Katsu Sando started as a pop up, selling a $70 A5 Wagyu beef katsu sandwich, before moving onto Smorgasburg and then opening a permanent location in Chinatown. While that $70 sandwich is missing, they have an assortment of more moderately priced katsu sandos, along with other Japanese convenience store faves, on the menu.

Katsu Sando has a tiny storefront location on Broadway, with a couple of different entrances designated – one for walk-ins and one for picking up. The katsu sandwiches range in price from $9.95 to $12.95. Pork katsu is my favorite and held up surprisingly well, considering I ate it about 40 minutes after it had been made. The pork was juicy, with pockets of fat (my favorite),  and the edges that were sticking out beyond the bread still crispy. The milk bread, which is made in house, is spectacular – pillowy soft with a just firm enough crust. Katsu sauce and a slaw, which helped the cut the grease factor, rounded out the sandwich. 

One of the more unique offerings is the Honey Walnut Shrimp Sando, their take on a sandwich version of the popular dish, with a shrimp patty. Less mayonnaise-laden than the actual dish, it somehow worked as a sandwich, topped with the same slaw.

To my surprise, my favorite was the Wagyu Curry Cheese Fries. Katsu Sando seasons their waffle fries, tops them with a squiggle of mayo and a sprinkle of seaweed, accompanied by a cup of the curry cheese sauce. One bite of those fries dipped in the curry, and I was completely convinced that fries should always be served with curry (especially with cheese).

You can eat your katsu either in a sandwich or on a rice plate. If you’re not feeling in the mood for deep fried, there’s an egg salad or seasonal fruit sando, or several types of onigiri. I sincerely wish that deep fried food was healthy -then I’d have an excuse to my heart’s content at Katsu Sando.

Location – 736 N. Broadway Unit #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website – https://www.eatkatsusando.com
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegan Friendly – Do pickles count?
Gluten-Free Options – Yes