Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
Whenever I’ve had the Japanese katsu sandos in the past, they’ve been these small little party-sized sandwiches full of meaty flavor. The concept is a fried cutlet of meat (usually pork) sandwiched between soft sweet milk bread. Ir’s pretty irresistible for its big umami flavors and childhood nostalgia.
But in the case of Evil Katsu, bigger is better!
This popular Lower Manhattan business enjoyed a pop-up intro to the city within a bar in the Lower East Side. It came and went (as pop-ups do) during the height of the pandemic last winter. By the time I found myself back in the neighborhood, the pop up iteration of Evil Katsu had run its course.
But we should all rejoice because Evil Katsu has recently found a permanent home in a modest storefront in the heart of the East Village (where the Evil part of the name comes from).
I’ve been twice in the last few weeks (once to introduce it to a friend from out of town) and I’ve been thrilled (my arteries less so).
The sandos (short for sandwich) here are pretty ginormous. At $16, you’re getting possibly a meal and a half.
For first timers, they recommended the pork katsu (chicken and portobello options are also avaialble). The pork is a great choice.
The twice fried cutlet is as juicy, moist, and meaty as possible. The crunchy crust was great without a hint of grease. Balancing the meat are some crisp veggies and a nori kewpie mayo, And that milk bread is as soft and fluffy as you can imagine.
I also got to try some of their sides and specials, including a seasonal cold tomato udon and a smoky housemade tofu with bonito and ginger. Everything was great!!
No more wimpy katsu sands for me. Evil Katsu with their gigantic sandwiches has got my heart now! Price: $16
| EVIL KATSU |
| 435 East 9th Street (between First Avenue and Avenue A), East Village (646) 370-3435 |
