Scallop Crudo, Katsu & Corn Ice Cream in Jersey City

I was in Jersey City and wanted to check out somewhere new when I came across Kat Khao. The restaurant feels slightly tucked away from some of the other spots in the neighborhood, with great decor, soft music playing in the background, and an overall chill atmosphere.

It was completely empty when I first walked in, although a couple of other tables filled up while I was there. As a solo diner, I actually loved it. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and my waitress got my drink and food orders in quickly.

But the reason I’d come back is the food.

Hokkaido Scallop Crudo

The Hokkaido scallop crudo was easily my favorite dish.

There were a bunch of different flavors going on at once, with the sweetness of the scallops balanced by the heat from the red chiles. I love when a dish gives you something unexpected, and this was easily the most inventive thing I ate here.

I’d order it again without hesitation.

Chicken Katsu Noodle Salad

For my entrée, I went with the chicken katsu noodle salad.

This had a really nice balance of textures. The chicken was crispy and crunchy while the noodles were soft but still had a little bite to them. The same red chiles from the crudo showed up here too, which I personally loved.

If you’re not into heat, though, I’d definitely ask about the chiles before ordering.

Lychee Paloma

The lychee Paloma was exactly what I wanted alongside everything else — super light and refreshing.

With all the heat and different flavors coming from the food, having something bright and easy to drink worked really well.

Dessert Next Door

I considered getting the ume tiramisu but decided to skip dessert at Kat Khao.

That ended up working out because there’s an Asian ice cream shop just a couple doors down. I stopped there afterward and got corn ice cream instead.

Definitely a fun way to end the night.

Final Thoughts

Kat Khao is the kind of restaurant I like finding when I’m wandering around a neighborhood looking for somewhere new.

The service was good, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the food actually gave me something to think about. The Hokkaido scallop crudo in particular was inventive, flavorful, spicy, and easily the standout of the meal.

I’d absolutely come back.

It works for a date night, dinner with friends, a business dinner, or even eating solo like I did. Parking in the area can be a pain, but that’s Jersey City.

And if you go, get the scallop crudo.

Would I recommend Kat Khao? Oh heck yes!