Bam Bam Bakehouse, Mermaid Beach: If you shed a chicken-flavoured tear when Bam Bam’s katsu sando left the menu, then don’t fret – the panko-crumbed deliciousness is back in the form of a chicken katsu curry, served with steamed rice, greens and pickled ginger. Throw a bowlful of crispy prawn crackers on the side while you’re at it.
Chanoyu, Southport: Nestled in the backstreets of Southport, this quaint daytime hangs puts a Japanese twist on classic cafe fare. Chanoyu is well known for its katsu sando, featuring succulent panko-crumbed pork alongside cabbage, mustard mayonnaise and Japanese barbecue sauce on soft white bread. There’s also a katsu curry bowl with tender crumbed chicken cutlet if you want to turn up the heat.
JFX Noodle & Tapas Bar, Southport: One of the most popular items on the JFX menu is its Bangalow pork katsu sando. The crumbed pork, which is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, can also be served with a traditional Japanese curry. The JFX team takes their love of katsu to a new level with the ham katsu – a thick-cut slab of ham fried in panko crumbs served with dipping sauce.
Harajuku Gyoza, Broadbeach: If you heart Harajuku’s delightful Japanese fare, then you’ll be head over heels for its katsu. You’ll find it in curry form, with tender panko-crumbed chicken breast atop steamed rice with traditional Japanese curry sauce, pickled daikon and carrot. Or if you like your katsu hand-held, there’s also a panko-crumbed katsu burger with finely shredded cabbage, Japanese mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce, all served top a soft milk bun.
Kawaii Curry House, Surfers Paradise: This unassuming Japanese eatery is a must-try for lovers of authentic katsu curry and as its name suggests, it’s super cute. It’s nestled in the long-standing laneway of Asian eateries (which links Surfers Paradise Boulevard through to Orchid Avenue) and serves a traditional menu of tonkatsu (pork) and torikatsu (chicken) served with your choice of vegetarian, chicken or beef curries. Pair your katsu with a okonomiyaki pancake for a good dose of Japanese deliciousness.
Bistro Lamp Deux, Mermaid Beach: You’ll find a modern spin on katsu at this popular Mermaid Beach eating house. The juicy chicken katsu is served on a sizzling plate with cabbage and a drizzle of hot red-miso sauce. There’s also the chicken katsu curry bake topped with melted cheese for those looking to warm up on these cooler nights – a sake or three can help with that too.
Hachi, Nobby Beach: The katsu curry is a winner here – it’s a giant serving and the bowl is brimming with a hefty dose of traditional curry, steamed rice and topped with a line of katsu chicken and a tangy side salad.
Maruya, Southport: Maruya is well known for its made-to-order sushi, fresh seafood and traditional Japanese fare. Get stuck into a bento box with panko-crumbed chicken or pork, served the authentic way with lotus root chips, tempura vegetables and mixed sashimi.
Donto Sappro, Broadbeach: This long-standing Japanese restaurant, inspired by the Hokkadio region, serves a mouth-watering tonkatsu with premium pork loin and cabbage salad by night, and a belly-warming chicken or pork katsu curry at lunch time.
Daichi by Ten, Broadbeach: If perfectly crispy panko-crumbed pork is your jam, then make tracks to Daichi – direct your eyes to the katsu section of the menu where you’ll find a pork-loin katsu, an eye-fillet pork katsu, a katsu curry and a mouth-watering katsu-don bowl.
