Katsudon

Katsudon (カツ丼) is a popular Japanese dish consisting of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu) simmered in a savory sauce and served over a bed of rice. The sauce typically consists of dashi (fish stock), soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sugar, often flavored with onions.

The dish is a type of donburi (丼), a Japanese "rice-bowl dish" in which various ingredients are served over rice in a large bowl. The name "katsudon" is a compound word derived from tonkatsu (豚カツ, pork cutlet) and donburi (丼, bowl).

There are regional variations in katsudon preparation and flavor. Some variations include the addition of eggs, creating a richer and creamier sauce. Other regional differences may involve the type of stock used, the specific seasonings, or the inclusion of other ingredients such as mushrooms or green onions.

Beyond being a common and affordable meal, katsudon is often eaten by students and others before important events, particularly examinations, because the word katsu (勝つ) means "to win" or "to succeed" in Japanese, thus associating the dish with good luck. This makes katsudon a popular comfort food and a symbol of encouragement.