Sauce Katsudon (Sauce-coated pork cutlet rice bowl)
A Gunma favorite combining crisp cutlets with rich, savory sauce.

About Sauce Katsudon (Sauce-coated pork cutlet rice bowl)

Known as one of Gunma Prefecture’s signature casual dishes, Sauce Katsudon pairs freshly fried pork cutlets with a specially made sauce. It is said to have emerged in the early Showa period, when Western-style cuisine inspired cooks to serve cutlets over rice. In Kiryu City, the style commonly uses pork tenderloin: freshly fried cutlets are dipped in sauce and placed directly on rice, without a bed of cabbage.

Pork tenderloin is lean and tender. Frying gives the cutlet a crisp exterior and juicy center. Sauce recipes vary by restaurant and household, ranging from sweet to spicy.

A serving of about 413.6 g is listed at 773 calories, with protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Pork also contains B vitamins and iron. Gunma sake pairs well with the dish; light junmai sake and fragrant ginjo sake complement the cutlet and rich sauce. Mild green tea or refreshing oolong tea can make a pleasant after-meal drink.

Served at many diners and restaurants across Gunma, Sauce Katsudon is a symbol of the region’s food culture. Its simple yet rich flavor is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

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