Katsuya Philippines: Bringing Japan’s No. 1 Katsudon Brand to SM Megamall
Katsuya’s signature Katsudon brings together a crispy pork cutlet, gently simmered with egg in the restaurant’s original sauce, then served over a warm bowl of rice.
It is a comforting Japanese staple built around contrasting textures, from the crisp coating and tender pork to the soft egg and savory sauce, and Katsuya has spent decades making this Japanese dining experience accessible for everyday dining.
IMAGE from Katsuya
Katsuya, recognized as Japan’s No. 1 Katsudon Restaurant, 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 Philippine Primer
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 restaurant’s approach to everyday Japanese dining.
At the center of Katsuya’s philosophy are three things: delicious food, approachable prices, and consistent quality. Its goal is to serve katsudon 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 to achieve the restaurant’s distinctive crisp texture, then 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 hearty katsu 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, serving delicious, filling tonkatsu made accessible for everyday dining.
The dish starts with Katsuya’s 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 rich sauce and soft egg to mingle with the crispy coating and tender pork underneath.
Katsudon / IMAGE from Katsuya
Another dish that showcases the restaurant’s tonkatsu expertise is the Rosu 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 brings together the satisfying flavors of tonkatsu and complementary sides, reflecting 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.
Whether it’s a quick lunch, a comfort food craving, or simply another day worth celebrating, Katsuya’s philosophy is simple: great katsu doesn’t need a special occasion. Whatever the day calls for, Today Deserves Katsu.
