🥩✨ Beefed Up in Kyoto Style: My Sizzling Experience at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu 🔥🍱
If you’re a fan of Japanese food but want something beyond the usual sushi 🍣 or ramen 🍜, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is your next must-try spot. I recently visited their branch (yes, they have multiple worldwide 🌏), and let me tell you—it was a sizzling experience that hit all the right notes 🔥. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, the cozy, clean interior and minimalist wood-accented décor transported me straight to Kyoto 🏯. There’s a sense of calm and detail that really sets the tone for a premium dining experience. It’s not flashy; it’s refined—just like the food.
The star of the show here is, of course, gyukatsu—breaded, deep-fried beef cutlet, served medium-rare and accompanied by a personal hot stone so you can sear it to your perfect doneness 😍. It’s the best of both worlds: the crispy crunch of katsu on the outside and the juicy tenderness of rare beef on the inside. My meal came as part of the Gyukatsu Zen Set, which includes cabbage salad 🥬, red miso soup 🥣, fluffy Japanese rice 🍚, an onsen egg 🥚, and Kyoto-style curry 🍛. Each element was thoughtfully plated and bursting with flavor. Honestly, even the cabbage salad felt like it got the VIP treatment 😂.
I ordered the Half & Half Gyukatsu Zen, which lets you choose two different beef cuts—because choosing just one would’ve been way too hard 🙈. I went for the sirloin and tenderloin, and I was not disappointed. The sirloin had just the right amount of marbling, adding buttery flavor with every bite, while the tenderloin was unbelievably soft and lean. The beef was coated in a light koromo batter—a mix of flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs—fried until golden brown 💛. What impressed me most was how the inside remained a gorgeous pink despite the deep-frying.
The magic really happens when you take each piece and sear it yourself on the tiny hotplate 🪨. It’s interactive, fun, and lets you control the doneness of each bite. Want it more rare? Just a flash. Craving that charred edge? Let it sizzle a bit longer. I was basically playing chef at my table and loving every second of it 😆👨🍳.
What truly elevated the experience were the condiments and side sauces. The spicy miso 🌶️ and the homemade wasabi soy sauce added layers of flavor without overpowering the beef. I also mixed the onsen egg with a bit of rice and curry—it was silky, rich, and deeply comforting. Every component balanced well and made sure the meal wasn’t just about the meat, but the harmony of flavors and textures 🎶.
For those looking to indulge, they also offer A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sirloin gyukatsu, which is the Rolls-Royce of beef 🐮💎. I didn’t try it this time (I had to save my wallet 😂), but it’s on my radar for my next visit. Prices are on the higher end for a casual meal, but totally justified by the quality of ingredients, presentation, and overall experience.
#osakaitinerary