Since opening its doors on 2 July 2025, Shin Katsu has quickly become a new benchmark in Singapore’s tonkatsu dining scene.
Helmed by Chef Matsubayashi Masato, a seasoned tonkatsu specialist and former Head Chef of Ma Maison, this marks his first independent venture, a culmination of a global culinary journey spanning Japan, Spain, and Singapore. The collaboration with The Gourmet Factor brings over 15 years of expertise to a concept that balances craftsmanship, authenticity, and innovation.
Stepping into Shin Katsu, one immediately senses the dedication behind every detail. The restaurant’s name, Shin (心: heart, 新: new, 真: real) and Katsu (カツ), encapsulates its philosophy of sincerity, creativity, and respect for tradition.
What sets Shin Katsu apart is its technique-driven execution. From meticulously aged pork to a bespoke panko breading method that maximises crunch without heaviness, every bite reflects precision and care. Chef Masato’s frying technique locks in juiciness, and the charcoal-grilled rice adds a smoky nuance rarely seen in tonkatsu dining.
AVENUE ONE shares our favourite dishes so you’ll know what to order when you visit.
Best Dishes To Try At Shin Katsu
Starters That Set the Tone
The appetisers offer a glimpse into the kitchen’s philosophy: bold yet unpretentious. The Boneless Chicken Wings are a playful convenience; no tedious deboning, just juicy, perfectly seasoned meat. The Potato Salad, humble in appearance, is utterly addictive: creamy, subtly tangy, and unexpectedly comforting.
Indulge in some Kushi Katsu (fried skewers) before you start your mains. We tried the Chicken Thigh and Asparagus and were surprised at how light and crisp they were, despite its deep-fried nature, proving that technique matters as much as ingredients.
The Main Event: Tonkatsu
Shin Katsu’s mains are where Chef Masato’s vision truly shines. The Mangalica Rosu Katsu Set, made with meat that’s often lauded as the “wagyu of pork”, will impress you with its buttery texture and marbled richness.
But on the day of my visit, I decided to go for the Mille-Feuille Black Truffle Katsu Set a must-try that’s truly unique to Shin Katsu: thinly layered pork and black truffle, finished with truffle salt. Look forward to a dish that’s indulgent, aromatic, and utterly unique.
For first-time visitors looking for a sampler, the Shin Katsu Combo Set delivers a harmonious trio: Ebi-Fry, Rosu, and Hire, offering a well-rounded introduction to the restaurant’s tonkatsu philosophy. Each cut is perfectly breaded, fried to a golden crisp, and paired with refillable miso soup – which is bold and comforting) – and crisp cabbage.
Even the sides are executed with care. The Unagi and Kaki Fry are all satisfying in their own right.
The restaurant provides the standard tonkatsu sauce and salt for dipping, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, order the Curry Sauce, too. I enjoyed the curry for its savoury depth, veering away from the usual sweet profiles.
Rice Cooked with Pride
A highlight that cannot go unmentioned is the rice. Chef Masato personally demonstrated his method of cooking Hokkaido grains over charcoal, resulting in rice that is fluffy, fragrant, and naturally sweet. This level of attention elevates the simplest element of the meal, showcasing the chef’s philosophy: no detail is too small.
Sweet Conclusions
Dessert continues the thoughtful approach. The Fried Taiyaki with Matcha Ice Cream is playful yet refined, while the Vanilla Mochi offers a clean, delicate finish to a rich meal.
Shin Katsu is located at 84-86 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088505. It is opened from 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm daily.
