If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy tonkatsu, then Katsuya should be on your radar. Located in the East of Singapore, this humble Japanese eatery has built a strong reputation for serving some of the best tonkatsu in town—a bold claim, but one that it certainly lives up to.
Katusya first started in 2011 at East Coast Road before shifting to its present location at Tanjong Katong Road. The restaurant is managed by a husband and wife team, which explains the small seating capacity (around 14 counter seats). Although they are not Japanese, one could hardly tell unless you converse with them.
Katsuya is a cozy, no-frills restaurant, reminiscent of the small tonkatsu joints you’d find in Japan. While the décor is simple, the focus here is clearly on the food. The menu is straightforward, offering a variety of deep-fried pork cutlets, seafood, and chicken katsu, all served with shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup.
Chef-owner Kervin developed a great interest in Tonkatsu at the age of 18 and decided to pursue formal training at a Japanese culinary school in Tokyo. Today Katuya has a variety of katsus on its menu including pork, wagyu, prawn, salmon, oyster and lamb.
Parking along Tanjong Katong Road is quite ample; parallel street parking or an open air carpark opposite the restaurant. We came here on a weekday for lunch and we were the only customers in the eatery. Customers started to stream in as we were having our meal. Upon our order, Chef Kervin took careful steps to prepare the katsu and you could see the dedication he gave to each piece of protein.
The Star of the Show: Tonkatsu
We ordered the Rosu Katsu Set (Pork Loin Cutlet) and the Hire Katsu Set (Pork Fillet Cutlet) to see how they measured up. The moment the dishes arrived, it was clear that Katsuya takes its craft seriously.
✔ Rosu Katsu (Pork Loin) – The first bite revealed a perfectly balanced crunch-to-tenderness ratio. The pork loin was juicy, with just the right amount of fat to enhance the flavor. The golden-brown panko crust was light and crispy, not greasy at all.
✔ Hire Katsu (Pork Fillet) – For those who prefer a leaner cut, the hire katsu is an excellent choice. Despite the lower fat content, the meat remained moist and tender, while the crispy exterior provided a satisfying crunch.
The accompaniments also deserve praise—especially the shredded cabbage with a tangy sesame dressing that complemented the richness of the katsu. The miso soup was robust and flavorful, and the Japanese rice was perfectly fluffy, completing the meal.
What Makes Katsuya Stand Out?
Authentic Japanese Experience – From the house-made tonkatsu sauce to the finely shredded cabbage, everything is carefully crafted to mirror an authentic tonkatsu meal in Japan.
Premium Ingredients – The pork used is of high quality, evident in the tenderness and flavor of the meat.
Expert Frying Technique – The katsu is fried to perfection, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, without being oily.
Rating: 4 / 5
Katsuya (The Tonkatsu Specialist) Restaurant
258 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437046
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/U45aACQTcNV8TQ8F9
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