05/03/2025
How "Katsu" Became Synonymous with Japanese Curry in the UK
The British use of the term "katsu" to refer to Japanese curry rather than the traditional breaded cutlet (as in tonkatsu or chicken katsu) is a relatively recent linguistic shift, likely driven by restaurant branding, menu simplifications, and popular culture.
Traditional Meaning of "Katsu"
In Japanese, カツ (katsu) is short for カツレツ (katsuretsu), a transliteration of the French "côtelette" (cutlet). It refers specifically to a breaded and deep-fried meat cutlet, such as pork (tonkatsu) or chicken (chikin katsu). While these cutlets are often served alongside Japanese curry (カレー, karē), they are a separate dish from the curry itself.
How "Katsu" Became Associated with Curry in the UK
In Britain, the term "katsu curry" has become synonymous with Japanese-style curry, even when no breaded cutlet is involved. Several factors contributed to this shift:
Wagamama's Influence (1990s–2000s)
One of the biggest drivers of this terminology change was the popular restaurant chain Wagamama, which introduced "chicken katsu curry" to a British audience in the 1990s.
Over time, British diners associated "katsu" with the entire dish, rather than just the cutlet.
As Wagamama and similar chains expanded their menus, they started offering "yasai katsu curry" (vegetable katsu curry) and other variations, reinforcing the idea that "katsu" referred to the curry dish itself rather than just the cutlet.
Menu Simplifications and Marketing
Many Western restaurants simplify foreign terms to make dishes more accessible. Instead of explaining the difference between karē (curry) and katsu (cutlet), menus began listing "katsu curry" as the main name for the dish.
Some menus dropped the word "curry" altogether, referring to any Japanese curry dish as simply "katsu."
This led to situations where diners might order "katsu" expecting curry, even if the dish didn't include a breaded cutlet.
Linguistic and Cultural Adaptation
The British palate became accustomed to "katsu" meaning a mild, thick, slightly sweet Japanese curry with a deep-fried element, reinforcing the misunderstanding.
British media, food influencers, and supermarket chains (such as Marks & Spencer, Tesco, and Waitrose) further normalized this usage, selling "katsu curry sauce" in jars, sometimes without any mention of cutlets.
Conclusion
The British usage of "katsu" as shorthand for Japanese curry likely stems from a mix of Wagamama’s menu influence, simplified branding, and cultural adaptation of foreign cuisine. While it diverges from the traditional Japanese meaning, this evolution highlights how language and food terminology adapt as dishes become globalized.
