National Katsu Curry Day 2026

Every September 27, fans of crispy cutlets and rich, aromatic sauce celebrate one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods: katsu curry. National Katsu Curry Day is a delicious tribute to the fusion dish that brings together golden breaded meat and savory Japanese curry, often served with rice and pickles. It’s a celebration of culinary culture, cozy meals, and the joy of sharing food that warms the soul.

What is National Katsu Curry Day?

National Katsu Curry Day is a food awareness event dedicated to katsu curry – a Japanese dish that pairs deep-fried panko-breaded cutlets (usually pork or chicken) with a smooth, mildly spicy curry sauce. It’s a staple in Japanese homes, restaurants, and even school lunches, loved for its bold flavor and satisfying texture.

The day was established to promote appreciation for Japanese cuisine and to celebrate the growing popularity of katsu curry in the UK and around the world. Restaurants often mark the occasion with special deals, limited-time menu items, and charity partnerships tied to every curry sold.

When is National Katsu Curry Day?

National Katsu Curry Day is observed each year on September 27. It was launched by the Japanese food chain Wasabi to celebrate their signature dish and raise funds for mental health charities. Since then, it has become a fun, flavorful annual event for curry fans everywhere.

Many restaurants offer discounts or donate proceeds from katsu curry dishes sold on this day to charitable causes – adding a feel-good factor to an already comforting meal.

Why National Katsu Curry Day Matters

This day is about more than just enjoying a tasty dish – it’s about celebrating cultural exchange and supporting causes that matter. Japanese curry itself is a symbol of fusion: introduced from the West via British naval routes in the 19th century and adapted into something uniquely Japanese. Katsu curry represents how food evolves, travels, and brings people together.

By turning a popular menu item into a force for good, National Katsu Curry Day also shines a light on how everyday actions – like ordering your favorite takeaway – can support charities and start conversations about mental wellbeing, inclusion, and shared meals as a source of comfort.

How to Get Involved in National Katsu Curry Day

Whether you’re a die-hard katsu fan or new to Japanese cuisine, here are some great ways to join in on September 27:

• Order katsu curry from a local Japanese restaurant: Support your local food scene and try something new.
• Make your own at home: Cook chicken or tofu katsu and pair it with a rich Japanese curry sauce and steamed rice. Plenty of recipes are available online.
• Host a katsu night: Invite friends or family over for a katsu curry dinner. Let everyone build their plate with toppings like pickled ginger, spring onions, or crispy shallots.
• Share on social media: Post your katsu curry meal with the official hashtags to join the wider celebration and raise awareness.
• Donate to a charity: Some restaurants partner with nonprofits on this day – or choose a mental health cause you care about and contribute directly.

History of National Katsu Curry Day

National Katsu Curry Day was launched by UK-based Japanese restaurant chain Wasabi in 2019 to celebrate one of their most popular dishes and to support charitable giving. Since its founding, the campaign has raised funds for mental health organizations such as the UK’s Mental Health Foundation and YoungMinds.

The dish itself has deeper roots. Japanese curry was first introduced in the late 1800s during the Meiji era and became a widely loved comfort food. The katsu (cutlet) element was added later, bringing in influences from Western-style breaded meats. The result is a fusion dish that is now a staple across Japan and far beyond.

Noteworthy Facts About Katsu Curry

• “Katsu” comes from the Japanese word “katsuretsu,” meaning cutlet – usually pork (tonkatsu) or chicken (chicken katsu).
• Japanese curry is typically milder and thicker than Indian or Thai curries, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Katsu curry is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese school lunches and home cooking.
• In the UK, the dish has surged in popularity thanks to high street restaurants and the rising interest in Japanese cuisine.
• Some katsu curry fundraisers have donated thousands of meals or pounds to mental health initiatives since the day’s launch.

Hashtags

#NationalKatsuCurryDay, #KatsuCurry, #JapaneseComfortFood