Katsuya (The Tonkatsu Specialist) @ Tanjong Katong - Probably The Best Tonkatsu Restaurant in Singapore

Thanks to a recommendation from a foodie friend, I discovered Katsuya, a tonkatsu specialist restaurant tucked away in Tanjong Katong. Helmed by Singaporean Chef-owner Kervin, who trained at a Japanese culinary school in Tokyo, Katsuya has been quietly winning hearts since 2011. Initially located in East Coast, the restaurant moved to its current location at Tanjong Katong, continuing its tradition of crafting excellent tonkatsu dishes with a meticulous Japanese approach.

Tako Wasabi 3.5/5

We started with the Tako Wasabi ($7), a simple yet delightful appetiser. The chewy texture of the marinated octopus is complemented by the spicy punch of wasabi, awakening the palate and preparing us for the meal ahead.

Ebi Taru Taru 4.8/5

The Ebi Taru Taru ($12) is a standout appetiser. Juicy prawns are coated in a perfectly crispy batter, retaining their sweet, bouncy texture inside. The accompanying tartar sauce, elevated with leek, adds a tangy, creamy touch that enhances the prawn's natural sweetness — a near-perfect dish for seafood lovers.

Hire Tonkatsu Set 5/5

The star of Katsuya's menu is undoubtedly its Hire Tonkatsu Set ($35), which includes cabbage salad, rice, red miso soup, and pickles. What sets this tonkatsu apart is Chef Kervin's use of low-temperature cooking techniques. The pork is cooked to a pinkish centre, safe to eat yet incredibly tender and juicy.

Each bite of the golden-brown cutlet reveals a perfectly moist and succulent interior encased in a crispy crust. For an elevated experience, Chef Kervin recommends enjoying the tonkatsu with just a sprinkle of salt or mustard, allowing the natural flavours of the pork to shine. This dish truly redefines what tonkatsu should be — simple yet meticulously crafted perfection.

Hokkaido Rosu Set 4.5/5

The Hokkaido Rosu Set ($42) is an excellent choice for those who prefer a fattier cut. The balance of lean meat and a layer of fat provides a juicy, succulent bite every time. The fat melts into the meat as you chew, creating a rich and satisfying flavour profile.

Hokkaido Wagyu 4/5

If you're looking for indulgence, the Hokkaido Wagyu ($70) is a premium offering that doesn't disappoint. Known for its exceptional marbling and buttery texture, the wagyu is cooked to a perfect medium rare using the same low-temperature technique. The contrast between the crispy golden crust and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior is luxurious.

Scallop Katsu 4.8/5

Katsuya doesn’t stop at pork and beef; its seafood katsu options are equally impressive. The Scallop Katsu ($36) is a must-try (pre-order recommended). The plump, sweet scallops are encased in a crispy exterior, creating a delightful interplay of textures. Each bite ensures a satisfying crunch while maintaining the scallop’s delicate juiciness.

Katsuya is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every tonkatsu lover's radar. The low-temperature cooking method sets it apart from other tonkatsu establishments, ensuring that each dish is tender, moist, and cooked to perfection. From the exceptional pork and wagyu sets to the delightful seafood options, Katsuya proves that tonkatsu can be elevated to an art form.

For a restaurant that has flown under the radar since 2011, Katsuya is a quiet powerhouse in Singapore's dining scene, offering a true taste of Japanese craftsmanship. If you haven't visited yet, it's time to make your way to Tanjong Katong for this unforgettable tonkatsu experience.


Katsuya
258 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437046
Tel: +65 9656 8183
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Katong (TE Line), Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Katong MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down Tanjong Katong Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10, 31 and 32. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Nomiya Izakaya & Bar @ Chinatown - Offering Contemporary Twist on Japanese Izakaya

Nestled amid Chinatown’s bustling streets, Nomiya Izakaya & Sake Bar stands out with its contemporary twist on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Offering an inviting space for gatherings over unique small plates and an impressive selection of Japanese sake, whisky, and craft beer.

Amid the bustling stretch of Chinatown, Nomiya stands out effortlessly among the rows of souvenir shops.

Hokkaido Scallop Aburi 3/5

Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee 3.5/5

We tried the Hokkaido Scallop Aburi and the inventive Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee to kick off our meal. We found the Pie Tee especially delightful, priced at $17 for two pieces each. The crispy shell filled with fresh minced tuna was visually appealing and offered a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour.

Charred Brussels Sprouts 3/5

Foie Gras Chawanmushi 4/5

Moving on to the next course, the Charred Brussels Sprouts ($9.50) arrived, infused with kombu butter. While the charred flavour added depth, it slightly overpowered the kombu, making it more of an accompaniment to drinks. The Foie Gras Chawanmushi ($18.50) was the highlight. This velvety custard, dotted with ingredients like crab meat and camembert, was topped with a sesame-crusted piece of foie gras. It is on the expensive end but definitely an indulgent experience.

Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken 3.5/5

Tempura Cauliflower 3.5/5

Next up were two fried dishes: the Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken ($14) and Tempura Cauliflower ($9.50). The chicken was crispy outside and juicy inside, paired with a tangy tartar-like sauce, though a more robust marinade could have elevated it further. The cauliflower was a fun twist on a classic, topped with furikake for added flavour. We would have loved a dipping sauce and a bit more crunch on the cauliflower, as the ones we had were a tad soft.

Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko 3.5/5

The Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko combined fluffy Japanese egg with creamy mentaiko. The salty mentaiko and tobiko topping made for a bold contrast, though a touch more sweetness in the tamago would have created a better balance.

Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter 3/5

We had high hopes for the Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter ($29), but the two prawns felt a bit steep in price for the portion size. The baguette pieces that accompanied it were intended for dipping but could have been softer. Adding extra bread for $1.50 may be helpful for those looking for a heartier bite.

Charcoal Grilled Skewers 3/5

Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl 3/5

From the grill, we got a selection of skewers, including Tori Momo (Chicken Thigh) ($4.50), Miso Glazed Butabara (Pork Belly) ($5), Asparagus ($4), and Smoked Duck with Salsa ($6). While each skewer was well-marinated and tender, we found ourselves wishing for more of that quintessential smoky char. The Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl stood out for its fatty, tender texture, but the flavours didn’t quite hit the mark - the marinade leaned slightly sweet, and the tartness of the yuzu didn’t come through as much as expected.

Mini Cold Udon & Seasonal Truffle 3.5/5

Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon 3/5

We tried two types of udon for our final dishes: the Mini Cold Udon with Seasonal Truffle ($11.50, $22 for full portion) and Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon ($13). With its bold truffle aroma, the cold udon was a refreshing palate cleanser after the richer dishes and came in a convenient mini size. The carbonara udon, on the other hand, had a lighter cream sauce that, while less heavy, lacked a distinctive carbonara richness. The cheese slices didn't add much to the presentation, giving the dish a less refined feel.

Nomiya offers izakaya sets for 2-6 people starting from $139, making it a great spot for small gatherings. Their extensive selection of Japanese drinks adds to the lively and trendy atmosphere, with upbeat music (which can be a bit loud) and attentive service. With limited seating, including outdoor tables and bar seats, Nomiya is a vibrant destination for a night out in Chinatown.

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


Nomiya Izakaya & Bar
11 Trengganu Street
Singapore 058465
Tel: +65 6232 7827
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 1030pm
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to Sago Street. Turn left onto Sago Street and walk to the end. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]