GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Pontocho Honten 牛カツ京都勝牛 先斗町本店

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

188 Zaimokucho,

Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto,

604-8017, Japan

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu in Kyoto's Pontoncho is the original shop of Japan's largest gyukatsu (beef cutlet) chain and the place that turned sizzling, pink centered beef katsu into a craze. Katsugyu opened in 2014 in this little shop in Pontocho, the narrow alley along the Kamo River known for traditional tea houses and strict tenancy rules. The brand's idea was to take the familiar tonkatsu format and swap pork for carefully sourced beef, cooked medium rare as Japanese Gyukatsu, rather than just another western cutlet.

Front of store

We were wandering down the charming Pontoncho and decided on Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu. Completely unplanned and decided on the spur of the moment. The white banners and light did well to attract us. Inside, the Pontoncho store feels almost like a compact Kappo with white wood, old school diner vibe with both compact counter as well as table seating. The restaurant is calm and hushed and you can hear the sound of gyukatsu sizzling on the hot plate.

Wagyu Sirloin

We ordered a Japanese beef Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen (3890 JPT) and a Premium Wagyu Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen for 4890 JPY. Together with the beef, you get servings of rice, pickles, miso and cabbage. The cooking is disciplined and fuss free. The beef comes crumbed and already pre cooked and at the table you get a small hot plate which you use to quickly sear to your preferred doneness.

We decided on Sirloin and we wanted a balanced gyukatsu with moderate marbling. The meat was tender and juicy with nice beef flavours, leaning towards a savoury flavour over sweetness. It was not a buttery melt in your mouth flavour as you would expect in alot of Japanese beef, but it definitely had clean beef forward flavours.

Interestingly, after our meal, we found out that there are actually 2 branches in Singapore, one at Raffles City and one at Holland Village that always has a line. Whilst we have not been, reviews mention that they have copied the Kyoto formula almost note for note with even the DIY searing plates. Whether it is worth your time depends on how much you enjoy clean, beef forward flavours.

Japanese Sirloin

Booking

The store runs on a walk-in basis and queuing is the norm and reservations are not standard for casual counter style gyukatsu. We were early ~ 6.30pm and didn't need to wait for a table.

Accessibility

Located in Pontocho, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is easily walkable and I trust you will find the walk really pleasant and charming.

The Damage

Both sets cost us about 80 SGD in total. Compared to other more premium beef we had, we thought it to be pricey.

Would We Recommend?

Unfortunately, no. We realised after visiting several gyukatsu joints, that beef katsu is probably not something we enjoy particularly. However, we did have others (which we will write about) that we thought had more character and better flavours. If you are not fussed about what kind of katsu you are having and happen to be in Singapore, I'd highly recommend trying out Tonshou.