Checking Out Katsuya’s Autumn Specials! Visiting the Go-To Tonkatsu Chain for Quick, Freshly Fried Meals
"Katsuya" is a familiar tonkatsu specialty chain where you can enjoy hearty, freshly fried cutlets at wallet-friendly prices. With numerous locations near train stations and roadside strips, its casual, accessible vibe makes it easy to drop in anytime.
One of Katsuya's biggest draws is its unique lineup of monthly limited-time specials. Having heard that their autumn seafood menu had officially arrived, I decided to stop by when I had a chance. Deep-fried seafood is an autumn staple across Japan, so I was excited to see what this year's seasonal offering had in store.
Loaded with 3 Kinds of Seafood! Tasting the "Oyster and Jumbo Shrimp Fried Seafood Set Meal"
This time, I ordered the limited-edition "Oyster and Jumbo Shrimp Fried Seafood Set Meal" for 1,199 yen tax-inclusive (1,090 yen before tax). The set meal comes complete with a bowl of steamed rice and a small tonjiru (pork and vegetable miso soup).
At checkout, I used the standard 100-yen discount coupon available via the official Katsuya app, combined with a 6% cashback PayPay coupon, making the meal even more budget-friendly.
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When the tray arrived, the plate was an impressive sight: an imposing jumbo fried shrimp, a long fried squid cutlet, and two Hiroshima oysters lined up neatly, accompanied by finely shredded cabbage and rich tartar sauce.
To be honest, before ordering, the name and photo made me assume it came with two fried shrimp. Looking closer, though, one of them was actually a fried squid cutlet! While it feels a bit overlooked since squid isn't in the dish's title, finding a combo that lets you sample three distinct fried seafood items—oyster, shrimp, and squid—all at once is genuinely hard to come by at other casual eateries.
Time to dig in while it's piping hot.
Coated in Katsuya's signature crispy, golden-brown panko breading, the jumbo shrimp had substantial thickness, delivering a plump, bouncy bite and straightforward sweetness. Pairing it with tartar sauce made it thoroughly satisfying.
Biting into the Hiroshima oysters released a juicy, milky flavor that filled the mouth, delivering a true taste of autumn.
Surprisingly, my personal standout of the meal was the "fried squid"—the very item left out of the menu's title. Beneath the crisp shell, the squid meat was remarkably tender and easy to bite through. With each chew, its gentle natural sweetness and savory umami came through. If I had to rank my favorites on this platter, it would easily be "Squid > Oyster > Shrimp"—it left that strong of an impression.
[Verdict] A 1,000+ Yen Splurge at Katsuya: Perfect for Those Craving an Assortment of Fried Seafood
Considering you get a jumbo shrimp, two Hiroshima oysters, and a generous piece of fried squid, the price tag feels very reasonable for such a diverse seafood selection.
However, even with Katsuya's staple 100-yen discount coupon applied, the final price still hits 1,099 yen (tax included)—crossing the 1,000-yen mark. Compared to Katsuya's standard budget-friendly pricing, I did wonder how well this menu sells. During my visit, most diners around me ordered the classic katsudon bowls, and I didn't see anyone else opting for this seafood set. While the quality certainly justifies the price, crossing that 1,000-yen threshold might pose a psychological barrier for their everyday customer base.
That said, if you usually lean toward pork cutlets but want to indulge in an autumn seafood feast, or if you simply want to enjoy shrimp, oysters, and squid all on a single plate, this set will leave you completely satisfied. It is served only while ingredients last, so if you're interested, make sure to give it a try before the season wraps up!