June 12, 2017

Niku Katsumata Singapore @ Duxton Road ~ Japanese Wagyu Beef Set At Only $38++! Go! Go! Go!



The world of endless Japanese wagyu beef indulgence is one that PinkyPiggu wants to forever live in. If it is not possible, then a trip (no, make it many trips) to Niku Katsumata will do as well.

For you who have not heard of this gem of a place yet, Niku Katsumata is a grilled meat restaurant located along Duxton Road that focuses on serving high quality and lean Japanese wagyu beef.

Its origin is traced back to Ebisu, Tokyo, where it first opened in 2012 as a membership-based store for gourmands and celebrities to enjoy premium meat grilled over crystal plates.


Stepping into the intimate, minimalist 20-seater space, and watching Chef Taiki Fujikawa displaying his skills at the open kitchen counter reminds one of being at a sushi bar.

Except of course, the spotlight here is on Japanese wagyu beef.

Most of us have the impression that wagyu beef is always about highly-marbled meat, but at Niku Katsumata, we can experience moderately-marbled beef that is carefully selected by their meat sommelier.

Not so fat, gentler on our waistlines, just as tasty. Win!


And if we think that a wagyu beef meal is generally expensive, Niku Katsumata has proved that it is not always the case.

Their A4 Wagyu Beef Set is offered at an unbelievable price of $38++!

Each set consist of Appetizer - Japanese pork prosciutto, homemade kimchi, and seasoned sprout, Salad - Chinese cabbage salad topped with umami seaweed, Meat Platter - premium selection of A4 wagyu beef, and Rice - Japanese A4 beef curry rice.

Just take our money!!!


We love the nice saltiness of the pork prosciutto, appetizing kimchi, well-seasoned crunchy sprouts, and fresh crispiness of the cabbage as starters for our dinner, but nothing lighted up our eyes the way the A4 wagyu beef platter did when it arrived at our table.

As a person who enjoys uncommon cuts, I was pleasantly surprised to be presented with 6 different cuts including the cow's diaphragm, stomach and thigh.

The usual popular cuts of wagyu beef are well-received for its intense marbling, however, I enjoyed the leaner cuts better as there is a higher degree of satisfying chew, and flavors are comparatively more robust.


What makes Niku Katsumata different from other Japanese yakiniku restaurants is the use of specially-imported crystal plates for grilling.

As low heat is spread throughout the crystal, it ensures that the meat retain its tenderness and juiciness while being cooked. We knew it's true the moment those slices of the quickly-done, medium-rare wagyu beef entered our mouths.

The beautifully-grilled meat only needed a gentle dip into the accompanying smoked sea salt or housemade peach and pineapple sauce to elevate the flavors further.


The set is rounded off with a serving of wagyu curry rice.

Chef did not shy away from the use of heavier curry spices for the gravy, resulting in a rich savory-sweet flavor when mixed with bits of finely-minced beef. Perfect with plump and chewy Japanese rice! This curry rice had us polishing off our bowls effortlessly.

We also ordered the Chef's Special Appetizer ($19) which features a trio of A4 wagyu beef sashimi rolled with sea urchin, marinated ikura, and foie gras & caviar with truffle oil.

Each pop was heavenly even for PinkyPiggu who doesn't like raw meat. Her favorite was the beef sashimi with foie gras & caviar with truffle oil which I also concurred to be the best combination.


We cannot leave Niku Katsumata without trying their Tataki Wagyu Donburi ($20 onwards) as well.

The basic bowl came with lightly-seared A4 wagyu beef over Japanese rice. It can be customized with a selection of toppings namely sea urchin, foie gras, ikura and cavier (additional $5 each). We opted to include everything! The more the merrier! Lol!

My advice is to enjoy the donburi as it is first, before adding in the accompanying bonito stock soup to slowly transform the dish and savoring it at greater heights. The warm and clean flavors of the broth enhanced the beef bowl superbly well. This dish is a comforting meal in itself.


This wagyu beef meal at Niku Katsumata was definitely memorable and counts as one of PinkyPiggu's best for this year.

Price-point is reasonable, not just for the dishes but also for the alcoholic beverages when you dine at the restaurant during happy hours (Sundays to Wednesdays, 5.30pm to 7pm). Beer and sake will each go at just $5 per glass!


Niku Katsumata Singapore
Address: 47 Duxton Road, Singapore 089511
Contact: +65 9162 7502
Website: http://www.niku-katsumata.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikukatsumata/
Opening Hours: Daily 5.30pm-11pm

Prices are stated in Singapore dollars and subject to 10% service charge & 7% GST. Information is correct at point of published date.

* Written by BFF, a guy who is desperately trying to find a balance while lost in the world of sights, sound and taste.
* Edited with additional inputs by PinkyPiggu
* Photos by PinkyPiggu

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