Katsu by Kyu @ OUE Downtown Gallery - Singapore’s First Tonkatsu Specialist Using Jeju Pork Exclusively

Tonkatsu gets a Korean-inspired makeover at Katsu by Kyu, located at OUE Downtown Gallery. Positioned as the first tonkatsu specialist in Singapore to use Jeju pork exclusively, the restaurant places premium pork, Korean ingredients and traditional cooking techniques at the heart of its menu. More than just a tonkatsu restaurant, Katsu by Kyu is built around the belief that time is an ingredient. From dry-ageing its Jeju pork to preparing fresh-milled Korean rice, the restaurant strongly emphasises letting each ingredient develop its best flavour and texture.

For our visit, we went with the Couples Set ($98 for 2 pax), which offers a good introduction to the restaurant’s selection. The set includes a choice of two mains from Classic Jeju Loin, Centre-Cut Premium Jeju Loin, Jeju Tenderloin and Panko Crusted Beef Short Rib Patty, along with a shareable side, a choice of udon, a curry sauce pairing and green tea.

For our mains, we opted for the Centre-Cut Premium Jeju Loin and Panko Crusted Beef Short-Rib Patty, paired with the Kadaif Prawn and Cold Flat Udon.

Centre-Cut Premium Jeju Loin 4.2/5

The Centre-Cut Premium Jeju Loin is the more indulgent of the two mains, made using their finest marbled cut of Jeju pork. Generous fat marbling runs through the meat, giving the pork a naturally rich, buttery character. The pork is dry-aged for 10 days, which concentrates its flavour and improves tenderness. Before serving, the tonkatsu is finished over rice-straw charcoal, adding a lightly smoky aroma and a crisp, subtly charred finish. Cutting through the golden crust reveals tender, juicy pork within, with rendered fat adding richness without overwhelming the meat. The contrast between the crisp coating, succulent pork and gentle smokiness from the charcoal makes this a particularly satisfying rendition of tonkatsu. It is served as a complete set with finely shredded cabbage, miso soup, steamed Korean rice, pickles and tonkatsu sauce. The freshly prepared rice is particularly fitting alongside the rich pork, helping to round out each bite.

Panko Crusted Beef Short-Rib Patty 4/5

For something a little different, we chose the Panko Crusted Beef Short-Rib Patty, a unique take on katsu that moves away from the usual pork or chicken. The patty is made in-house using beef short rib Tteokgalbi, folded with Korean kimchi before being coated in panko and fried until crisp. Tteokgalbi is traditionally known for its tender, seasoned minced beef texture, and here it takes on a new form as a katsu-style patty. The beef has a deep, savoury character with a gentle sweetness, while the kimchi adds a mild tang and fermented depth that cuts through the beef’s richness. The crisp panko exterior contrasts nicely with the softer, juicy centre. It is an interesting fusion of Korean and Japanese influences, and probably one of the more distinctive items on the menu for those looking beyond the traditional tonkatsu.

Kadaif Prawn 4.5/5

For our shareable side, we went with the Kadaif Prawn. Rather than using regular prawns, Katsu by Kyu opts for tiger prawns, chosen for their firmer texture, meatier bite and naturally sweet flavour. Each prawn is individually wrapped by hand in delicate strands of kadaif pastry, then fried until golden and crisp. The kadaif gives the prawn an incredibly light, airy crunch, like a fine nest of crispy pastry around the succulent seafood. Beneath the crisp exterior, the tiger prawn remains plump and juicy, with its natural sweetness and briny flavour coming through clearly. Served with a house-made dipping sauce, it offers a nice textural change from the heavier tonkatsu mains. The combination of sweet, succulent prawn and delicate crunch makes this an easy side to share.

Cold Flat Udon

We also chose the Cold Flat Udon, made with Japan-imported flat udon noodles and served chilled with a choice of three dipping sauces — soy paste, pickled chilli or roasted sesame. The noodles have a smooth, light and pleasantly chewy texture, with the flat shape giving them a slightly different mouthfeel from conventional udon. Served cold, they make for a refreshing accompaniment to the richer fried dishes. Of the three dipping sauces, each offers a different direction — the soy paste provides savoury depth, the pickled chilli brings a sharper kick, while the roasted sesame gives a nuttier, more rounded flavour.

Katsu by Kyu offers a refreshing take on the familiar tonkatsu experience, bringing together premium Jeju pork, Japanese katsu techniques and Korean culinary influences. The focus on ingredient quality is evident, particularly with the dry-aged Jeju pork and freshly milled Korean rice. At the same time, the charcoal finishing adds another layer of aroma and texture to the tonkatsu.

The Couples Set is a good way to sample the restaurant, especially for first-time visitors who want to try different elements of the menu in one sitting. From the rich, tender Centre-Cut Premium Jeju Loin to the inventive Beef Short-Rib Patty, crispy Kadaif Prawn, and refreshing Cold Flat Udon, the set offers plenty of variety.

For those looking for something beyond the conventional tonkatsu experience, Katsu by Kyu is worth checking out for its Korean-inspired approach, premium Jeju pork and open-kitchen cooking rituals.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Katsu by Kyu
OUE Downtown Gallery
6A Shenton Way
#01-09
Singapore 068815
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk towards Shenton Way. At Shenton Way, turn left and walk to the OUE Downtown Gallery. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cygnet @ QT Singapore - Bottomless Steak Frites

From mornings to evenings, QT Singapore has you covered with the recent launch of three distinct dining experiences at Cygnet — Brunch, Steak Frites, and Cygnet Sundays. Thoughtfully curated for different dining occasions, the concepts take you from laid-back daytime dining to elevated evening experiences.

We tried their Bottomless Steak Frites: Choose Your Indulgence, where we could pick from three different cuts. Prices start from $48 for the Classic Steak Frites, with premium upgrades to the Argentinian Ribeye at $78 and the luxurious Ōmi Wagyu at $108.

Milk Loaf

Before the steaks arrived, we were served their signature in-house Milk Loaf. Its pillowy texture, paired with an intense milky flavour, completely stole our hearts.

Ribeye 4.5/5

Ōmi Wagyu 4.8/5

For steaks, we went with the Ribeye (200g) and Ōmi Wagyu (100g). Both were expertly cooked to medium doneness, even during the restaurant’s busiest hour and across subsequent orders. The Ribeye delivered satisfying, robust beefy notes, while the Wagyu was incredibly buttery and luscious.

Oysters 5/5

If you drop by before 7:30pm, there is another treat waiting for you - Freshly shucked Oysters at just $1 each. We thoroughly enjoyed these Japanese oysters, which were delicate in taste with a mild brininess. For a truly indulgent evening, Moët & Chandon Champagne is also available at $18 per glass or $98 per bottle.

Steak Frites is available Mondays to Saturdays from 5:30pm, with a two-hour dining limit per table. The $1 oysters promotion is limited to 12 oysters per guest and available until 7:30pm.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Cygnet by Sean Connolly
QT Singapore
35 Robinson Road
Singapore 068876
Tel: +65 6701 6833
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at the Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn left and walk down Marina View. Turn right onto Commerce Street. Walk down Commerce Street to the traffic junction of Shenton Way and Tat Street. Cross the road and walk down Tat Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 6. Cross the road and walk down Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Cross Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Sospiri @ IOI Central Boulevard Towers - Chic Italian Restaurant in the Heart of Singapore

Perched atop the newly opened IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Sospiri is one of the newest additions to Singapore's Italian dining scene. From the moment you step in, you're transported into a charming Italian-Mediterranean retreat, reminiscent of a Roman holiday villa. Bathed in natural light and breezy interiors, the ambience sets the stage for a culinary journey through Southern Italy, where fresh, high-quality ingredients take centre stage.

Burrata di Andria ai Pistacchi 4.8/5

We began our meal with the Burrata di Andria ai Pistacchi ($26), a beautifully composed starter featuring creamy burrata, smooth avocado, and prized Bronte pistachios. The pairing worked harmoniously, offering a balanced contrast of rich, milky cheese and the buttery crunch of nuts. A dish that's as elegant as it is satisfying.

Battuta di Tonno 4.2/5

Another highlight from the antipasti selection was the Battuta di Tonno ($26). The zesty brightness of Amalfi lemon, aromatic salmoriglio, and briny Pantelleria capers lifted this refined bluefin tuna tartare. Light, fresh, and layered with Mediterranean character, it made for a refreshing start.

Ravioli alla Vaccinara 4.2/5

Moving on to our pasta, we had the Ravioli alla Vaccinara ($35). Each homemade ravioli is filled with tender and flavourful ox tail, spiked with lemon zest and complemented by pine nuts for a nutty finish.

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca 5/5

The standout dish of the evening was the Spaghetti alla Puttanesca ($30). The spaghetti was perfectly cooked al dente and coated in a punchy, spicy tomato sauce that brought depth and vibrancy to every bite. The dish was thoughtfully paired with summer vegetables, which added a refreshing contrast and balance to the bold, savoury flavours. It was a bright, satisfying plate that delivered both comfort and complexity, a clear favourite of the night.

Tiramisu 4/5

To round off the meal, we had the classic Tiramisu ($22). Well-balanced with just the right touch of bitterness from the espresso and sweetness from the cream, it was a familiar yet delightful finish to the dinner.

Sospiri al Limone 4.8/5

If you've got room for one more bite, don't miss the Sospiri al Limone ($12). These airy, fluffy Amalfi lemon angel cake puffs are light, zesty, and highly addictive. I'd gladly save room or find a second stomach for these again.

Sospiri offers an elevated Southern Italian dining experience, serving refined dishes that remain true to their regional roots. With stunning city views, warm hospitality, and an exquisite menu that marries tradition and creativity, it's a welcome new gem in the heart of the CBD.


Sospiri
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#07-02
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 94780906
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 3pm - 12midnight
Sat: 1130am - 12midnight
Sun: 113am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at the Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4 or 6. Walk to Commerce Street. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

VENUE by Sebastian @ Downtown Gallery - New Menu Additions to Chef Sebastian’s Range of Contemporary European Cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian Influences

VENUE by Sebastian at Downtown Gallery, helmed by Chef-Owner Sebastian Ng, has refreshed the menu with new offerings. The casual restaurant's menu highlights contemporary European cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, with items priced very reasonably for its quality.

In conjunction with its 7th anniversary celebrations, diners can look forward to new menu additions and a newly launched three-course dinner menu available from just $58!

Roasted Cauliflower Salad 4.5/5

The Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($18) provided a delightful medley of textures. Combined with toasted almonds and jewelled salad, it was finished with a dollop of mint yoghurt, lending a fresh and minty brightness. The addition of pomegranate added a clever touch of sweetness.

Crispy Potato 4.2/5

A new dish on the menu, this Crispy Potato ($9) was a quick favourite among my dining companions. The crispy, thin shreds of potatoes were paired with toppings of chorizo, sautéed mushroom and a poached egg. We were recommended to break and mix the egg to allow its yolk to coat the dish evenly. It was both slightly earthy and intensely savoury.

Foie Gras Mousse 4.5/5

For a more luxurious starter, go for the Foie Gras Mousse ($19). I loved how it was very simply presented but tasted otherwise. In fact, all that the creamy and rich foie gras mousse needed to be paired with, was their lightly toasted and soft housemade brioche. I would like more bread to make the most of the spread!

Farro & Mushrooms 4.8/5

Calling out to fellow mushroom lovers to try this new Farro & Mushrooms ($26) dish! It was profoundly earthy yet not at all overwhelming, unlike how some similar risotto dishes may be. The bed of farro had a slight chew, done with a generous amount of mushrooms and kombu butter, topped with parmigiano reggiano and a poached egg.

I loved the combination of textures and flavours here. Even though this was meant to be a starter, it would also work perfectly as a main.

Braised 12 Hours Wagyu Beef Cheek Au Jus

While I couldn't take beef, my dining companions sang praises of the Braised 12-hour Wagyu Beef Cheek Au Jus ($38) for its texture. The beef was served with pomme purée and broccolini.

Chilean Seabass 4.5/5

The Chilean Seabass ($42) was tender and flaky. It was served with mushroom-bacon ragout and sat in truffle yuzu butter sauce. The flavours were well-balanced, but the portion of seabass could be slightly bigger.

Iberico Pork Collar 4/5

Our last meat dish was the grilled Iberico Pork Collar ($38). I appreciated the smoky char on the slices, but I found the cuts slightly too chewy. The mint yoghurt lent a refreshing touch.

Pistachio Financier 4/5

Our first dessert featured the nutty Pistachio Financier ($15) paired with a scoop of grand marnier ice cream and tangy raspberry yoghurt dressing. We heard that the dessert components were all homemade.

Pear Tart 4.5/5

Next was the unassuming Pear Tart ($15). It had an impressively light and thin pastry with sweet pear bits within, topped with crumble and paired with Bailey ice cream. The crisp texture was a lovely surprise.

Classic Peach Melba 4/5

Finally, we sampled the new Classic Peach Melba ($15) with vanilla ice cream, chantilly cream and fresh raspberry sauce. This would be a good choice if you're craving for something more sweet to end the meal, although I would have preferred a bit more crunch for texture.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


VENUE by Sebastian
Downtown Gallery
#01-02
6A Shenton Way
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6904 9688
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to traffic junction of Maxwell Road and Shenton Way. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to Shenton Way. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Café 2000 @ M Hotel Singapore - Launches Enchanting Festive Buffet at Cafe 2000

M Hotel Singapore, situated on Anson Road in Singapore, presents an enchanting Festive Buffet at Cafe 2000 this Christmas. The buffet offers a delightful array of culinary delights, ranging from the freshest seafood-on-ice to exceptional carvings like Chargrilled Australian Tomahawk with Kampot Pepper, Roast Turkey, Bone-in Gammon Ham, Foie Gras with Berries Coulis, including ‘live’ Crowaffle and Flambe Crepes station and unforgettable spread of yuletide desserts.

The Festive Dinner is available from November 16 to December 21, followed by the Christmas buffet starting from December 22. It's a perfect opportunity to celebrate the Yuletide season with a blend of festive flavours and a joyful ambience at M Hotel Singapore.

The Seafood On Ice display is a captivating showcase of oceanic delights, offering a feast for seafood enthusiasts. The display features an assortment of premium seafood, including succulent crab legs, plump prawns, and a variety of mussels and clams.

The Christmas specials include Roast Lamb Rib, Roast Beef, Roasted Turkey, and Honey Baked Ham. The standout is the freshly grilled Roast Beef, sliced and cooked on the spot, imparting a smoky taste. It is also superbly tender and juicy, with the fatty parts, in particular, showcasing a melt-in-the-mouth sensation, adding a luxurious and indulgent touch to every bite.

The Roast Lamb Rib promises succulence, Roasted Turkey delivers a classic holiday experience, and the Honey-baked Ham combines sweetness with savoury notes.

The local delight of Chilli Crab captures the essence of Singapore's rich food culture perfectly. The Chilli Crab features a luscious and flavourful sauce, showcasing the perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes that define this iconic dish. The combination is a harmonious marriage of textures and flavours, paired with crispy mantou.

For an alternative crab option, the Tanghoon Crab features crab paired with tanghoon, also known as glass noodles. The crab was prepared with a flavourful sauce that coats the tanghoon, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. At the same time, the noodles absorbed the savoury essence of the crab and sauce, providing a unique and enjoyable mouthfeel.

Don't miss out on the Baked Lobsters adorned with a rich and flamed cheesy sauce that adds a layer of decadence to the dish. The sauce features a creamy and flavourful blend, complementing the succulent lobster meat harmoniously.

Other delectable options in the buffet include Steamed Fish and Nonya Curry, Fried Seafood Beehoon, Lamb Stew, Chicken Satay, Hawaiian Pizza and many more.

The dessert section is a haven for sweet lovers, featuring a diverse selection of indulgent treats. Highlights include the classic Apple Crumble, decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake, velvety Cream Caramel, refreshing Yuzu Cake, and delightful Assorted Cupcakes.

For a local twist, don't miss the mini glasses of Durian Pengat, showcasing the unique durian flavour. A standout is the Croffle, a hybrid treat combining a croissant's crispiness with a waffle's fluffy texture. This dessert spread caters to a spectrum of preferences, ensuring a satisfying and sweet conclusion to the dining experience.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Café 2000
M Hotel Sigapore
81 Anson Road
Singapore 079908
Tel: +65 6500 6112
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right onto Anson Road. Walk down Anson Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]