Katsu by Kyu opens with Jeju pork tonkatsu at OUE Downtown
Tonkatsu fans can now enjoy a more premium take on the Japanese fried cutlet at Katsu by Kyu, a new speciality restaurant at OUE Downtown 2 that focuses exclusively on Jeju pork. The restaurant is the first in Singapore to specialise in tonkatsu made solely with the Korean island’s prized pork.
Rather than offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes, Katsu by Kyu keeps its menu focused on one thing: tonkatsu. The restaurant uses Jeju pork for its cutlets, known for its balanced marbling and natural sweetness, before preparing them with a 10-day dry-ageing process to enhance the meat’s flavour and texture.
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The pork is also finished over rice straw charcoal, giving the cutlets a subtle smoky aroma while retaining their juiciness. Each piece is coated in crisp panko breadcrumbs and fried to achieve the contrast of a crunchy exterior with tender meat within.
Read on to find out what we thought of their tonkatsu!
For pork tonkatsu, diners can choose from three cuts: Jeju Tenderloin ($35++), Classic Jeju Loin ($36++), and Central Cut Premium Jeju Loin ($42++). We went for the second option, which is said to be a happy middle with tender meat and light marbling.
Each set comes with sides including freshly milled rice sourced from Incheon, Korea, which is cooked in a traditional iron pot for a fluffy texture with a slight chew.
The breading was light and crispy, without much greasiness, but the meat was not as tender as we’d have liked. Perhaps we’d go for the most premium option next time, as it’s said to be richer and fattier.
The Panko Crusted Beef Short-Rib Patty ($38++) fared better.
You get four generous chunks of tteokgalbi, a traditional Korean dish made with minced short rib patties, served on a bed of tangy kimchi.
The meat was tender and well-seasoned, pairing perfectly with the accompanying dip.
Beyond pork, Katsu by Kyu also offers seafood and combination sets for those who want more variety. Options include the Tenderloin and Kadaif Prawn ($32++) and Tenderloin and Oyster ($30++), pairing the signature pork cutlet with crispy seafood additions.
The fried prawn was a standout, with the crunchy kadaif pastry shell stealing the spotlight.
If you’re still hungry, consider getting the Cold Flat Udon ($18++) to share.
Served cold over ice, these noodle sheets had the perfect bite, like a cross between ban mian and pappardelle.
The dining space takes inspiration from traditional Korean architecture, with a warm, wood-heavy interior that complements the restaurant’s focus on Korean-sourced ingredients.
Katsu by Kyu is a three-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station.
For more exciting openings, check out our guide to the new Korean eateries that opened in 2026! Otherwise, read our JB Mount Austin food guide if you’re heading across the causeway this weekend.
Address: 6A Shenton Way, #01-09, OUE Downtown 2, Singapore 068815
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Website
Katsu by Kyu is not halal-certified.
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Photos taken by Chan Zi Xuan.
This was a media tasting at Katsu by Kyu.
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