Osaka Bench Melbourne: Curry Chicken Katsu Don in a Cozy Japanese-Style Spot (Review)

Osaka Bench

Location: 1B/289 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Featured Items: Curry Chicken Katsu Don ($17.00 AUD)

Note: Cozy, small-café feel. The rice portion is very generous. Prices are in AUD.

Verdict: Crispy katsu and a decent curry sauce in a charming setting, but go easy on the rice.

For a quick lunch, we walked to the nearby Osaka Bench on Flinders Lane. Of course, when I see curry on a menu, I grab it, so there was never any question about what I would order. I went with the Curry Chicken Katsu Don.

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Curry Chicken Katsu Don ($17.00)

The crispy, golden chicken katsu is sliced and smothered in a rich, savoury curry sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice. On the side, there is a pile of fresh, shredded cabbage drizzled with creamy Japanese mayo, along with bright red pickled ginger and a sprinkle of seaweed flakes on top. The sauce was decent and the katsu stayed nicely crispy under all that curry. My only complaint is that it was too much rice for me, so if you have a smaller appetite, ask for less.

Curry Chicken Katsu Don ($17.00): crispy katsu, rich curry sauce and way too much rice

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The Ambiance

I love the ambiance at Osaka Bench. It is cozy and warm, and it looks a lot like the little eateries you see in Japanese anime and dramas. It is the kind of place where you want to slow down and enjoy your bowl.

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Final Thoughts

Osaka Bench is a charming spot for a quick, comforting lunch, and I would happily go back to try something else from the menu. Next time, I will ask for less rice. Prices are in AUD.

What is your favourite Japanese comfort food: curry, katsu or something else? Tell me in the comments, because I am always up for a new craving!