For my Abe Carrollton second visit review, I returned to this Japanese restaurant for one specific reason: I wanted to eat the Kimchi Cheese Katsu again.
During my first visit to Abe Carrollton, I enjoyed the crispy pork cutlet, melted cheese, and kimchi combination enough to want another serving.
This time, I ordered the Kimchi Cheese Katsu Soba Combo. I wanted to see whether the flavor was as good as I remembered and whether the soba would make the meal more satisfying.
The food was still enjoyable, and the soba portion was larger than I expected. However, the experience was not quite as smooth as my first visit.
Parts of the katsu breading separated from the meat while I was eating, and the restaurant had changed from kiosk ordering to a QR code system that required payment through my phone before the food arrived.
Neither problem ruined the meal, but both affected my overall impression. This second visit gave me a more balanced view of a restaurant I had previously enjoyed.
My Return Visit to Abe Carrollton
The Kimchi Cheese Katsu was the main reason I decided to return to Abe.
I remembered enjoying the combination of crispy fried pork, melted cheese, and kimchi during my first visit. The richness of the cheese worked well with the slightly acidic flavor of the kimchi, making the dish more interesting to me than a plain pork cutlet.
Because I already knew what the food tasted like, I was especially interested in whether the texture and preparation would be consistent.
Before the meal began, however, I noticed a change in the ordering process.
From Kiosk Ordering to QR Code Ordering
During my first visit, I used a self ordering kiosk before entering the dining area. I found that process straightforward and convenient.
On my second visit, the ordering system was different. After sitting down, I needed to scan a QR code and place my order through my phone.
I also had to enter payment information and complete the payment before receiving my meal.
Personally, I preferred the previous kiosk system. Having to complete the entire ordering and payment process on my phone felt less convenient.
I understand that some customers may prefer mobile ordering, but I would rather use a kiosk or order directly with a staff member.
Once the order was completed, the rest of the dining experience went smoothly. My main complaint was about the ordering process rather than the staff.
What I Ordered at Abe Carrollton on My Second Visit
I ordered the Kimchi Cheese Katsu Soba Combo.
The katsu was the main reason for my order, but I was also interested in having cold soba alongside the fried cutlet.
Because the katsu contains melted cheese, it is a relatively rich dish. I thought the soba might provide a useful contrast, and that turned out to be one of the best parts of choosing the combo.
The katsu still had the flavor I remembered, while the generous soba portion made the meal feel more substantial than I had expected.
Kimchi Cheese Katsu: Great Flavor, but a Small Texture Problem
The Kimchi Cheese Katsu was still my favorite part of the meal at Abe Carrollton.
What makes this dish memorable to me is the combination of fried katsu, melted cheese, and kimchi.
The crispy breading provides the texture I enjoy in Japanese katsu, while the cheese adds richness. The kimchi brings a slightly acidic flavor that helps balance those heavier ingredients.
I especially appreciate the role of the kimchi. Without that contrast, the combination of fried meat and melted cheese could feel too rich for my taste.
During this second visit, the overall flavor was still satisfying. It reminded me why I had wanted to order the same dish again.
However, I noticed a problem with the breading that I had not experienced in the same way during my first visit.
As I ate, the fried coating separated from the meat in some areas. The breading was still crispy, but it did not remain attached evenly to the cutlet.
This affected the texture because I prefer to eat the crispy coating and meat together in each bite.
It was not a major failure, and the katsu still tasted good. However, I would not describe the preparation as quite as consistent as my first experience.
That distinction matters to me when revisiting a restaurant. The flavor can remain enjoyable while a small difference in preparation makes the overall experience slightly less satisfying.
My verdict on the Kimchi Cheese Katsu: I still recommend considering it, especially if you enjoy the combination of kimchi and cheese. Just keep in mind that the breading did not hold together as well during this particular visit.
Soba Combo: A Surprisingly Generous Portion
The soba was the part of the combo that surprised me most.
When I order a combination meal, I sometimes expect the second dish to be a small side. At Abe, the soba portion was considerably larger than I had anticipated.
It felt substantial enough to make a noticeable difference to the overall meal rather than simply being an extra item on the plate.
I also liked the contrast between the cold soba and the rich Kimchi Cheese Katsu.
The fried cutlet and melted cheese made the katsu filling, while the soba provided a lighter alternative between bites.
Instead of eating only a rich fried dish, I could switch to the noodles and return to the katsu afterward. That made the meal more balanced for my personal taste.
By the time I finished, I was satisfied with the amount of food and did not wish I had ordered another dish.
My recommendation: If you are planning to order Kimchi Cheese Katsu at Abe and want a more substantial meal, I would consider the Soba Combo. The portion was generous, and I enjoyed having the cold noodles alongside the fried cutlet.
Price and Portion Size of the Kimchi Cheese Katsu Soba Combo
Portion size was one of the strongest positives of my second visit.
The soba was larger than I expected, and having it alongside the Kimchi Cheese Katsu made the order feel like a substantial meal.
For me, the combination worked better than ordering only a rich fried dish. The katsu provided the stronger flavors, while the cold soba helped balance the experience.
I did not record the exact price of the combo, so I cannot provide a reliable price comparison with other Japanese restaurants in Carrollton.
However, I was satisfied with the amount of food included in my order.
From a portion size perspective, the Kimchi Cheese Katsu Soba Combo delivered more than I had anticipated, particularly because of the generous soba serving.
Atmosphere and Service at Abe Carrollton
The dining atmosphere remained similar to what I remembered from my first visit.
The restaurant looked clean and organized, and the casual setting was comfortable for enjoying a meal.
The main difference was the ordering process rather than the dining room itself.
During my first visit, I used a self ordering kiosk. On this second visit, I needed to scan a QR code at the table, place the order through my phone, enter payment information, and pay before receiving the food.
That was inconvenient for me. I prefer not having to complete every part of the ordering and payment process on my phone when I am already sitting inside a restaurant.
However, I want to distinguish that complaint from my experience with the staff.
After I completed the mobile order, the food arrived at a reasonable pace, and I did not encounter any major service problems.
For someone comfortable with QR code ordering, the process might not be an issue. My preference is simply for the previous kiosk system or more direct assistance with ordering.
First Visit vs. Second Visit: What Changed at Abe?
My first visit to Abe Carrollton left me with a strong impression of the Kimchi Cheese Katsu.
I enjoyed the crispy breading, juicy meat, melted cheese, and kimchi combination. I also liked the convenient ordering system and comfortable dining environment.
During my second visit, the flavor of the Kimchi Cheese Katsu remained one of the reasons I enjoyed the meal.
The Soba Combo also gave me a new reason to appreciate the menu. Its generous portion and contrast with the rich katsu made the order more satisfying than I expected.
However, two parts of the experience were less enjoyable than before.
First, some of the breading separated from the meat. Although the flavor remained good, the texture was not as consistent as I remembered.
Second, I preferred the previous kiosk ordering system to the QR code ordering and mobile payment process used during this visit.
These differences did not make me regret returning. They simply gave me a more complete understanding of what I liked about Abe and what I would prefer to see improved.
My Final Verdict on Abe Carrollton Second Visit
After visiting Abe Carrollton twice, the Kimchi Cheese Katsu remains the dish I would return for.
I still enjoy how the melted cheese adds richness while the kimchi provides a slightly acidic contrast to the fried cutlet.
The Soba Combo was another positive discovery. The noodle portion was larger than I expected, and the cold soba helped balance the richer katsu.
However, my second visit was not perfect. Parts of the breading separated from the meat, and I found the QR code ordering and mobile payment process less convenient than the previous kiosk system.
What I liked most: The flavor of the Kimchi Cheese Katsu and the generous soba portion included in the combo.
What disappointed me: The uneven attachment of the breading to the meat and the extra steps required for mobile ordering and payment.
Would I return? Yes. Despite those issues, I still enjoy the Kimchi Cheese Katsu enough to consider ordering it again.
If you are visiting Abe Carrollton for the first time, I would recommend considering the Kimchi Cheese Katsu Soba Combo, particularly if you enjoy crispy fried cutlets with kimchi and cheese and want a substantial meal with cold noodles.
For my next visit, I hope the breading is more consistent and the ordering process is easier. The food is still the main reason Abe remains on my list of restaurants I would revisit.
Location
📍 2625 Old Denton Rd Apt 560, Carrollton, TX 75007
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