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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Website
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]

Kott-Don 360 @ Vivocity - Immersive Korean BBQ with Premium Hanwoo and 360-Hour Aged Meats

Kott-Don 360, the Korean BBQ specialist known for its premium wet-aged meats, has officially opened its second outlet at VivoCity on 15 June 2026. Building on the success of its Paya Lebar Quarter location, the new flagship raises the bar with a more immersive dining concept, anchored by a dramatic cave-inspired entrance that leads into a space adorned with traditional Hanok roof elements. The experience feels almost transportive, setting the tone for a meal that celebrates Korean craftsmanship, culture, and meticulous meat preparation.

Founded by the team behind Flower Pig 360, Kott-Don 360 continues its mission to elevate the Korean barbecue experience through expertly aged meats, attentive service, and a thoughtfully curated menu. The VivoCity outlet also introduces exclusive Hanwoo beef selections, making it a destination for those seeking a more refined Korean BBQ experience.

Hanwoo - Rib Finger, Ribeye

Hanwoo - Ribeye 4.2/5

Hanwoo - Rib Finger 4/5

We began with the Hanwoo Beef Set for sharing (from $268 Member Price), featuring prized cuts such as Rib Finger and Ribeye. The Hanwoo Rib Finger stands out for its robust, deeply meaty character. Cut from between the rib bones, it offers a more pronounced chew compared to more tender cuts, delivering a satisfying bite that beef lovers will appreciate. As it grills, the fat renders beautifully, creating a smoky, caramelised crust that amplifies its natural savouriness. Despite its structure, the meat remains juicy, striking a delicate balance between tenderness and resistance.

In contrast, the Hanwoo Ribeye leans towards indulgence. Richly marbled, it delivers a luxurious, buttery umami that coats the palate without feeling cloying. The texture is exceptionally tender, almost melting in the mouth with minimal effort. What impresses most is its clean finish. Despite the high fat content, it avoids the greasy aftertaste sometimes associated with heavily marbled beef, leaving behind a refined, lingering richness that keeps you reaching for more.

Duroc Black Pork - Pork Belly, Marinated Pork Neck and Jeju Black Pork - Pork Neck

Duroc Black Pork - Pork Belly 4.2/5

Duroc Black Pork - Marinated Pork Neck 3.8/5

The pork selections are equally compelling, showcasing different breeds and cuts. The Duroc Black Pork Belly ($29.90) is a highlight, widely regarded as the gold standard for pork due to its superior fat-to-meat ratio. Each slice grills up with crisp edges and a succulent interior, releasing a natural sweetness that is slightly nutty and far more pronounced than that of conventional pork. The marbling ensures the meat self-bastes as it cooks, resulting in a juicy, flavourful bite with a clean, non-gamey finish.

The Duroc Marinated Pork Neck ($33.90) offers a different but equally satisfying experience. The marinade enhances the pork’s inherent sweetness, caramelising over the grill to form a lightly charred, flavour-packed exterior. Unlike the belly, the neck cut provides a firmer, springy texture, delivering a hearty bite that feels substantial without being overly rich. It is well-balanced, making it easy to enjoy throughout the meal.

Jeju Black Pork - Pork Neck 4.5/5

Another standout is the Jeju Black Pork Neck ($33.90), often dubbed the “Wagyu of pork” in Korea. Raised in Jeju’s unique environment, the meat boasts a deeper, more concentrated flavour profile. The higher protein content gives it a pronounced meatiness, while the fat carries a clean, subtly sweet nuttiness. When grilled, the interplay of smoke and rendered fat creates an aromatic complexity that is both bold and refined, elevating it beyond typical pork offerings.

Kimchi Soup 4.2/5

Beyond the grill, the supporting dishes further round out the experience. The Black Pork Kimchi Soup ($18.90++) is a comforting staple, combining Duroc pork, kimchi, tofu, and spring onions in a hearty broth. The balance of spice, acidity, and richness makes it especially satisfying, and the refillable portions ensure it remains a warm, constant companion throughout the meal.

Cheese Steamed Egg 4.2/5

The Cheese Steamed Egg is soft and pillowy, almost cloud-like in texture. Topped with a layer of torched cheese, it gains added depth of flavour, with the creamy, slightly smoky notes of the cheese enhancing the delicate egg custard beneath.

Fish Cake Soup 4.2/5

A unique addition is the Kettle-Pot Fish Cake Soup (Non-Member: $55++; Member: $45++), served in a traditional kettle. Featuring imported Busan fish cake skewers in a broth brewed from radish, leek, and anchovy stock, it is both visually intriguing and deeply comforting. The kettle presentation allows diners to pour the soup themselves, adding an interactive touch to the dining experience.

Seafood Pancake 4/5

The Seafood Pancake (Non-Member: $32++; Member: $28++) impresses with its crisp exterior and well-balanced composition. It is not overly doughy, allowing the flavours of the seafood to shine through without being masked by excess batter. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Kimchi Cold Noodle 4/5

For something lighter, the Cold Kimchi Noodle (Non-Member: $16.90++; Member: $14.90++) provides a refreshing contrast. The chilled fermented kimchi broth is tangy and invigorating, pairing well with the soft noodles, cucumber, seaweed, and boiled egg. It’s a welcoming, refreshing dish amid the richness of the grilled meats.

Beef Tartare Bibimbap 4.2/5

The Beef Tartare Bibimbap (Non-Member: $31++; Member: $26++) is another noteworthy dish. Featuring wagyu beef tartare, shredded egg, seaweed, and water spinach, it is brought together with a pasteurised egg yolk and ssamjang. The result is a rich, savoury bowl with layers of texture and flavour, in which the beef’s umami is complemented by the sauce’s nutty, slightly sweet notes.

To celebrate its opening, Kott-Don 360 is offering a limited-time promotion. Diners who sign up for a complimentary membership can enjoy a free 150g serving of pork belly with a minimum spend, limited to one redemption per bill while stocks last.

Kott-Don 360 at VivoCity is more than just another Korean BBQ spot. With its immersive setting, premium ingredients, and attention to detail, it delivers a dining experience that goes beyond the grill. Whether you are drawn by the exclusivity of Hanwoo beef or the depth of flavour in its carefully sourced pork, Kott-Don 360 at VivoCity is set to become a compelling destination for Korean barbecue enthusiasts.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kott-Don 360
VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#02-123/124
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 9003 9688
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Seoul & So @ National Gallery - Brings Contemporary Korean BBQ to National Gallery Singapore with Value Lunch Sets

Seoul & So debuts at National Gallery Singapore, introducing a fresh Korean barbecue concept set within one of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces. Located on Level 5, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy grilled premium meats while overlooking the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery installations, blending art, architecture, and cuisine into a single immersive setting.

Created by the award-winning team behind Seoul Restaurant (Conrad Singapore Orchard), Seoul & So is the Rhee siblings’ modern take on Korean barbecue. While grounded in authentic Korean flavours and traditional techniques, the concept embraces a livelier, more contemporary approach, offering both à la carte dishes and curated tasting menus designed for sharing.

I visited on a weekday for lunch and was particularly drawn to their wallet-friendly 4-Course Lunch Sets. Priced at $45 for Set A (Beef) and $35 for Set B (Pork), each set comprises an Appetiser, Main, Post-Main, and Dessert. With two of us dining, we opted to try both sets for a more comprehensive experience.

The meal began with an assortment of Banchan, Korea’s signature side dishes. The spread offered a delightful variety of flavours and textures — from tangy pickles to savoury bites — thoughtfully prepared to complement the grilled meats that followed.

For the mains, Lunch Set A offers a choice between USDA Prime Short Ribs or Rib Fingers (Aus Wagyu 6/7), while Set B features Jeju Pork Belly or Iberico Pork Collar, each portion at 150g.

Rib Fingers (AUS Wagyu 6/7) 4/5

We had the Rib Fingers (Aus Wagyu 6/7), a premium cut sourced from between the rib bones. Known for its rich marbling and intense beefy flavour, this cut delivers a deeply satisfying bite. As it grills, the fat renders beautifully, creating a lightly charred exterior while keeping the interior juicy. The presence of natural tendons adds a slight chew, giving the meat a robust texture that enhances its overall appeal.

Jeju Pork Belly 4.2/5

The Jeju Pork Belly was equally noteworthy. Imported from Jeju Island, the cut stood out for its clean, natural sweetness and balanced fat content. Grilled to a gentle crisp on the outside, the pork retained a tender, juicy centre without feeling overly greasy. The rendered fat imparted a buttery richness that coated the palate, elevating each bite with a luxurious mouthfeel.

Mul Naengmyeon 4.2/5

For the Post-Main course, diners can choose from Kimchi Jjigae, Doenjang Jjigae, Mul Naengmyeon, or Naeng Kalguksu. We selected the Mul Naengmyeon and Kimchi Jjigae for contrast.

The Mul Naengmyeon was a refreshing interlude. Served in an icy, clear beef broth, the dish delivered a clean, subtly tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness. The buckwheat noodles were springy and pleasantly chewy, complemented by slices of cold beef, crisp cucumbers, and pickled radish. It was light, cooling, and especially satisfying after the richness of the barbecue.

In contrast, the Kimchi Jjigae offered a comforting depth of flavour. The stew leaned towards a balanced, hearty profile rather than an overly sour or fiery one. Well-aged kimchi had softened beautifully, infusing the broth with richness, while tender pork and silky tofu added substance to the dish.

The meal concluded with a simple dessert of ice cream paired with coffee or tea — a light and pleasant finish to the multi-course lunch.

Kimchi Jjigae 4/5

Seoul & So’s 4-Course Lunch Sets impress with both value and quality, making it an accessible way to enjoy premium Korean barbecue in a refined setting. Situated within the National Gallery, the restaurant offers more than just a meal — it delivers a dining experience that seamlessly weaves together culture, flavour, and contemporary flair.


Seoul & So
National Gallery
1 St. Andrew’s Road
#05-03
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 64232807
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is around 5 minutes. [Map]