Katsu by Kyu, a Korean-inspired tonkatsu restaurant, opened in July at OUE Downtown Gallery as Singapore's first tonkatsu specialist to use Jeju pork exclusively.
The 44-seat restaurant, which includes counter seating, table seating, and three private dining rooms, imports their pork from South Korea's Jeju Island, where the meat's higher proportion of red muscle gives it a denser, more flavorful bite than standard commercial pork. Jeju pork only arrived in Singapore in December 2025, and Katsu by Kyu is among the few restaurants serving it as of writing.
Every cut is dry-aged for 10 days, then finished over rice-straw charcoal moments before it hits the plate. Even the panko itself is upgraded, blended with freshly milled rice powder for extra crunch.
As expected, the rice is also given special treatment. The kitchen uses Samgwang, a Special Grade Korean rice cultivar, milled fresh in-house every morning and cooked to order in traditional cast-iron Gamasot pots. Each table receives a "Rice Card," noting the grain's variety, origin, and milling date.
The signature Classic Jeju Loin Katsu anchors the menu, alongside Kadaif Prawn Katsu and a Panko-crusted Beef Short-Rib Patty folded with kimchi. Cold Flat Udon, imported from Japan, comes with a choice of soy paste, pickled chili, or roasted sesame sauce. Mix sets pair two cuts on one plate, and a Couples Set (priced at S$98) lets two diners split mains and shareables over miso soup, house pickles, and a shared curry course.
For more information and updates, follow Katsu by Kyu on Instagram and check out their official website.
Location: 6A Shenton Way, #01-09, OUE Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
