Attention, Japanese Food Lovers! Is East Jakarta's Controversial Katsu-Sen a Hit or a Miss?
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking of visiting Katsu-Sen in East Jakarta? This spot is praised for its gorgeous, minimalist Kyoto-like interior, making it a dream for photo-ops. However, the food tells a different story. The signature katsu falls short with a bitter taste and dry texture, while side dishes are inconsistent. With a high price tag and small portions, this review explores whether the picture-perfect ambiance is enough to justify a visit, offering tips for those still curious to try it.
A friend recently recommended a Japanese katsu place in East Jakarta to me, saying the atmosphere was super Zen, with the feel of a small Kyoto eatery. The photos looked really beautiful[1], with a minimalist Japanese style, small and cozy. I went for it with high expectations, but the result... well, how should I put it, I have mixed feelings. 😮💨
The Katsu is the main character, but it didn't quite take center stage
I got straight to the point after sitting down and ordered the signature Chicken Katsu set[2]. The ambiance and lighting were pretty good, and I was planning to take some nice photos, but after the first bite... Anjay, what's going on? The katsu actually had a slight bitter taste? 🤔 It felt like the frying oil hadn't been changed in a long time. Plus, the meat was on the dry and tough side, and the breading was so thick it overshadowed the main event.
But to be fair, their Homemade Apple Sauce[3] kind of saved the day for me! The sweet, sour, and refreshing taste paired really well with the fried food and cut through the grease. This idea is Mantap! 👍 Unfortunately, the supporting characters couldn't save the whole show. The chawanmushi in the set had a slightly strong fishy smell[4], and the portion was so small it felt like drinking kung fu tea; The miso soup was also inconsistent in saltiness. My friend's bowl was incredibly salty, while mine was as bland as dishwater.
My wallet hurts a little, but my stomach isn't full
What really got to me was the price. One chicken katsu set was 105k before tax[5], and the four of us spent almost 600k on a light meal. But when we left, feeling the breeze, our stomachs still felt empty... The value for money really doesn't live up to its Zen atmosphere. The katsu itself was also quite thin[6]. Compared to places that specialize in thick-cut katsu, the difference is obvious.
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Some Honest Advice
Alright, complaints aside, let me give some practical tips to the girls who want to give it a try. After all, the environment is genuinely great for photos.
- Heads up! It's best to call and confirm before you go. I've heard that during peak hours, they can't keep up with prep, sometimes running out of sauces[7], and waiting for over an hour is pretty common[8]. If you don't want to wait forever and a day, be sure to ask!
- Adjust your expectations. If you're looking for a quiet place to Nongkrong and chat with friends, and maybe take some photos, this place is OK. But if you're going for the"best katsu in Jakarta," then... you might want to lower your expectations a bit.
- Giving them points for effort. However, based on online reviews, the owner seems to take feedback well. People complained about the lack of sauces before, and they later made sure to provide them all[9]. I hope they can quickly improve the oily taste issue I experienced this time! After all, for a place that puts so much heart into its atmosphere, who wouldn't want to see it get better and better?
- Zen, Kyoto-esque vibe at this East Jakarta Japanese Tonkatsu spot. Japanese minimalist style is photo-perfect ✨ [1].
- Signature Chicken Katsu[2] was a miss, but the tangy, refreshing homemade Apple Sauce[3] is a surprising fried food savior!
- Past sauce shortages[4]? They listened, improved, and restocked[5]! Makes you wonder how it is now.
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