The ages old Japanese dish katsu, traditionally referred to as tonkatsu, a breaded and then deep fried slice of meat usually enjoyed as a curry or alongside rice has been reinvented into a sandwich.

The newly opened Mr. Katsu is a Japanese fusion sandwich shop specializing in katsu sandwiches located on Yorba Linda Blvd. in Fullerton. You can choose between pork, chicken or grilled chicken cutlets in the sandwiches and most have a special sauce or coleslaw layered over the meat. For example, the habanero pesto sandwich is smothered in a Habanero aoli and pesto sauce and the original sandwich comes with the traditional katsu sauce.

The katsu that sits within the Habanero pesto sandwich is thoroughly fried but still retains the meat’s juiciness. The sandwich provides a nice kick from the Habanero aoli and the coleslaw helps balance the spiciness. Each bite is a mixture of flavors from spicy to savory to a slight sweetness from the coleslaw. The flavors from the pesto are a little underwhelming and are overpowered by the heat from the Habanero.

The prices of the sandwiches range around $9 to $10. It’s a good option to consider if you want to treat yourself on your lunch break or between classes.

The levels of spiciness of this sandwich ranges from day to day, depending on the peppers used. They buy fresh Habanero peppers daily, according to Jason Liu, kitchen manager.

The potato puffs are a perfect complement to the sandwich. They come breaded with a soft potato filling or a curry-flavored potato filling. They are giving customers free potato puffs with their sandwiches until Feb. 13th as a grand opening special.

For hours and more information call 714-986-9888.