Katsudon is a popular Japanese dish that consists of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet called “tonkatsu” served over a bowl of steamed rice and topped with a sweet and savoury sauce and beaten eggs. It is a comfort food many in Japan enjoy and has gained popularity worldwide. Katsudon is also a popular dish in Malaysia, thanks to the influence of Japanese cuisine in the country. Katsudon is served in Japanese restaurants and eateries in Malaysia, specialising in Japanese cuisine.
In Penang, a vibrant food destination in Malaysia, you can also find katsudon served in Japanese restaurants and eateries that specialise in Japanese cuisine. The katsudon in Penang generally follows the same basic preparation as traditional katsudon. You can try the 10 best spots to eat katsudon in Penang this article wants to share.
What Makes Katsudon Famous in Penang?
Katsudon has gained fame in Penang because it offers a foreign taste that locals love to try. Penang, known for its vibrant food scene and diverse culinary offerings, has a population that appreciates trying new and exciting flavours. Additionally, katsudon is a filling dish that is suitable to eat at any time of the day. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, combining the crispy pork cutlet, the fluffy rice, and the creamy eggs creates a satisfying and comforting meal that locals appreciate.
How to Find The Perfect Katsudon in Penang?
To find the perfect katsudon in Penang, look for authentic Japanese restaurants that typically offer this classic dish. Seek out restaurants with a reputation for serving traditional Japanese cuisine, as they are more likely to prepare katsudon with authenticity and attention to detail. Additionally, ask locals for their recommendations on where to find the best katsudon in the state. Locals often have firsthand experience and can point you to hidden gems or popular eateries that serve exceptional katsudon.
10 Best Katsudon in Penang 2025
1. Sushi YA Jelutong @ Straits Garden
Sushi Ya is a popular sushi restaurant chain with multiple locations in Malaysia. It is known for its wide selection of sushi and Japanese cuisine. You can expect various sushi options at Sushi Ya, including nigiri, sashimi, maki rolls, and speciality rolls. In addition to sushi and katsudon, Sushi Ya offers other Japanese dishes like ramen, udon, tempura, teriyaki, and various appetisers such as gyoza (dumplings) or yakitori (grilled skewered meat).
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 349-01-09, Jalan Jelutong, Jelutong, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sushiyajelutong1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushiya_my/
Check Info On Website2. Sushi Zento Bayan Lepas
Sushi Zento is a well-known sushi restaurant that operates in Malaysia. With its focus on Japanese cuisine, Sushi Zento offers a range of sushi and other Japanese dishes to satisfy customers’ cravings for authentic Japanese flavours. Other than katsudon, Sushi Zento’s menu may include other popular Japanese dishes such as ramen, udon, donburi (rice bowls with various toppings), tempura, teriyaki, and appetisers like edamame or miso soup. They strive to provide a comprehensive selection of Japanese cuisine to cater to different preferences.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: No. 1-1-13 & 13A (Ground Floor), SummerSkye Square, Jalan Sungai Tiram 8, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sushizentobayanlepas/?locale=ms_MY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushizentomalaysia/?hl=en
3. Aji Noren
Aji Noren is a Japanese restaurant located in Tanjung Tokong. It is known for serving Japanese cuisine, including various traditional and contemporary dishes. As a Japanese restaurant, Aji Noren offers a range of popular Japanese dishes such as katsudon, sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, udon, donburi, and more. Aji Noren aims to provide a comfortable and authentic Japanese dining experience. This Japanese restaurant pays attention to interior design, table settings, and atmosphere to create a welcoming and pleasant environment for customers.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Address: 98-G-35, Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes, Kampung Belachan, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
4. Michi Michi Penang Japanese Restaurant
Michi Michi Penang Japanese Restaurant in Bayan Lepas creates a welcoming and comfortable environment with Japanese-inspired decor. The atmosphere is designed to enhance the dining experience and provide a taste of Japanese culture. Michi Michi Penang Japanese Restaurant offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Their menu includes popular dishes like katsudon, sushi, udon, ramen, donburi, and various appetisers.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 72-1-11, Arena Curve, Jalan Mahsuri, Arena Curve, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michimichimalaysia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michimichi_my/?hl=en
5. Kyrin Sushi
Kyrin Sushi is a popular Japanese restaurant that has multiple locations in Malaysia. Known for its sushi and Japanese cuisine, Kyrin Sushi offers a diverse menu featuring a variety of katsudon, sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and other Japanese dishes. The ambience at Kyrin Sushi is typically casual and comfortable, creating a pleasant dining environment for customers. The restaurant aims to provide an authentic Japanese dining experience with attention to detail regarding food presentation and customer service.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 2g, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirinjapanese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyrinsushi/?hl=en
6. Kissa Koyotei Cafe
If you’re in Penang and looking for a place to try katsudon, Kissa Koyotei Cafe could be a great option. Kissa Koyotei Cafe is a Japanese restaurant in Penang specialising in serving katsudon, and it is a delightful place for lovers of Japanese cuisine. Alongside katsudon, you may find a range of other popular Japanese dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, udon, and teriyaki. This restaurant aims to provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for families to dine together.
Operating Hours:
11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Address: 148, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kissAKoyoteiCafe/
7. Restoran Sushi Kappo Miyasaka
Restoran Sushi Kappo Miyasaka is a sushi restaurant that follows the traditional Japanese style of sushi preparation, where skilled chefs craft and serve sushi directly to customers. Kappo-style restaurants often emphasise using fresh, high-quality ingredients and provide an interactive dining experience. Its katsudon incorporates a unique sauce or seasoning that differs from the standard katsudon. It is a variation of the traditional sweet and savoury sauce, adding different flavours or levels of spiciness to the dish.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Closed on Sunday – Monday
Address: 397, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100056120216582
8. Restaurant Raku Ichi Izakaya
Raku Ichi Izakaya is a place where customers can experience a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience, potentially with a focus on quality or uniqueness. It suggests a combination of a relaxed ambience, good food, and drinks for socialising and enjoyment. As an izakaya, Restaurant Raku Ichi Izakaya serves katsudon alongside a variety of other small plates, snacks, and drinks. This combination allows customers to enjoy a range of flavours and dishes while savouring their choice of alcoholic beverages.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 4, Lorong Teras 2, Kawasan Perniagaan Teras Jaya, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rakumaruramen/
9. Sumida Japanese Restaurant
If you’re a fan of katsudon and you’re visiting Sumida Japanese Restaurant, you have the opportunity to enjoy this popular dish there. The restaurant has its own unique twist or variation on the katsudon, so it’s worth trying it out at Sumida Japanese Restaurant to see how they prepare and present their version. Sumida Japanese Restaurant is a well-known establishment that specialises in Japanese cuisine.
Operating Hours:
11:30 am – 9:00 pm (Wednesday – Monday)
Closed on Tuesday
Address: 98-G-23A, Jalan Fettes Prima Tanjung Tanjung Tokong, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057556551342
10. Azuma Sushi Juru Sentral Jaya
Azuma Sushi is a well-known sushi restaurant chain in Malaysia. It is a popular dining destination for sushi lovers and offers a variety of Japanese cuisine, including katsudon, sashimi, maki rolls, and other traditional Japanese dishes. Azuma Sushi is known for its emphasis on using fresh and high-quality ingredients in its preparations. They often strive to provide an authentic Japanese dining experience, with skilled chefs crafting the sushi and other dishes with precision and care.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Ground Floor, 1, Jalan Sentral Jaya, Pusat Perniagaan Sentral Jaya, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azumasushijurusentraljaya/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azumasushimalaysia/?hl=en
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