Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu @ Raffles City - Japan Largest Gyukatsu Speciality Restaurant Opens First Outlet in Singapore

With over 70 outlets worldwide, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, Japan's largest gyukatsu speciality restaurant, debuted its first Singapore outlet in September 2024. Known for its breaded and deep-fried beef cutlets, served medium-rare, diners can grill their gyukatsu to their desired doneness on a personal hotplate.

Sirloin and Tenderloin Gyukatsu Zen 4/5

Sirloin and Chuck Tail Flap Gyukatsu Zen 4/5

We sampled both the Sirloin and Tenderloin Gyukatsu Zen and the Sirloin and Chuck Tail Flap Gyukatsu Zen. Each set is served with rice, miso soup, Japanese curry, and an onsen egg, giving diners the flexibility to enjoy the gyukatsu with or mixed into the rice. The sets also include two dipping sauces - dashi soy sauce and house-made gyukatsu sauce, plus the tangy sansho pepper salt, which beautifully enhances the flavour of the beef cuts. A touch of wasabi adds an extra kick for those who like some heat.

The menu offers five beef cuts - Sirloin, Wagyu, Chuck, Tenderloin, and Beef Tongue -available as single servings for diners with a preferred cut or as the "Half & Half" option as we did.

Miyazaki A5 Sirloin 4.5/5

The Miyazaki A5 Sirloin (½ portion, $25) stole the show with its perfect fat-to-meat ratio. Served medium-rare, it’s delightful as is or after a quick sear on the hotplate, resulting in a bite bursting with rich, beefy flavours.

For non-beef eaters, the menu also includes the Seafood Katsu Zen ($32), featuring shrimp, scallop, and salmon katsu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

While Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu offers a satisfying meal with its quality cuts and customisable grilling, the dining space can get busy, so expect queues during peak hours. Additionally, as the restaurant specialises in deep-fried dishes, the lingering smell of oil can cling to your clothes and hair, a minor issue that could be improved for a more enjoyable experience.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-63/64
Singapore 179103
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Hanare by Takayama @ Takashimaya - Indulge in the Limited-Time Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 at $158

Hanare by Takayama at Takashimaya has launched a limited-time seasonal Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 diners at $158, and it's a luxurious feast not to be missed. This exclusive set menu includes a selection of dishes from appetisers to dessert, offering a fine balance of flavours and premium ingredients. Available to just 10 diners per session for lunch and dinner daily, the exclusivity of this meal makes it an enticing option for those looking to indulge in something special.

Aburi Scallop Salad 3/5

To begin, diners can choose from three salads: White Bait Salad with Plum Dressing, Aburi Scallop Salad (+$18), and Aburi Wagyu Beef Salad (+$22). We opted for the Aburi Scallop Salad. The scallops were plump, fresh, and slightly torched, which enhanced their sweetness. Paired with wakame seaweed and greens, the sancho dressing added a refreshing zest to the dish. While the scallops were delightful, the salad felt somewhat predictable and lacked the wow factor to warrant the additional price.

3 Kinds of Seasonal Sashimi 4.2/5

Following the salad was the Seasonal Sashimi, featuring three types of fresh fish. Thickly cut and beautifully presented, the sashimi was a highlight, offering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The freshness of the fish was unmistakable, and each bite was a testament to the quality and care taken in sourcing ingredients. It is a substantial and satisfying dish for sashimi lovers.

Snow Crab Chawanmushi 5/5

The Snow Crab Chawanmushi was another highlight of the meal. The steamed egg custard was silky smooth, with each spoonful bursting with the sweetness of the snow crab. The addition of ikura (salmon roe) added a delightful salty pop, complementing the creamy texture of the chawanmushi. This luxurious version of a classic dish elevated the dining experience with its rich and delicate flavours.

Signature Kamameshi 5/5

A signature at Hanare, the Kamameshi (traditional Japanese rice dish) is a must-try, and luckily, it’s included in this set. Diners can choose from four varieties: Fried Garlic Kamameshi, Salmon and Ikura Kamameshi (+$12), Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi (+$18), and Wagyu Kamameshi (+$24).

We went for the Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi. The fragrant rice, cooked in a specially brewed dashi stock in a traditional iron pot, was topped with female snow crab, ikura, mushrooms, and edamame. The umami-packed rice was served with miso soup and pickles on the side, and every bite was satisfying, with the crab's sweetness enhancing the overall depth of flavour.

Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu 4.5/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu, where 200g of premium, breaded beef fillet is served golden and crispy on the outside while retaining a juicy, tender core. The real fun starts when diners get to grill the gyukatsu to their preferred doneness on a hot plate. The beef's rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture made it the highlight of the meal and a true indulgence for meat lovers.

Frozen Yuzu & Mango Prafit with Candied Yuzu Peel 3/5

The meal ended on a refreshing note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait with Candied Yuzu Peel. The tartness of the yuzu paired with the sweetness of the mango created a well-balanced dessert, light and palate-cleansing after a rich meal. The candied yuzu peel added an extra touch of elegance and texture to the dessert.

The Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set is a delightful experience for those looking to indulge in a curated menu of premium ingredients. While the Aburi Scallop Salad didn't quite justify its additional cost, the freshness of the sashimi, the luxuriousness of the chawanmushi, and the flavourful kamameshi and gyukatsu more than made up for it. The meal ended on a sweet and satisfying note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]