[Review] Japan’s Gyukatsu Specialty Chain, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, Brings Its Queue-Worthy Beef Cutlets to One Holland Village

The wait is finally over for foodies in the west. 

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, Japan’s largest gyukatsu specialty restaurant chain, has officially opened its second Singapore outlet at One Holland Village on 22 August 2025.

For those who have braved the queues at their Raffles City flagship, this new location is a welcome respite, offering the same exceptional, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside beef cutlets in a lively new neighbourhood.

Since its founding in Kyoto in 2014, the chain has garnered a reputation for their expertise in the culinary art of medium-rare beef cutlets.

The process is handled with precise science at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, with meticulous attention to details, right down to instructions for diners on how best to enjoy the beef cutlets.

The choice cuts of prime beef are handpicked, coated in a secret koromo batter, a golden ratio of breadcrumbs, flour, and egg wash, and then skillfully deep-fried in fresh oil, changed daily, to a perfect medium-rare.

This technique ensures an incredibly crisp exterior that gives way to a succulent, beautifully marbled interior.

The true magic begins at the table.

Each set comes with a personal konro (a traditional Japanese earthenware grill), allowing you to sear each piece of gyukatsu to your exact desired doneness.

This interactive experience is a signature of the brand and a major draw for diners.

During our tasting, the quality across the menu was consistently impressive.

We start off with their best-seller, the value-for-money, Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen (S$25), a classic cut that is both tender and juicy, perfectly showcasing their low-temperature frying technique that locks in all the beefy goodness.

For the ultimate experience, consider ordering the Signature Half-and-Half Gyukatsu Zen (S$29) to get the best of both world.

It allows you to sample two different cuts. We chose one with a combination of the classic sirloin with the thicker Tenderloin and another with the sirloin paired with their Beef Tongue Gyukatsu Zen (S$37).

The tenderloin is a flavourful, well-marbled cut that is exceptionally tender.

For those with a more adventurous palate, the beef tongue features thick-cut, buttery meat with a uniquely satisfying chew, best enjoyed with a dab of their homemade chili pepper miso.

The undisputed star, however, is the premium A5 Miyazaki Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen (S$55). Sourced from wagyu that has won Japan’s Wagyu Olympics, this cut is exceptionally marbled, delivering a true melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that lives up to its prestigious reputation.

No gyukatsu experience here is complete without the array of curated Japanese condiments.

We loved customising each bite by dipping the beef into the rich Kyoto-Style Curry, adding umami with a dash of Dashi Soy Sauce, or cracking the signature onsen egg over it for extra richness.

The spicy chilli miso and Sansho Pepper Salt also provided delightful citrusy and spicy punches that complemented the beef beautifully. All sets include free-flow rice, cabbage, and a hearty Aka Miso Soup.

Understanding diverse preferences, the menu also features excellent non-beef options. The Seafood Katsu Zen (S$32) is a generous platter of large, plump prawns, fresh scallops, and a fat-rich salmon cutlet, all coated in specially ground breadcrumbs for a light, crispy texture.

The Yasai Tempura Zen (S$25) is a crisp and flavourful option, featuring a selection of fresh, meticulously hand-prepared vegetables.

The new outlet at One Holland Village mirrors the authentic Japanese vibe of the first, designed with an intimate space lit by lanterns that evoke the famed festivals of Kyoto. It offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying an unpretentious, high-quality meal. Now open for business. Go try it if you have not done so.

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

NEW OUTLET:
7 Holland Village Way, #02-46 One Holland Village, Singapore 275748

FIRST OUTLET:
252 North Bridge Rd, #B1-63/64 Raffles City Shopping Centre, S179103

Operating Hours:
11am – 10pm (Last order at 9pm)