The best tonkatsu restaurants to visit in Singapore

This Mandarin Gallery stalwart needs no introduction. A restaurant of leading Japanese-Western chain Ma Maison, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison has made a name for itself as one of the best tonkatsu spots in Singapore. Primarily focused on kurobuta tonkatsu, a juicy and tender pork cut with a tinge of sweetness, the restaurant has been patronised by many tonkatsu enthusiasts. Another menu recommendation is the shirakaba rosu katsu, an aged Hokkaido-hailed pork loin that is rich in flavour. If you’re big on sauces, choose from either miso, tartare, curry, or ponzu with grated radish. Your meal is also accompanied by a choice of plain or multi-grain rice, pickles and tonjiru (pork and vegetable miso soup).

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison @ Mandarin Gallery
Address: 333A Orchard Road, 02-35/36 Mandarin Gallery, S(238897), +65 6733 4541

Since 1993, Tonkichi has been preparing its tonkatsu in the traditional Japanese way—with the pork cutlet coated in panko bread crumbs and deep-fried until it is crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The restaurant is known for golden pork cutlets with an airy crunch that make a delightful pairing with tonkatsu staples, including shredded cabbage and pickles.

Tonkichi
Address: Mutiple locations, 350 Orchard Road, Isetan Scotts, Level 4, Shaw House, S(238868), +65 6835 4648

Headed by chef Tan-San, otherwise known as the first tonkatsu chef in Singapore, Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen is Serangoon’s well-kept secret. Starting his career in the ‘70s excelling in butchery and then heading to Japan in the ‘90s in pursuit of the art of tonkatsu before returning to Singapore, Tan’s impressive resume only seals his apt at creating quality tonkatsu. The restaurant’s direct-from-Japan pork loin is singled out for its tenderness and juiciness, ensuring that the dish that arrives in front of customers tick all the boxes for a perfectly delectable tonkatsu.

Among Tan’s recommendations include the Nagoya miso fillet, where the pork is generously topped with Nagoya-sourced miso bolstered with tonkotsu broth and red wine.

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen
Address: 1 Maju Avenue, myVillage @ Serangoon Gardens, 02-07/8/9, S(556679), +65 6509 9952

Featured in Michelin Guide Tokyo, Imakatsu’s Roppongi store dared the tonkatsu speciality restaurant’s brave leap into Singapore in 2014. A decade later, the queues at its storefront speak for itself. The restaurant names several characteristics of great tonkatsu: first, frying skills, which includes meticulously choosing suitable bread crumbs and deep frying at various temperatures for tender and juicy meat; second, selecting the best meat, notably pork loin from Kagoshima prefecture in Japan; and finally, serving its tonkatsu with Japanese premium Koshihikari rice. With such strict standards, you can be sure that every dish out of its kitchen is a testament to Imakatsu’s experienced techniques.

Imakatsu
Address: Multiple locations, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 01-17 The Star Vista, S(138617), +65 6694 6148

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