Now, we’ve done the legwork and consolidated 30 restaurants and cafes that you have to check out in Tokyo. 

Do note that they are not Halal-friendly as their menu does contain non-Halal meat and alcohol.

Ramen

1. AFURI Finemen

At the top of our list is Afuri Finemen, a popular ramen chain with a flagship outlet in Ebisu and multiple outlets in Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, and more. 

Their signature dish is the Yuzu Shio Ramen made with dashi broth, a tinge of yuzu citrus, and chicken or pork slices. A single bowl goes for ¥880 (S$7.30) and may go up to ¥1,000 (S$8.30) with additional toppings.

Afuri offers both affordability and quality in a single bowl, and if you’re a huge fan of yuzu, then this is one restaurant you shouldn’t skip. 

AFURI Finemen
Instagram | Website 
Various Locations
Various Timings

2. Kagari Honten

Next on the list is none other than Kagari Honten, another popular ramen chain amongst food and travel influencers. Its flagship store is in Ginza; however, there are multiple outlets in Otemachi, Ikebukuro, Sapporo, and more. 

While they have ramen and other side dishes available, their noteworthy dish is the Tori Paitan Soba—thick, creamy chicken broth-based ramen that’s known to win everyone’s heart instantly. 

A bowl goes for just ¥950 (S$7.88), but expect for prices to go up to ¥3,300 (S$27.39) once you add on truffle and seasonal toppings. 

Kagari Honten
Instagram | Website 
Various Locations
Various Timings 

3. Fuunji

Fuunji Shinjuku is a local’s favourite with glowing reviews from both locals and tourists. Plus, it’s convenient enough to travel to—just a 10-minute walk from the JR Shinjuku Station South Exit.

What sets Fuunji apart from our previous two spots is its dense, umami-packed broth made from fish and chicken essence, paired with chewy, firm noodles—the classic Tsukemen experience. 

A regular Tsukemen bowl costs ¥1,000 (S$8.30), and with additional toppings it can go up to ¥1,200 (S$9.96). 

Do note that they only accept cash, so be sure to visit prepared. If you enjoy fish broth and want something reminiscent  of Ban Mian in Tokyo, Fuunji is definitely worth a visit. 

Fuunji  
2-14-3 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 
11am–9pm (Daily) 
+81 3 6413 8480

4. Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta 

It’s a known fact that the Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta ramen chain was the first ever to be awarded a Michelin star. Because of its popularity, only 150 bowls of ramen are served daily, and you’re encouraged to arrive as early as 7am to pre-queue for a timeslot to dine in. 

Their basic ramen bowls may suffice, but with all that effort, we recommend going all out with their signature Shoyu Soba which is truffle-enhanced with unique aged shoyu and whole-wheat noodles. 

Standard bowls range from  ¥1,000 (S$8.30) to ¥1,500 (S$12.45), with prices increasing for extra toppings or special ingredients. 

While the entire experience might feel troublesome for casual travellers,  if you truly live to eat, then this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. 

Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta 
Facebook | Instagram | Website 
2-11-4 Taito City, Asakusa, 111-0032 Tokyo
11.30am–3pm (Wed to Mon) 

5. Menya Musashi

While we have Menya Musashi in Singapore, visiting the original outlets in Tokyo gives you a completely different experience. If you’re planning to visit in Tokyo, not to worry, as there are 14 to 15 outlets sprawled across Tokyo, with the flagship store located in Shinjuku. 

When you get the chance to visit Menya Musashi, you’ll definitely have to order their Tonkatsu or Tsukemen variations—both feature tender, slow-cooked pork belly in a thick, flavourful broth. 

A typical bowl ranges from ¥800 to ¥1,500 (S$6.64 to S$12.45), with an additional ¥100 to ¥400 (S$0.83 to S$3.32) for extra toppings. 

Menya Musashi
Website 
Various Locations 
11am–10.30pm (Daily) 

Sushi 

6. Uogashi Nihon-Ichi

When it comes to sushi, we’re definitely going to recommend UOGADHI NIHON-ICHI for the classic standing sushi bar experience. There are over 40 outlets in Tokyo, with Shibuya Dogenzaka being the most popular outlet among locals and tourists. 

It’s practically sushi heaven, as each piece goes for ¥100 (S$0.83), and a single meal ranges from ¥1,200 to ¥2,000 (S$9.97 to S$16.61). Even though it’s affordable, the quality is not compromised. 

Uogashi Nihon-Ichi
Website 
Various Locations 
11am–11pm (Mon to Fri), 11am–10pm (Sat), 11am–9.30pm (Sun) 

7. Umegaoka Sushi Midori

If the standing-bar style isn’t your thing and you’d rather enjoy an omakase experience, check out Umegaoka Sushi Midori.

Known for its value omakase and generous sets, it’s a great spot to try. Like some of our other recommendations, the restaurant has multiple outlets across Tokyo, including Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, and more. 

Unsure what to order? Go for the Sushi Set, as it includes eight to 12 pieces of Nigiri sushi—tuna, shrimp, eel, and seasonal fish—and is served with miso soup, salad, and sides.

Prices for lower-range sets are ¥2,000 and ¥2,500 (S$16.60 to S$20.75), while the premium sets go for ¥3,000 and ¥3,800 (S$24.90 to S$31.54). 

Umegaoka Sushi Midori 
Website 
Various Locations 
11am–9pm (Daily) 

8. Tachigui Sushi Uogashi Yamaharu

Located in the basement of the Toranomon Hills office building, Tachigui Sushi Uogashi Yamaharu is a standing-bar-style omakase restaurant known for its noteworthy sushi sets. 

A fun fact: the founder is related to a wholesaler based in Toyosu Fish Market, so you can expect super fresh, high-quality fish.

Prices range between ¥900 and ¥4,500 (S$7.47 to S$37.35), where the average Nigiri sushi set goes for just ¥500 (S$4.15) 

Tachigui Sushi Uogashi Yamaharu 
Website 
2-6-3 Minato City, Toranomon, T-MARKET TORANOMON HILLS, 105-5504 Tokyo
11am–10pm (Mon to Sat) 11am–9pm (Sun) 

9. Tsukiji Sushi Omakase

Tsukiji Sushi Omakase is conveniently located, since it’s roughly a five to 10-minute walk from Tsukiji Station along the Hibiya Line. 

They pride themselves on various courses, such as the 愛 (ai) Course (¥8,800) and the pricier equivalent known as the 優(yuu) Course (¥18,000).

The 愛(ai) Course offers 13 pieces of Nigiri sushi along with several appetisers and sides, whereas the 優 (yuu) Course consists of 16 pieces of Nigiri sushi with shellfish stock soup and more. 

In terms of pricing, the range of ¥8,800 to ¥18,000 (S$73.04 to S$149.40) is expected for the true-blue authentic Japanese omakase experience. 

Tsukiji Sushi Omakase
Website 
6-24-8 Tsukiji Chuo City, 104-0045 Tokyo 
12pm–9.30pm (Daily) 

10. Ikina Sushi Dokoro Abe 

Ikina Sushi Dokoro Abe has multiple outlets all over Tokyo, including the Toranomon Hills office building, Aoyama, Gotanda, Meguro and more. Its flagship store is located in Hiroo, just an eight-minute walk from Hiroo Station along the Hibiya Line. 

Their speciality lies in traditional Edo-style sushi while remaining affordable for locals to enjoy without worrying about the price. Depending on the set, prices range from ¥3,600 to ¥15,000 (S$29.88 to S$124.50). 

For the full omakase experience, we’ll recommend going for the Counter-Omakase set, which goes for ¥12,000 (S$99.60). 

Ikina Sushi Dokoro Abe 
Website 
Various Locations 
11.30am–3am (Daily) 

Hotpot

11. Mo-Mo-Paradise

When it comes to shabu-shabu, we always prefer one that lets us eat as much as we like. And Mo-Mo-Paradise is perfect for that!

From premium beef and pork to a wide assortment of fresh vegetables, Mo-Mo-Paradise lets you enjoy a feast fit for a king. There’s a 100-minute time limit for dining, which is more than enough to enjoy yourself and fill up. 

Prices for the all-you-can-eat buffet promotion range from ¥3,500 to ¥4,500 (S$29.05 to S$37.35). Although other sets and outlets may have varying prices. 

Mo-Mo-Paradise
Facebook | Instagram | Website 
Various Locations 
Various Timings

12. Shabuzen

Another popular shabu-shabu chain is Shabuzen. It has several locations in Roppongi and Ginza, making it versatile for you to drop by if you plan on spending a full day in either area.

They’re known for serving high-end Japanese beef, such as A5 Wagyu, Black-Haired beef, and more. And if you’re looking for an unlimited buffet package, they do offer it starting from ¥5,720 (S$47.48) per person. 

Plus, we heard that at the Ginza outlet, you’ll get the chance to dine with a fantastic view of Tokyo’s nightlife too. 

Shabuzen 
Instagram | Website 
Various Locations 
Various Timings

13. Rokkusen  

Another contender that you can consider is Rokkusen. In terms of outlets, there are only three locations within Shinjuku, Tokyo. 

Unsure whether you can stomach another shabu-shabu experience? Try out Rokkusen’s yakiniku option instead, where you grill your preferred meat instead of the usual shabu shabu approach. 

Plus, they offer top-quality Japanese beef for you to choose from—Wagyu, Black-haired beef, Matsusaka, and even Kobe cuts!

Prices vary depending on your choice: the lunch set, which ranges from ¥2,800 to ¥3,500 (S$23.24 to S$29.05), while the unlimited buffet set is around ¥9,500 to ¥12,100 (S$78.85 to S$100.43). If you’re in the mood to go all out, opt for their top-tier premium course, which ranges from ¥36,300 to ¥48,400 (S$301.29 to S$401.72).

Rokkusen 
Instagram | Website 
Various Locations 
11am–11pm (Daily) 

14. Shabu Shabu Sukiyaki Shishikura 

Similar to Rokkusen, Shabu Shabu Sukiyaki Shishikura offers shabu shabu or sukiyaki, where you get the full course experience. In fact, they’ve won consecutive awards at the National Wagyu Competition and are officially certified to serve Kagoshima black beef—a rarity in Tokyo restaurants. 

What’s shabu shabu or sukiyaki with friends without a little buzz from some drinks? With Shishikura, they have a wide range of Japanese alcohol that you can choose from. 

Price-point-wise, it’s roughly ¥6,930 (S$57.52) per person, making it far more affordable than many of our previous suggestions thus far. 

Shabu Shabu Sukiyaki Shishikura
Instagram | Website 
5-10-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo 
5.30pm–12am (daily) 

15. Kotobuki Shabutei Honten

For all the other recommendations, we’ve been hyperfixating on the premium beef. Now, with Kotobuki Shabutei Honten, what they’re known for is their Agu pork (and well, also Ishigaki beef too). 

Unlike other Tokyo restaurants, Kotobuki Shabu Tei Honten blends Okinawan and Ryukyu-style ingredients that are distinctively different—it offers a flavour trip to Okinawa without having to leave Tokyo. 

They also have multiple courses depending on your meat preference, with prices ranging from ¥4,000 to ¥10,000 (S$33.20 to S$83). 

Kotobuki Shabutei Honten 
Instagram | Website 
3-31-15 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, 171-0021 Tokyo 
5pm–11.30pm (Daily)  

Tempura

16. Tempura Kondo

Tempura Kondo, a two-Michelin-starred tempura specialist, offers an exceptional dining experience that will make your time in Tokyo even more memorable. 

Given its prestigious reputation, dining is limited to two lunch and four dinner time slots each day. 

Yet, this guarantees an intimate counter experience where you can watch the chefs cook right before you. 

As for the tempura courses, they range from the Sumire Course at ¥9,900 (S$82.17) to the Yomogi Course at ¥27,500 (S$228.25).

Tempura Kondo 
Website
5-5-13 Ginza, Sakaguchi Building 9F, Chuo-ku, 104-0061 Tokyo 
12pm–8.30pm (Mon to Sat) 

17. Kyobashi Tempura Fukamachi 

Another Michelin star awardee on the list is Kyobashi Tempura Fukamachi, as they’re known for delivering a luxurious experience. 

From the high-quality sesame oil to the careful preparation of ingredients, all their tempura dishes are a sure-fire way to satisfy your cravings. 

For a simpler option, you can order their Kakiage-don at ¥2,800 (S$23.24), which consists of crunchy tempura shrimp, seafood and vegetables coupled with soft, comforting rice. 

Or, opt for their tempura omakase, which ranges from ¥11,500 to ¥30,000 (S$95.45 to S$249).

Kyobashi Tempura Fukamachi 
Website 
2-5-2, Chuo City Kyobashi, 104-0031 Tokyo 
11.30am–10pm (Tue to Sun) 

18. Shibuya Tempura Fujimoto 

Just a minute walk away from Shibuya Station, you can find our next tempura hot spot—Shibuya Tempura Fujimoto. While it may not be a Michelin-starred restaurant, it’s highly favoured by both locals and tourists. 

They have a variety of tempura courses you can choose from, with the most affordable being Tempura & Sushi Kaiseki, consisting of 14 items worth of appetisers, seafood and vegetables tempura, sushi nigiri, and more. 

Or try their best seller, the Tempura, Fugu, and Sushi Kaiseki course, which features their key pufferfish tempura. 

Either course you choose, be prepared to spend around ¥7,980 to ¥17,250 (S$66.23 to S$143.18). Prices may vary depending on the seasonal vegetables and seafood available. 

Shibuya Tempura Fujimoto
Website 
32-15 Shibuya City, Udagawacho Hulic Shibuya Center 4F-B, 150-0042 Tokyo 
11.30am–11pm (Daily) 

19. Tempura Tendon Tenya

With over 100 outlets in Japan, and 73 of them located in Tokyo, Tempura Tendon Tenya is an affordable tempura hotspot among locals. The main store is located at Yaesu Shopping Mall in Tokyo Station. 

Order the classic Tendon Bowl, consisting of tempura shrimp, fish, squid, pumpkin or more, over a bed of soft, white rice. Another favourite is the Jou-Tendon which goes for ¥650. 

The average price ranges between ¥590 to ¥650 (S$4.90 to S$5.40), making it the perfect meal on days when you’re on a budget. 

Tempura Tendon Tenya 
Instagram | Website 
Various Locations
12pm–10pm (Daily) 

20. Fukuan 

Fukuan was previously known as a must-visit lunchtime spot for its 10 pieces of shrimp tempura and rice bowl at just ¥650 (S$4.90). 

Now, Fukuan offers dinner-course style tempura meals. The standard course goes for ¥3,500 (S$29.05) per person, and includes seasonal tempura like eel, shrimp, squid, and vegetables. 

If you can’t visit during the evening, then drop by for lunch and enjoy their Tempura Bowl, which ranges from ¥750 to ¥950 (S$6.22 to S$7.88).

Fukuan is where you want to be if you’re looking for an intimate, special omakase experience while staying budget-friendly. 

Fukuan 
Website 
1-22-26 Tomioka, Koto-ku, 135-0047 Tokyo 
12pm–9pm (Daily) 

Gyukatsu

21. Gyukatsu Motomura 

Everyone’s favourite gyukatsu spot—Gyukatsu Motomura. Gyukatsu is traditionally a breaded pork cutlet, but Gyukatsu Motomura went viral for their breaded beef cutlet. 

Every plate of breaded beef cutlet comes with a hot stone grill, allowing you to cook the beef to your preferred doneness. This interactive and satisfying eating experience makes it easy to see why first-timers are willing to queue.

While they have a wide selection of gyukatsu sets, we believe the Standard Gyukatsu Set (120g), which goes for ¥2,110 (S$17.51), is sufficient for most diners. If you’re in for a feast, then go ahead and order the 2-Piece Gyukatsu Set (260g) for ¥3,290 (S$27.31).

Gyukatsu Motomura 
Instagram | Website 
2-19-17 Shibuya, Gloria Shibuya Building B1F, 150-0002 Tokyo 
11am–11pm (Daily) 

22. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu 

Even though Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu has outlets in Singapore, it’s still worth visiting their stores in Tokyo. With just four locations in Shibuya, Akihabara, and other areas, be sure to fit this into your itinerary. 

At Katsugyu, you get to pick the cut of beef–tenderloin, tongue, sirloin, and even premium Wagyu. This lets you choose different types of cuts based on whether you prefer lean and subtle or rich and fatty. 

If you enjoy a leaner cut, then we suggest getting the Loin Gyukatsu Set, which goes for ¥1,969 (S$16.34). For a richer, melt-in-your-mouth experience, go straight for the Wagyu Cutlet Set, with prices starting from ¥2,500 (S$20.75).

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu 
Instagram | Website 
Various Locations 
11am–10pm (Daily) 

23. Gyukatsu Iroha 

Just a minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station is where you can find Gyukatsu Iroha. Similar to our previous recommendations, they allow you to cook your breaded beef cutlet to your preferred doneness. 

They only offer one set, which is the standard Gyukatsu Set Meal consisting of 130g of beef cutlet, barley rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, and more. 

This set costs ¥1,930 (S$16.02), making it slightly more affordable than our other recommendations so far. 

Gyukatsu Iroha
Instagram | Website 
1-9-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Tomomitsu Building, Toshima-ku, 170-0013 Tokyo 
11am–10pm (Daily) 

24. Gyukatsu Okada 

Gyukatsu Okada is on our list as it’s a more budget-friendly option compared to our previous selections. Plus, it’s also conveniently near Shimbashi Station from the Karaumori or Hibiya Exit. 

Unlike our other selections, Okada is open solely during lunch and will close by 2pm, or once everything sells out. We recommend getting the Beef Loin Lunch Cutlet Set, which is approximately ¥1,400 to ¥1,800 (S$11.62 to S$14.94), to maximise your experience. 

They also have other sets which are priced around ¥1,000 to ¥1,999 (S$8.30 to S$16.59). 

Gyukatsu Okada
Website 
2-16-1 Shinbashi, Minato City, 105-004 Tokyo 
11am–2pm (Weekdays) 

25. Asakusa Gyukatsu 

Asakusa Gyukatsu is another popular spot within the Asakusa area. Similarly, it offers medium-rare breaded beef cutlets, and you can also grill them at your table to your preferred doneness. 

Despite it being located in a tourist spot, the prices are locally friendly as they range from ¥1,500 to ¥2,500 (S$12.45 to S$20.75). The best part? You’ll also get free rice refills while dining in too. 

Asakusa Gyukatsu 
Website 
3-2-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, 103-0027 Tokyo 
11am–10pm (Daily) 

Themed Cafés 

26. Pokémon Café 

Pokémon fans, we heard you—of course, Pokémon Café had to be on our list! The entire cafe is decked out in popular Pokémon characters that are sure to win your heart over. 

From Snorlax and Pikachu to even Eevee, fans would be thrilled to get a chance to dine here. The dishes are too adorable for anyone to eat, with the mains going for ¥2,420 while the desserts range between ¥1,870 to ¥2,090 (S$15.52 to S$17.35). 

There’s also cafe-exclusive merchandise up for grabs. Be sure to make a reservation at least three days before your intended visit to ensure a smooth experience. 

Pokémon Café
Website
2-11-2 Nihonbashi Chou City, 103-0027 Tokyo  
10.30am–9.30pm (Daily) 

27. Kirby Café

Still not satisfied yet with dining at Pokémon Café? Then head on down to Kirby Café to savour in more adorableness. 

Furthermore, the food is decently portioned to satisfy your hunger, from the Kirby Burger, which costs ¥2,180 (S$18.09), to the Waddle-Dee themed omelette rice (omurice), which ranges from ¥1,500 to ¥2,500 (S$12.45 to S$20.75). 

Still craving for more? Try their desserts, where they have pancakes, themed sweets and drinks, all in our favourite pink character. 

Kirby Café
Instagram | Website
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, 4F East Yard Tokyo Solamachi 131-0045 Tokyo 
10am–10pm (Daily)

28. Maidreamin Akihabara Honten

If you grew up watching Kaichō wa Maid-sama! and always dreamt of visiting a maid cafe, you can now visit Maidreamin Akihabara Honten during your trip to Tokyo. 

It’s one of Tokyo’s largest and most accessible maid cafés, offering entertainment and adorable themed meals.

A must-try is the Omurice, where a fluffy omelette covers warm, soft rice, and the maid writes a cute message on top with ketchup. 

Prices are not available online, but dishes are roughly ¥1,200 to ¥1,500 (S$9.96 to S$12.45). 

Maidreamin Akihabara Honten 
Instagram | Website
3-16-17 Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 101-0021 Tokyo 
11.30am–11pm (Weekdays) 10.30am–11pm (Weekends) 

29. Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory 

Calling all Studio Ghibli fans, we found a licensed My Neighbour Totoro cream puff shop in Tokyo that you must check out. 

Known as Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, they offer cream puffs shaped in Totoros for you to devour. Fillings range from classics like custard and chocolate to fun seasonal flavours like strawberry or caramel-banana fusion. 

Each cream puff costs ¥640 to ¥680 (S$5.31 to S$5.64), and you can enjoy it in the cosy cafe above the bakery itself. It’s fun, low-pressure treat doubles as a souvenir!

Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory 
Website
2-7-5 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, 180-0003 Tokyo 
10.30am–6pm (Wed to Mon) 

30. Sanrio Café Ikebukuro 

We saved the best for last for our dear Sanrio fans—check out the Sanrio Café, which has only two outlets in Ikebukuro and Harajuku. 

The dishes are primarily western cuisine, with burgers featuring your favourite Sanrio character at just ¥1,000 (S$8.30). 

If you’re more of a sweet tooth, then skip the burgers and dive straight for the Cinnamoroll Pancakes that are also the same price.

End the experience with some latte-art drinks or smoothies, both priced between ¥500 to ¥600 (S$4.15 to S$4.98). Don’t forget to memorialise the visit by bagging a few of their store-exclusive merchandise too. 

Sanrio Café Ikebukuro 
Website
1-28-1 Higashiikebukuro, B1F Sunshine City Alpa, 170-6090 Tokyo 
10am–9pm (Daily) 

With such a wide selection of restaurants, perhaps this is your sign to extend your trip and indulge in your favourite spots.

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The post 30 restaurants for you to savour during your time in Tokyo, from fresh sushi and tender gyukatsu bowls, to adorable themed cafés and more appeared first on Confirm Good.

The distinguishing factor is that it’s the first halal-dedicated slaughterhouse in the Tokushima Prefecture, Japan.

As someone who didn’t grow up eating beef, I am deeply afraid of the gamey taste some beef cuts carry. 

When I learnt that we were to cover a gyukatsu restaurant, I sub-consciously carried a half-excited, half-anxious heart before entering the cosy, and welcoming store sub-let by Hotel Clover.

We patiently awaited our order of an A5 Ribeye Set, A5 Tenderloin Set, Menchikatsu, and Mochi Fry Ice Cream.

Before us was a mini hotplate, the signature touch of gyukatsu dining, where you can sear each piece of wagyu up to your preferred doneness. 

The first bite of the A5 Tenderloin Set sent me into a whole new realm of beef. I have never had one so yummy, apart from the steak I tasted at Wynn Palace’s Wynn Steakhouse in Macau.

The A5 Tenderloin Set was a melt-in-your-mouth kind of tender. The panko crumbs gave it a delicate crunch — the subtle but very much present kind. 

If you’re into fatty cuts, the Ribeye set offers a creamier, more buttery alternative to the tenderloin set. I recall vividly how the velvety fat melted with every bite. Each was soft, and juicy. 

If your appetite is as huge as mine, you’ll be glad to know that your rice, cabbage and miso soup are all refillable. 

One thing that sets Gyusei apart from other gyukatsu places is its 12 dipping sauces, like Yuzu Kosho, Kimchi, Ponzu radish, katsu sauce, fresh lemon, Shichimi, Maldon Sea Salt, Sansho pepper, mustard seed, fresh wasabi, housemade potato salad, and umami onsen egg.

I sampled each and every dip just to provide some sort of commentary for my dearest readers. My favourite? Frankly, I’m really torn between three options: the Maldon Sea Salt, umami onsen egg, and fresh wasabi. 

The sea salt brings out the creaminess of the beef, the egg mixed in an umami sauce eliminates the slight greasiness of the fried meat, while the wasabi added a refreshing cleanse to my palate when paired with the gyukatsu.

Trivia time, did you know that fresh wasabi doesn’t sting your nose? This freshly grated wasabi tasted like the ones I had at an Omakase in Osaka. And did you know that fresh wasabi can cost more than the beef itself? Insane.

For a limited time only, Gyusei will be treating customers who follow them on Instagram, to a free Mechikatsu for every group of two to four pax.

The Menchikatsu is a breaded Hamburg made up of ground A5 and Australian Wagyu. You might think that such a deep-fried dish would taste tough and dry, but the succulence of the meat would prove you otherwise. 

We ended off the meal with a plate of Mochi Fry Ice Cream, served with chocolate and milk flavours. I particularly enjoyed the milk flavour for the rich, whipped flavour, accompanied by the chewiness of the mochi and crispy crust.

Gyusei Gyukatsu Wagyu-Steakhouse 
Instagram
775 North Bridge Road, Level 1 Hotel Clover, Singapore 198737
12–3pm, 5pm–10pm (Tue to Thu, Sun), 12pm–3pm, 5pm–10.30pm (Fri to Sat), Closed (Mon)

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Photos by Letresa Yap.

The post New Halal gyukatsu restaurant with Nishi Awa Beef is your new must-try in town appeared first on Confirm Good.

For real though, you can’t go wrong with breaded and deep-fried beef cutlets (the beef equivalent of tonkatsu).

Good news for beef lovers: Japan’s biggest gyukatsu chain, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, has opened in Singapore at none other than this season’s most “happening” mall — Raffles City.

The casual restaurant chain, which hails from Kyoto, prepares its iconic gyukatsu by coating the beef in a batter made of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, before frying it for around 60 to 120 seconds till it reaches a perfect medium rare.

It’s meant to be thick and juicy, with a crisp, golden brown exterior.

And, that’s exactly what I got when I went down for lunch. Oh man, let me tell you it was the wrong choice to do so. As the food was so good, I ended up in a food coma and guess who had work afterwards?

You can look forward to a selection of five curated cuts of beef: chuck tail flap, sirloin, tenderloin, tongue, and wagyu. Most diners tend to order the half-half version, which comes with two different cuts on the same plate.

This comes in the form of their Half-and-Half Gyukatsu Zen, with the two crowd-favourites being the Sirloin and Tenderloin (S$29) or Sirloin and Beef Tongue (S$32)

All the meats are served medium rare but you’ll have the option to cook them further if you like. I especially recommend doing so for the Tenderloin, which boasts a more tender and juicier texture when placed on your mini hot stove.

Here’s a tip: sear the sides for around five to ten seconds. I found that was the optimal time frame to achieve the best flavour — coming from someone who typically goes for medium rare.

Regardless of which cuts you go for, each Gyukatsu Zen comes with a bowl of rice, miso soup, onsen egg and a bunch of condiments, including Kyoto-style curry, wasabi, pepper and dashi soy sauce.

It may sound weird but trust me when I say you gotta top your sirloin with a touch of wasabi before dipping it into the dashi sauce. Their wasabi won’t overwhelm the beef or give you a nose burn — a clear sign that it’s of high quality.

However, if you want to go all out, treat yourself to the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sirloin (S$55). For this, skip the condiments and just savour it on its own. The wagyu simply melted in my mouth and offered a rich, buttery flavour.

In fact, it was so rich that I had to cleanse my palate every once in a while in order to not get overwhelmed.

I cleansed with the Sukkirito Apple Juice (S$4.20), while my dining partner went for the Tsubumi Orange Juice (S$4.20).

For those coming down for dinner, feel free to accompany your gyukatsu with a bottle of sake. I personally would opt for the Okunomatsu Yuzu Toro (S$9 for 50ml, S$69 for 500ml) as its bright and refreshing taste will help combat palate fatigue.

You can actually score yourself a complimentary bottle of sake by signing up for their membership program. First, enjoy a welcome gift of their Japanese Kuzomochi Dessert with any set, then claim your sake on your next visit.

Ready to sink your teeth into some authentic gyukatsu?

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Instagram | Website
252 North Bridge Road, B1-63/64 Raffles City, Singapore 179103
11am–10pm (Daily)

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Photos by Sheree Chua

The post Popular chain from Japan Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu has opened in Singapore, offering their signature half-and-half gyukatsu zens in various beef cuts appeared first on Confirm Good.

The 46-seater restaurant is the first in Singapore to offer “yuzu pork“, which contrary to popular belief, does not refer to pork prepared with yuzu juice.

“Yuzu pork” actually comes from pigs reared in Kagoshima, Japan; they are fed local yuzu, which yields tender meat with higher melting point of fat (hence the rich umami flavour), along with a good dose of vitamin C, pectin, and citric.

Each piece of pork is evenly coated with panko (breadcrumbs) before being deep-fried, and then served as a complete set meal (from S$15) alongside pickles, tonjiru (pork and vegetable miso soup), and free-flow Japanese rice and cabbage and argula salad, which you can douse in your choice of sauce.

Although there are two types of “yuzu pork” to choose from — the richer and fattier rosu katsu (pork loin) and the leaner hire katsu (pork fillet) — we highly recommend the former.

Keep it simple with the Yuzu Rosu Katsu Set (S$22), boasting crispy, succulent pork loin marbled with chunks of unctous fat.

As promised, it was juicy, tender, and packed with tons of flavour. Even when eaten cold.

You are encouraged to dip the tonkatsu into the tangy, aromatic, and oh-so good combination of tonkatsu sauce and roasted sesame seeds (which you can grind up at the table) — let’s just say I was hooked.

Alternatively, you can spice up your yuzu rosu katsu with Miso (S$24) or Oroshi (S$24), a refreshing grated daikon and yuzu-ponzu dressing that served as the perfect foil for the fatty meat.

If you’ve seen the viral hot stone gyukatsu all over social media, you’ll be pleased to know that Tonkatsu ENbiton is serving up their very own rendition prepared using award-winning Japanese A4/A5 grade Miyazaki beef.

Think luscious, perfectly marbled melt-in-mouth slices of wagyu coated with panko, lightly fried till medium-rare. Each plate of gyukatsu is served with a teppan hot stone, so that you can further grill the meat to your preferred doneness.

This means there’s no need to travel to the famous Gyukatsu Motomura in Tokyo for your gyukatsu fix — for now.

We highly recommend searing the beef for just a few seconds on each side, because no one wants overcooked wagyu!

But if you’re someone who likes your meat rare to medium-rare (like me), you’ll probably also enjoy the gyukatsu as is.

If you’re in the mood for seafood, look no further than the Kaisen Mix Fry Kuro Kare Set (S$27), assorted deep-fried seafood (prawn, Japanese oyster, scallop, salmon) with a charcoal black curry.

Regular tonkatsu and curry go hand in hand, but sweet and fresh seafood takes it to a whole ‘nother level.

Having just finished The Curry Songs, a severely underrated Japanese series on Netflix with a curry-obsessed protagonist, this certainly hit the spot!

The curry was pretty straightforward, with a good balance of sweet and savoury, but I would’ve loved to see a spicy version on the menu.

Need even more convincing?

From 17 to 19 May 2023, you can drop by and enjoy the signature Yuzu Rosu Katsu Set at just S$15, instead of the usual S$22 price tag, while stocks last! BRB, making dinner plans now.

A second outlet will be opening at Causeway Point, so North-siders can look forward to enjoying some seriously solid “yuzu pork” tonkatsu and wagyu gyukatsu.

Till then, don’t bother waiting for your tonkatsu cravings to arise and just head down to VivoCity ASAP!

Tonkatsu ENbiton
Facebook | Instagram | Website
???? 1 HarbourFront Walk, #B2-27/27A VivoCity, Singapore 098585
???? 11am–10pm (Daily)

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Photos by Christabel Tan

The post You can find the viral DIY hot stone wagyu gyukatsu & Singapore’s first “yuzu pork” tonkatsu at this Japanese restaurant in VivoCity appeared first on Confirm Good.