Cozy Eatery with Japanese Katsu
Katsu Jin, located in South Pasadena, is a restaurant I discovered through a friend’s recommendation, where you can enjoy Japanese-style tonkatsu and various side dishes. The crispy tonkatsu, made with fresh ingredients, is the signature dish here, and the clean and cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for dining with family or friends. I visited twice during dinner hours recently; once, there were many people, and I had to wait about 20 minutes, but on another occasion, I was lucky enough to be seated immediately at the last available table. It might be good to keep in mind that waiting times can vary depending on the time of your visit.
Ordering was done by scanning the QR code on the table, and we ordered Mixed Tempura, Corn Rib, Cheese Katsu, and Chicken Katsu, choosing Hot Green Tea and Mango Iced Green Tea as our drinks. After ordering, a small sauce bowl filled with sesame seeds was brought to us, and using a stick, we ground the sesame ourselves while a staff member poured the tonkatsu sauce over it. The Mixed Tempura we ordered as an appetizer was exactly as its name suggests, a dish featuring various vegetables and shrimp that are deep-fried. The batter was thin, making it light and clean in flavor. The shrimp tempura, in particular, seemed to use cooked shrimp, which made it richer and more savory than the usual ones I’ve had, leaving a strong impression.
The second appetizer, Corn Rib, was a menu item I personally really enjoyed. As the name suggests, the corn is separated from the cob into rib shapes, making it easy to eat with chopsticks, and it is topped with seaweed and sesame, enhancing its nuttiness. I expected a sweet corn butter flavor when ordering, but surprisingly, it had a clean and savory taste that was quite appealing. It was addictive enough to keep reaching for more, making it a dish I would highly recommend. Following that, the main dishes, Cheese Katsu and Chicken Katsu, were served. I first tried the Cheese Katsu, which had a good balance of meat thickness and cheese amount, allowing for a light and enjoyable experience. The moist meat under the crispy batter was full of juices, truly showcasing the charm of traditional Japanese tonkatsu.
As for the Chicken Katsu, I initially thought it might not be as good since I had tasted the cheese-filled one first, so I approached it without high expectations, but to my surprise, it was incredibly delicious. The meat was thick and tender, and the batter was crispy and nutty, allowing for a clean enjoyment without any greasiness. Personally, I found the Chicken Katsu to be even more delicious, but both tonkatsu dishes had a depth of flavor that made me want to eat them again. The perfect harmony between the meat and batter was impressive, and each had its own distinct characteristics, making them dishes I would definitely recommend. Either choice would provide a satisfying taste experience.
Katsu Jin
If you’re looking for a place that will likely become a frequent visit due to an incredibly satisfying meal, enjoy delicious Japanese-style tonkatsu at Katsu Jin located in South Pasadena.
