Demi-Katsu Don

Demi-katsu don is an Okayama specialty of a bed of rice topped with shredded cabbage, a freshly fried pork cutlet, and a generous pour of demi-glace sauce. It is said to have been created in the Taisho era by an Okayama chef who adopted Western cooking techniques. Locally, simply saying katsudon means this demi-katsu don, so firmly is it established.

Highlights

The rich demi-glace sauce, which concentrates the savory flavor of beef, coats the crispy coating and juicy pork. Garnishing it with green peas is the standard style. Its Western-style flavor is completely different from the sweet and savory egg-bound katsudon.

Enjoying the Seasons

It can be enjoyed year round but is especially popular in winter when it warms the body. Even in summer when appetites fade, the rich sauce keeps you eating.

Access and Basic Information

You can enjoy it at the restaurant said to be its birthplace as well as Western style eateries and diners around JR Okayama Station. Many shops are within walking distance of the station, ideal for a break during sightseeing.

A Quick Tip

The cabbage beneath the sauce adds a refreshing touch. Since the flavor is rich, it is best tackled when you are truly hungry.