ($9).
TRY The signature Rosu Katsu Curry ($7) was served piping hot with a nice golden brown panko crust. As soon as we had our first bite, all our fears of dry and tough meat dissipated. Instead, we were greeted with fork-tender pork with a light crunchy batter that isn’t too cloying. Paired with fluffy Calrose rice and a mildly-spiced Japanese curry that came along with caramelised onion and soft root vegetables, we reckon this plate puts some Japanese chains out there to shame.
A highlight that sets Kanaaji Katsu apart from typical Japanese food stalls in food courts (or even some Japanese chains) is the attention to detail as you’d notice the lack of excessive residual cooking oil hugging the crust. Other worthy mentions were the chicken katsu which featured a much more tender chicken cut and the ebi fry which you could add on two pieces to any main order at only $2.
