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In 1990, after years of practicing medicine and reviewing Van Gogh’s case history via his hundreds of letters, Arenberg published a paper in JAMA diagnosing Van Gogh as suffering not from epilepsy, as the artist’s physician claimed a century earlier, but from Ménière’s disease, an inner-ear affliction that can cause vertigo, of which Van Gogh complained, and tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears. Ménière’s, to Arenberg, could better explain Van Gogh’s decision to slice off his ear. After retiring, in 2017, Arenberg recommitted himself to studying Van Gogh and became convinced that art historians had made an even more alarming mistake: Van Gogh had not committed suicide. He’d been murdered.

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There is something universally comforting about a perfectly fried Japanese katsu. That golden-brown, shattering panko crust hugging a juicy center is the ultimate comfort food. Traditionally, tonkatsu (pork cutlet) rules the menu, but if you aren’t a fan of pork, don’t eat it, or just want something a little lighter, chicken katsu is an absolute superstar alternative.

While they look nearly identical on the plate, the magic happens when you take that first bite.

When you bite into a traditional pork tonkatsu, you’re getting a rich, deeply savory experience. Pork loin features a distinct fat cap that melts into the meat, giving it a heavy, luxurious juiciness and a firmer, tighter chew.

Chicken katsu, on the other hand, is a masterclass in clean, tender comfort. Whether a spot uses succulent thigh meat or a perfectly prepared breast, the texture is inherently softer and more yielding than pork. It lacks that heavy, unctuous pork fat, making it feel notably lighter on the palate. The mild profile of the chicken also acts as a perfect canvas, allowing the nutty crunch of the fried panko and the flavor punch of the katsu sauce to truly pop. It’s crispy, juicy, and entirely satisfying without leaving you needing a post-lunch nap.

If you are hunting for a delicious casual plate in the South Bay, you don't need to dress up or book a reservation weeks in advance. Here are five local spots to check out for a laid-back, satisfying meal:

While Kagura has a beautiful sit-down space, it remains the absolute gold standard for a casual, authentic katsu lunch box or curry plate in Old Torrance. They are famous for their pork, but their chicken katsu is handled with the exact same legendary precision. The panko coating is incredibly airy and crisp without ever feeling greasy. Pair it with their robust house curry or enjoy it as a standard set, and you will quickly see why locals flock here.

If you want the definition of a local, no-frills neighborhood eatery, Teri’s Place is a South Bay treasure. Tucked away on the border of Gardena and Torrance, this cozy spot is widely loved for serving massive, comforting portions of Japanese-American comfort food at a great price. Their chicken katsu is cooked to order—wonderfully crispy on the outside, steaming hot and tender on the inside. It’s standard, homestyle comfort food at its absolute best.

If you like your chicken katsu paired with a thick, deeply savory Japanese curry, Go Go Curry is a must-visit. Originating from Kanazawa, Japan, this casual, fast-paced spot serves up its signature dark, rich curry over rice, topped with a perfectly flat, intensely crunchy chicken katsu that is sliced into easy-to-eat strips and served with a side of shredded cabbage.

Located inside the Tokyo Central food court on Pacific Coast Highway, Kimukatsu specializes in a very specific, incredibly juicy style of multi-layered katsu. While they are famous for their layered pork, they bring that same meticulous technique to their chicken options. It is a fantastic spot to grab a premium, ultra-crispy casual meal while doing your weekend grocery shopping.

For a slightly modern twist on the classic cutlet, Katsu Bar on Crenshaw Boulevard offers an excellent menu dedicated entirely to the art of the fry. Their chicken katsu stands out for its thick, premium cuts and incredibly light, shattering panko crust. You can get it as a traditional plate, smothered in curry, or even served as a massive, satisfying katsu sandwich.

Whether you’re team chicken or team pork, the South Bay is an absolute goldmine for authentic, comforting Japanese comfort food. The eateries we’ve looked at are really just the tip of the iceberg—part of the fun of living here is stumbling into an unassuming strip mall or a quiet neighborhood corner and discovering your own personal favorite katsu spot.

So the next time that craving strikes, skip the fancy dining rooms, head out into the local neighborhood, and enjoy the perfect, golden crunch of a spectacular casual meal.