This video showcases a mouthwatering journey across Nara and Osaka, focusing on the sensational 400g, over 5cm-thick pork katsudon—a Japanese pork cutlet rice bowl that’s gaining a cult following for its grandeur and flavor. The video visits a range of well-known restaurants and street food spots where these mega-sized katsudon bowls are attractively presented and quickly sold out due to high demand.

The culinary tour starts at ‘Dashidokoro Shichifuku’ in Katsuramoto, Kashihara, Nara Prefecture (奈良県橿原市葛本町), demonstrating their take on this hearty dish. Next, it moves into the heart of Osaka, stopping by ‘Ganso 5 Senchi Katsudon Osaka Tonkatsu’ (元祖5センチかつ丼 大阪とんかつ), previously known as ‘Katsudon Chiyomatsu Dotonbori Main Store’ in Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, then to ‘Katsudon Hōzenji Yokocho Branch’ (喝鈍 法善寺横丁店) in Namba, both located in Osaka’s renowned food districts. The exploration continues at ‘Shinshu Soba Soba Chaya’ in Toyonaka (豊中市豊南町東), illustrating the Kansai region’s love for hearty rice and noodle dishes, and then returns to Nara at ‘Tokutoku Tawaramoto Main Store’ in Tawaramoto, Shiki District. The final highlight is ‘Naosuke’ in Kōyōdai, Tondabayashi—a unique spot representing Osaka’s southern food culture.

Each eatery delivers its own twist on katsudon, but the centerpiece remains a gargantuan pork cutlet, expertly breaded and deep-fried, then generously served over rice with savory sauce and egg, epitomizing Japanese comfort food at its most indulgent. These thick-cut katsudon bowls are not only culinary feats but local icons, drawing food lovers and travelers alike.

Nara and Osaka are celebrated for their vibrant street food scenes, and this video is a valuable resource for food tourists interested in discovering outsize Japanese flavors. Dotonbori in Osaka is especially famous for its neon lights and endless array of eateries, making it a must-stop for any food-focused visitor. The video also highlights the blend of traditional and modern influences in Kansai’s dining establishments, from long-established soba shops to innovative cutlet houses.

If you’re planning a culinary adventure through the Kansai region, these katsudon spots should be at the top of your list for a truly local and satisfying meal.