Okayama's specialty "Demi Katsudon" is an attractive dish that is a little different from ordinary katsudon. Demi Katsudon, which consists of crispy pork cutlet topped with rich demi-glace sauce, is addictive once you try it. In Okayama, it is a local B-class gourmet dish that is enjoyed by a wide range of generations throughout the year.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Demi Katsudon.

Characteristics of Demi-katsudon

Demi-katsudon is known by various names, such as domi-katsu or yo-fu-katsu. The greatest appeal of the "demi-katsudon" is its wide variety. Each restaurant has its own unique arrangement, and the appearance and taste are different.

There are various styles, from a simple dish of pork cutlet on rice with demi-glace sauce, to one where the pork cutlet is thoroughly soaked in the sauce. The flavor of the demi-glace sauce also varies widely, from sweet to light tomato-based to rich and heavy, and you can feel the commitment of each restaurant.

There are also variations, such as garnishing it with crispy shredded cabbage or topping it with green peas or a raw egg, so it's fun to try different versions and compare them.

The history of Demi-katsudon

The restaurant that is said to have originated the demi-katsudon is the long-established restaurant "Ajitsukasa Nomura" in Okayama Prefecture. It was originally a restaurant that served set meals.

The first owner of Ajitsukasa Nomura, which was founded in 1931, was impressed by the rich flavor and umami of the demi-glace sauce he encountered at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, and thought, "I want the locals to taste this flavor too." When he returned to Okayama, he thought, "I want to pair it with white rice," and after much trial and error, the demi-katsudon, which can be said to be a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine, was born.

The distinctive feature of the Demi-katsudon is that, unlike the egg-bound katsudon, it is made by pouring a generous amount of rich demi-glace sauce over the juicy pork cutlet. In addition, at Ajitsukasa Nomura, they put boiled cabbage on top to help the flavors blend together. The addition of green peas to add color also gives it a nostalgic feel.

It is said that the unique taste of demi-glace sauce, packed with deep richness, sweetness, and umami, suited the taste of the people of Okayama. The taste of demi-glace sauce, which has been handed down from father to son for many years, is still loved today as the "Nomura taste."

Currently, the number of restaurants serving demi-katsudon in Okayama Prefecture is increasing, and it has become widely known among tourists as a "specialty gourmet dish of Okayama." In addition, the "Okayama Demi-katsudon Support Team" was formed, and activities to spread the appeal of demi-katsudon are being carried out through events such as the B-1 Grand Prix.

Tourist spots in Okayama

Okayama, where you can enjoy demi-katsudon, has many tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Okayama.

Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle is a beautiful castle built in 1597 by Ukita Hideie, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior. The three-story, six-storey castle tower with its unusual scalene pentagonal base has an imposing appearance, and from the top floor you can get a panoramic view of Asahikawa, Okayama Korakuen, and Okayama city.

The castle tower was burned down in an air raid in 1945, but has since been rebuilt and will reopen in 2022 after a major renovation. Inside the building, there are exhibits supervised by historian Michifumi Isoda, and you can learn about the history of Okayama in an easy-to-understand way. There is also a Bizen ware workshop in Karasujo Park, where you can enjoy a clay-twisting experience, and seasonal light-up events such as the autumn "Karasujo Togenkyo" are also popular.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is an area that is alive with history from the Edo period, and is known for its charming white-walled storehouses, namako walls, and rows of willow trees. The retro-modern scenery along the Kurashiki River draws in visitors, and the area is lined with stylish shops selling local brands such as Kurashiki denim and canvas, as well as cafes renovated from traditional townhouses. There are also plenty of cultural facilities such as the Ohara Museum of Art and Ivy Square, so you can enjoy a stroll through the area all day long.

At night, the area is lit up by lighting designer Mikiko Ishii, creating a fantastical landscape that gracefully reflects the white walls and townhouses. Guests can also enjoy walking around the town holding paper lanterns, which are available for rental only to guests staying at the hotel.

Fukiya Hometown Village

Fukiya Furusato Village is a historic town located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, known as the birthplace of "Japan Red." From the Edo to Meiji periods, it prospered through the production of a red pigment called Bengala, and the townscape is unified with copper-colored Sekishu tiles and Bengala-colored exteriors, making it an attractive place.

The area is dotted with elaborately designed mansions built by wealthy merchants, the former Fukiya Elementary School, and copper mine-related facilities such as the Sasane Tunnel, all of which still convey the prosperity of the time. It has been designated as a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and its charming scenery has been preserved. Another popular experience is making handkerchiefs and bags using red ochre paint.

How to get to Okayama

Okayama, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, is located in a convenient location. There are various ways to get there, such as by plane or JR, but by plane you can arrive in Okayama in no time.

If you are heading to Okayama from Tokyo, we recommend flying. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Haneda Airport to Okayama Momotaro Airport. From Sapporo and Okinawa, it takes about 2 hours by plane. From Okayama Momotaro Airport to Tsuyama Station, it takes about 1 hour by rental car.

It takes approximately 3 hours from Kyoto Station, Osaka Station, Nagoya Station, or Hakata Station to Tsuyama Station.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Okayama. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Okayama Prefecture

summary

Okayama's local B-class gourmet "Demi-katsudon" is an attractive dish with a long history and the ingenuity of each restaurant. There are many different types of demi-katsudon, so it's fun to try them all and compare them to find your own favorite.

If you visit Okayama, be sure to try the Demi-katsudon.

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