Chicken Katsu Curry Wagamama UK-complete guide

Walking into Wagamama for the first time often leads to one common question:

“What should I order that I’ll actually enjoy?”

With so many noodle bowls, curries, and rice dishes available, choosing can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re unfamiliar with Japanese-inspired cuisine.

That’s exactly why Chicken Katsu Curry has become one of the most recommended dishes on the menu.

It’s approachable, satisfying, and consistently popular across UK locations.

But is it truly worth ordering?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Chicken Katsu Curry?

Chicken Katsu Curry is a Japanese-style comfort dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with a rich, mildly spiced curry sauce served over sticky rice.

Unlike traditional Indian curries, Japanese curry tends to be:

✔ slightly sweet
✔ less spicy
✔ thicker in texture
✔ very filling

This makes it ideal for diners who want flavour without intense heat.

For many guests, it’s the “safe first order.”

Price in the UK

Prices may vary slightly depending on location, but typically you can expect:

£13 – £16 for a standard portion.

London branches sometimes sit at the higher end, while smaller cities may be slightly cheaper.

When ordering through delivery apps, menu prices can increase due to service fees.

Tip:
Dining in often provides better overall value.

Portion Size — Will It Fill You Up?

One of the biggest concerns diners have is whether the meal justifies the price.

Thankfully, Chicken Katsu Curry is known for being properly filling.

You get:

• A full chicken fillet
• Generous rice serving
• Curry sauce
• Side salad

Most people won’t need an additional main.

If you’re moderately hungry, this dish usually does the job on its own.

Taste & Texture

The appeal of Chicken Katsu Curry lies in contrast.

You get:

✔ crispy coating
✔ tender chicken
✔ smooth curry
✔ fluffy rice

Every bite feels balanced rather than heavy.

The curry is flavourful without overpowering the chicken — which is exactly why it appeals to a wide audience.

If you normally avoid spicy meals, you’ll likely find this very manageable.

Calories & Nutrition

While exact values may vary slightly, Chicken Katsu Curry is generally considered a higher-calorie meal compared to lighter noodle soups.

That doesn’t make it unhealthy — just more indulgent.

It’s best suited for:

✔ lunch when you need energy
✔ dinner after a long day
✔ situations where you want something satisfying

If you prefer lighter meals, ramen may feel less heavy.

Is It Good for First-Time Visitors?

Yes — and that’s a big reason it’s frequently recommended.

First-time diners often worry about:

• ordering something too unfamiliar
• wasting money on the wrong dish
• choosing food that’s too spicy

Chicken Katsu removes most of that risk.

It sits comfortably between familiar and adventurous.

Who Will Enjoy It Most?

This dish is especially ideal for:

✔ first-time Wagamama visitors
✔ comfort food lovers
✔ people sensitive to spice
✔ families
✔ teenagers
✔ anyone arriving very hungry

It’s less suited for diners specifically seeking very low-calorie meals.

Are There Alternatives?

If you like the concept but want something different, consider:

Yasai Katsu – a plant-based version featuring vegetables.
Tofu Curry – lighter but still satisfying.

These options help accommodate different dietary preferences without losing the core experience.

Is Chicken Katsu Curry Worth the Price?

For most diners — yes.

You’re paying for:

• freshly prepared food
• generous portions
• balanced flavour
• reliable quality

It’s not the cheapest item on the menu, but it often delivers strong value compared to smaller plates.

Many guests reorder it on future visits — which says a lot.

Final Verdict

If you’re unsure where to start at Wagamama, Chicken Katsu Curry is one of the safest and most satisfying choices available.

It’s filling without being overwhelming, flavourful without being too spicy, and familiar enough to enjoy even if you’re new to Japanese-style dishes.

For a first visit, it’s hard to go wrong.