What is Big Katsu?
Big Katsu is one of Japan’s most beloved dagashi — those nostalgic, super-cheap snacks you’d find at any corner candy store.
At first glance, it looks just like a mini tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet). But here’s the fun part: it’s actually made from fish. It’s a little surprising, but in the best way possible.
In this post, I’m sharing my honest thoughts after eating it again for the first time in about 15 years.
Taste & Texture
Don’t let the “snack” label fool you — Big Katsu has a surprisingly rich, cutlet-like flavor. The special sauce coating it takes things up a notch and makes it genuinely delicious.
The texture is spot-on too. Crispy on the outside with a satisfying chew — it really does feel like biting into a real cutlet.
My Honest Thoughts
I hadn’t eaten Big Katsu in roughly 15 years. But the moment I took a bite, it all came rushing back. The taste hadn’t changed one bit, and that wave of nostalgia hit harder than I expected.
As a kid, I just thought of it as a cheap snack. Now? It honestly feels like more than that. The flavor and texture are so satisfying that it almost passes as a proper little meal.
I’m not even joking — I could have kept eating these non-stop.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 💰 Super affordable — Around 43 yen each, which is hard to beat
- 😋 Rich, satisfying flavor — Punches way above its weight for a snack
- 🎒 Great for snacking on the go — Perfect when you need a quick bite
Cons
- Not ideal if you’re not a fan of oily or fried foods
- The texture is a bit firmer than an actual cutlet
- Warning: you will probably eat way too many 😂
Who Should Try It?
Honestly, this one’s for everyone — kids and adults alike.
It’s great when you want something quick and tasty without much fuss. And compared to heavier fried foods, it’s actually on the lighter side, so it doesn’t feel too heavy even if you’re not usually into greasy snacks.
Final Thoughts
Eating Big Katsu again after all these years genuinely made me happy. The fact that it tastes exactly the same as I remembered — that’s kind of rare, and really comforting.
It’s more than just a snack. It’s a little bite of Japanese childhood.
The price has gone up slightly over the years, but at around 43 yen, it’s still an incredible deal. If you ever get the chance to try this simple but iconic Japanese snack, don’t pass it up.
Want to Try More Flavors?
If you enjoyed Big Katsu, you’ll be happy to know there’s a Premium series too!
There are three flavors to look out for:
- 🍛 Curry Katsu — a rich, spiced curry flavor
- 🥩 Ham Katsu — a savory pork-style flavor
- 🍜 Miso Katsu — made with authentic Hatcho miso for a deeper, more complex taste
Each one takes the classic Big Katsu experience up a notch. If you ever spot these at a Japanese snack shop or online, they’re definitely worth grabbing!
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