The Place Located at OUE Downtown Gallery along Shenton Way, Katsu by Kyu is a new Korean-inspired tonkatsu restaurant which specialises in Jeju pork. The interior of the 44-seater space takes on a traditional Korean hanok style, with a main dining hall and a few cosy rooms for smaller groups.  

If you love open kitchen dining, the best vantage point is arguably at the L-shaped wooden counter surrounding the open kitchen. 

The Food Only Jeju pork is used at Katsu by Kyu. Premium Jeju pork supposedly contains a higher proportion of red muscle fibres, which are denser, more oxygen-rich, and naturally more flavourful. Each cut then undergoes 10 days of dry aging, then finished over rice-straw charcoal before serving. 

It is a concise menu with a few sets featuring different parts of the pork. All signature sets are served alongside house pickles, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and free-flow rice. 

I had the Centre-Cut Premium Jeju Loin Set (S$42) set where the pork spots a crisp and golden exterior while the meat is juicy. I love the crust, which is light and not too greasy. The panko is mixed with freshly milled rice powder to create a unique and rich crust. 

There are also condiments to go along with the pork such as salt, wasabi, and even a gochujang-infused tonkatsu sauce. 

Other than pork, I also managed to try the Panko Crusted Beef Short-Rib Patty (S$38) where the house-made beef tteokgalbi is folded with Korean kimchi.

The combination of kimchi and the crisp beef short-rib work very well together with a well-balanced flavour. I highly recommend this.  

Pork and beef aside, the Cold Flat Udon (S$18) is an udon version I never had before, which is quite an unexpected highlight for me as well. The Japan-imported flat udon is served on cold ice along with three dipping sauce options, and each sheet of udon is wide and long, perfect to dip into the sauce.

It is a nice and clean flavour especially after having the fried pork and beef cutlets.  

Other sides to expect on the menu include Kadaif Prawn (S$12) which spots a light and crunchy crust; Curry (S$6) sauce which I think is great to have with the rice in each set.

Special mention to the delicious rice here, where the restaurant uses Samgwang, one of Korea’s most highly regarded premium rice cultivars at Special Grade classification. The rice is milled fresh each morning and cooked to order in traditional Korean Gamasot pots. 

Rants No reservations are are taken and be prepared to wait in line for your turn, especially during the peak CBD lunch hour.  

Will I Return Again? Overall, I think the quality of the dishes here are above average and it is a place I see myself returning to. It is not just the pork which impresses, but sides like curry sauce and the type of rice used are not neglected as well.  

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

Katsu by Kyu 
6A Shenton Way 
#01-09/10 Downtown Gallery 
Singapore 068815 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Saturday: 11am to 3pm; 5pm to 10pm 
Closed on Sunday 

Ranted by The Ranter