Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu, also known as kushiage, is a delectable Japanese dish featuring deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. The term "kushi" refers to the skewers, while "katsu" signifies a deep-fried cutlet. This dish includes a variety of ingredients such as chicken, pork, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. The ingredients are skewered, dipped in egg, flour, and panko, and then deep-fried in vegetable oil. They can be enjoyed plain or with a savory tonkatsu sauce.

Kushikatsu differs by region in Japan and is believed to have originated in the food bars of downtown Osaka. In Osaka, the skewers are typically smaller, and diners often order more compared to regions like Tokyo or Nagoya. In Tokyo, kushikatsu frequently features pork rib and onion alternately skewered and deep-fried. Meanwhile, Nagoya offers a distinctive variation known as miso katsu, where the skewers are dipped in a rich sauce made with hatcho-miso.

A wide assortment of ingredients can be found in kushikatsu, ranging from fish and dairy products to various vegetables. Each city may serve it with its own unique sauce. When eating kushikatsu, it is customary to dip the skewers into a shared pot of sauce. To avoid double-dipping, diners use a slice of cabbage to transfer the sauce to their skewers.