Magok tonkatsu restaurant: Ryun Special Set vs sirloin katsu

Katsuryun — a recommended tonkatsu spot in Magok, this is what premium tonkatsu looks like

Why Katsuryun for tonkatsu near Magok Station?

On days when I want proper tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) in Magok, I always end up wondering where to go. This time I wanted a slightly different take on tonkatsu, so I visited Katsuryun. To cut to the chase, I got why Katsuryun keeps coming up when people search for good tonkatsu spots in Magok these days.

Katsuryun is easy to get to near Magok Station, so it works well for lunch, and the clean atmosphere makes it a nice place to eat at a relaxed pace. Walking in, everything felt tidy and organized, with that particular clean vibe you get from a dedicated tonkatsu restaurant — a good first impression.

What I was most looking forward to at Katsuryun was exactly this: premium tonkatsu. Rather than just focusing on making the batter crispy like typical tonkatsu, it felt geared toward bringing out the texture and flavor of the meat itself.

That day I ordered the Ryun Special Set and the sirloin katsu.

What comes on the Ryun Special Set platter?

If it's your first visit, I think choosing the Ryun Special Set — which lets you try several kinds of katsu at once — is a good move. It really does bring together a range of Katsuryun's menu items on one plate, so it suits anyone who doesn't want to settle on just one thing.

With the separately ordered sirloin katsu placed next to it, the table got pretty full.

I looked at the Ryun Special Set first. The cutlets, neatly arranged on the plate, looked appetizing just by sight. The batter wasn't too thick and still had a crisp texture, while the meat inside felt moist. Eating it right away, the contrast between the crispy batter and the tender meat was clear. With tonkatsu, if the batter is too thick, the fried coating overwhelms the meat — but Katsuryun let the flavor of the pork stay front and center, which I liked.

Signature sirloin katsu: salt or sauce?

And the sirloin katsu was, personally, the most memorable item at Katsuryun in Magok that day — the signature dish!

The distinct savory flavor of the sirloin really came through, with just the right amount of fat, and the more I chewed, the more the meat's own flavor came forward. I tried it dipped in sauce first, then with salt — and with salt, the natural flavor of the meat definitely came through more clearly. If you like tonkatsu, there's real fun in mixing and matching combinations like this.

Crispy batter plus the savoriness of the sirloin, then a touch of salt or sauce on top — even with the same tonkatsu, the impression of the flavor shifts a little each time. The sirloin katsu in particular wasn't sliced too thin, so the meat had real presence, and each bite was satisfying. It felt less like eating crispy tonkatsu and more like eating good meat properly fried into katsu.

Ryun Special Set or sirloin katsu — which should you order?

So if I had to sum up Katsuryun in one line, I'd say — as the title suggests — this is what premium tonkatsu looks like. These days Magok has so many restaurants that even choosing where to get tonkatsu takes some thought. Personally, I prefer tonkatsu that lets you enjoy the meat's flavor and texture rather than one that just emphasizes crispiness, so Katsuryun's direction really suited my taste.

I think it'll especially suit anyone looking for tonkatsu in Magok who wants something a bit more properly made.

• Ryun Special Set: for those who want to try several kinds at once
• Sirloin Katsu: for those who love the meat's own natural flavor

If you're visiting for the first time and can't decide, like I was, I'd say go with the Ryun Special Set to try a variety, then come back another time to order your favorite as a single dish.

Overall, the meal was well put together and the tonkatsu itself was satisfying at Katsuryun. If you're looking for lunch or dinner in Magok and are a little tired of the usual options, it might be worth checking out Katsuryun, a well-regarded tonkatsu spot in Magok.

This time I ordered the Ryun Special Set and the sirloin katsu together, and comparing them side by side made each one's charm stand out more clearly. Crispy batter, moist meat, and that distinct savory flavor of the sirloin, all in one meal.

If you want to enjoy your tonkatsu a little more properly, I'd recommend Katsuryun to anyone looking for tonkatsu in Magok. Next time, I'll have to work through the rest of the menu one katsu at a time and really conquer Katsuryun's lineup.

If you're looking for premium tonkatsu in Magok, it's Katsuryun. Isn't this exactly the appeal of a properly made katsu?