.svg)
Korean Katsu Curry, although derived from the Japanese katsu curry, carries its distinct characteristics and evolution. Here’s how the dish made its journey from Japan and found a new home in Korea, where it embraced local flavours and ingredients.
The traditional Japanese katsu curry features a breaded and fried pork cutlet, known as tonkatsu, served with a rich curry sauce and rice. The dish is a culinary blend of Western-influenced Japanese yoshoku cuisine and South Asian flavours brought to Japan by the British. The term 'katsu' is a shortened form of 'katsuretsu', meaning cutlet.
When katsu curry made its way to Korea, it was embraced with a local twist. Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavours and inventive adaptations of foreign dishes, and katsu curry was no exception. The Korean version often uses a thinner pork cutlet, which is coated in panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy exterior and then fried to perfection.
Korean curry tends to be slightly sweeter and less spicy than its Indian counterpart, with a thicker consistency that's more akin to a stew. The spices in a Korean curry sauce are a blend that often includes turmeric, fenugreek, and red pepper, creating a unique flavour profile that's both rich and comforting.
In Korea, katsu curry is not only served with pork but also with chicken or even a meatless version using tofu or seitan for a vegetarian take. The dish is completed with a side of rice, and sometimes kimchi, to add a touch of Korean authenticity.
Katsu curry in Korea represents more than just a meal—it's a symbol of culinary adaptation and the blending of cultures. It embodies how Korean cuisine has taken a foreign concept and made it distinctively its own, catering to the local palate while still respecting the dish's origins.
.jpg)
Fresh food, no shortcuts—last orders 9pm Mon–Sat, 8pm Sundays.
Read
Discover why Kimchi’s Korean side dishes (banchan) bring balance, flavour, and fun to every meal.
Read%20(v2.jpg)
Fuel your week with our Korean BBQ Bento high-protein, bold flavour, and easy to prep!
Read
Healthy, flavour-packed Korean BBQ: fresh veg, lean protein, and gut-friendly sides perfect for students.
Read
Refreshing, spicy Korean cucumber salad—our staff’s summer favourite and the perfect easy recipe to make at home.
Read
Quick meals, late-night snacks, fridge raids student life isn’t always gourmet. But with a jar of gochujang, you’re turning basic into banging!
Read
Grilling meat, sharing vibes at Kimchi BBQ.
Read
Bring Korean flavours home with pantry essentials then come back to Kimchi for the real feast!
Read
Galbi-tang isn’t just soup—it’s tradition in a bowl, reimagined for modern life.
Read
From Seoul to Selly Oak: How Kimchi is Anchoring the Korean Wave in Birmingham
Read
In Korea, May celebrates family love and respect through joyful traditions on Children’s Day and Parents’ Day
Read
Celebrate Hansik with cold Korean dishes, tradition, and togetherness this April at Kimchi.
Read
Celebrate Easter with Korean BBQ, bold flavours, and fun family traditions at Kimchi!
Read
Korean street food is heating up Kimchi’s watching closely. New flavours may hit Selly Oak soon
Read
K-pop fans and students taste Korean food culture at Kimchi. BBQ, vibes, and bias-friendly bites
Read
Korean BBQ 101: The Student’s Guide to Banchan, Grilling, and Good Times
Read
A day dedicated to the sizzling, juicy goodness of pork belly
Read
Korean cuisine is all about bold flavors, rich broths, and satisfying textures
Read
Celebrate Korean New Year at Kimchi with special dishes, BBQ platters, and unforgettable shared moments!
Read
Korean-style Takoyaki: A crispy, spicy twist on Japan’s octopus snack, perfect for adventurous foodies!
Read
Mandoo (만두): Korean dumplings, perfect comfort food for students—quick, affordable, and endlessly satisfying!
Read
Crispy, savory Pa Jeon (파전): a Korean scallion pancake rooted in tradition and perfect for sharing!
Read
Topoki originated in Korea’s royal courts during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897)
Read
Celebrate Korea’s First Full Moon Festival with Flavor and Tradition!
Read
This Friday, January 3rd, join us for a special serving of Dduk Kuk (떡국), Korea’s traditional Rice Cake Soup that Symbolising prosperity and fresh starts.
Read
December is here, bringing chilly days and warm gatherings to Selly Oak
Read
Korean Pork Ribs, or 돼지갈비 (Dwaeji Galbi), aren’t just a delicious dish—they’re a story of community
Read
Experience one of Korea's coolest traditions: 첫눈 (cheotnun), or the first snow of the year.
Read
If you've ever tasted kimchi, you know there's something special about its spicy, tangy, and complex flavour.
Read
We take immense pride in our commitment to using only the highest-quality ingredients
Read
Great taste, and a welcoming atmosphere come together
Read
The Tradition of Tabletop Grilling in Korean BBQ
Read
%20m.jpg)
%20(4166%20x%203603%20px).jpg)
