Katsuya Philippines in Mandaluyong: Bringing Japan’s No. 1 Katsudon Brand to SM Megamall
There is something especially satisfying about a freshly fried pork cutlet: the crisp coating giving way to tender meat, followed by warm rice that turns it into a complete, comforting meal. In Japan, that familiar combination has long been part of everyday dining, and one restaurant brand has spent decades making sure diners can enjoy it without waiting for a special occasion.
IMAGE from Katsuya
Katsuya, recognized as Japan’s No. 1 Katsudon Brand, has officially made its way to the Philippines with its first local branch at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Founded in Japan in 1998, the restaurant began with a simple idea—to make authentic and delicious tonkatsu and katsudon more accessible to everyday diners without compromising quality.
IMAGE from Katsuya
The concept quickly gained ground in Japan, surpassing 100 stores by 2002 before opening its 200th location in 2012. That same year, Katsuya began expanding overseas, first entering Hong Kong and South Korea, followed by Thailand, Taiwan, China, and other international markets. Its arrival in the Philippines continues that expansion, introducing Filipino diners to the brand’s approach to casual Japanese comfort food.
At the center of Katsuya’s philosophy are three principles: deliciousness, affordability, and consistency. Its goal is to serve tonkatsu that remains approachable enough for regular meals while maintaining the preparation and ingredient standards expected from a specialty restaurant.
That attention begins with the pork itself. Katsuya uses chilled rather than frozen pork, helping retain its tenderness and richer flavor.
Chilled Pork / IMAGE from Katsuya
Each cutlet is coated in specially prepared breadcrumbs designed to produce the brand’s distinctive crisp texture before being cooked using an automatic frying system that carefully controls temperature and timing. Rice is prepared to achieve a balance between firmness and stickiness, while fresh cabbage brings a lighter contrast to the fried dishes.
Breadcrumbs / IMAGE from Katsuya
The Katsudon at the Heart of Katsuya
Katsuya’s signature dish is its Katsudon, a pork cutlet rice bowl that represents the restaurant’s entire concept in one serving.
The dish starts with Katsuya’s crispy pork cutlet, which is gently simmered together with egg in the restaurant’s original, closely guarded sauce. It is then placed over a bowl of warm rice, allowing the savory sauce and soft egg to mingle with the crispy coating and tender pork underneath.
Katsudon / IMAGE from Katsuya
Another dish that showcases the brand’s tonkatsu expertise is the Pork Loin Katsu Set. Made using chilled pork and Katsuya’s signature breadcrumbs, the loin is fried until crisp on the outside while retaining its tender texture within.
Served as a complete meal, it offers a more traditional way to appreciate the pork cutlet itself and reflects Katsuya’s emphasis on hearty portions, quality, and value.
Pork Loin Katsu Set / IMAGE from Katsuya
With its first Philippine restaurant located at the Upper Ground Floor of SM Megamall Building B, Katsuya now brings its signature katsudon and tonkatsu closer to Filipino diners looking for a satisfying Japanese meal that does not need an occasion. After all, for the brand, great katsu is meant to be enjoyed any day.
