Katsuya (The Tonkatsu Specialist) @ Tanjong Katong - Probably The Best Tonkatsu Restaurant in Singapore

Thanks to a recommendation from a foodie friend, I discovered Katsuya, a tonkatsu specialist restaurant tucked away in Tanjong Katong. Helmed by Singaporean Chef-owner Kervin, who trained at a Japanese culinary school in Tokyo, Katsuya has been quietly winning hearts since 2011. Initially located in East Coast, the restaurant moved to its current location at Tanjong Katong, continuing its tradition of crafting excellent tonkatsu dishes with a meticulous Japanese approach.

Tako Wasabi 3.5/5

We started with the Tako Wasabi ($7), a simple yet delightful appetiser. The chewy texture of the marinated octopus is complemented by the spicy punch of wasabi, awakening the palate and preparing us for the meal ahead.

Ebi Taru Taru 4.8/5

The Ebi Taru Taru ($12) is a standout appetiser. Juicy prawns are coated in a perfectly crispy batter, retaining their sweet, bouncy texture inside. The accompanying tartar sauce, elevated with leek, adds a tangy, creamy touch that enhances the prawn's natural sweetness — a near-perfect dish for seafood lovers.

Hire Tonkatsu Set 5/5

The star of Katsuya's menu is undoubtedly its Hire Tonkatsu Set ($35), which includes cabbage salad, rice, red miso soup, and pickles. What sets this tonkatsu apart is Chef Kervin's use of low-temperature cooking techniques. The pork is cooked to a pinkish centre, safe to eat yet incredibly tender and juicy.

Each bite of the golden-brown cutlet reveals a perfectly moist and succulent interior encased in a crispy crust. For an elevated experience, Chef Kervin recommends enjoying the tonkatsu with just a sprinkle of salt or mustard, allowing the natural flavours of the pork to shine. This dish truly redefines what tonkatsu should be — simple yet meticulously crafted perfection.

Hokkaido Rosu Set 4.5/5

The Hokkaido Rosu Set ($42) is an excellent choice for those who prefer a fattier cut. The balance of lean meat and a layer of fat provides a juicy, succulent bite every time. The fat melts into the meat as you chew, creating a rich and satisfying flavour profile.

Hokkaido Wagyu 4/5

If you're looking for indulgence, the Hokkaido Wagyu ($70) is a premium offering that doesn't disappoint. Known for its exceptional marbling and buttery texture, the wagyu is cooked to a perfect medium rare using the same low-temperature technique. The contrast between the crispy golden crust and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior is luxurious.

Scallop Katsu 4.8/5

Katsuya doesn’t stop at pork and beef; its seafood katsu options are equally impressive. The Scallop Katsu ($36) is a must-try (pre-order recommended). The plump, sweet scallops are encased in a crispy exterior, creating a delightful interplay of textures. Each bite ensures a satisfying crunch while maintaining the scallop’s delicate juiciness.

Katsuya is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every tonkatsu lover's radar. The low-temperature cooking method sets it apart from other tonkatsu establishments, ensuring that each dish is tender, moist, and cooked to perfection. From the exceptional pork and wagyu sets to the delightful seafood options, Katsuya proves that tonkatsu can be elevated to an art form.

For a restaurant that has flown under the radar since 2011, Katsuya is a quiet powerhouse in Singapore's dining scene, offering a true taste of Japanese craftsmanship. If you haven't visited yet, it's time to make your way to Tanjong Katong for this unforgettable tonkatsu experience.


Katsuya
258 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437046
Tel: +65 9656 8183
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Katong (TE Line), Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Katong MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down Tanjong Katong Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10, 31 and 32. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tonkatsu ENbiton @ Vivocity - First Ever Yuzu Pork Tonkatsu Restaurant

EN Group has made a remarkable debut in Singapore's culinary scene with the launch of VivoCity's first-ever "yuzu pork" tonkatsu restaurant - Tonkatsu ENbiton. This 46-seater restaurant showcases the unique utilization of yuzu-infused pork sourced from Kagoshima. The pigs are thoughtfully fed with local yuzu as part of their regular diet, resulting in a nutritious pork rich in vitamin C, pectin and citric acid, which holds a higher melting point of fat.

Ume Shiso Hiyayakko

We started with the Ume Shiso Hiyayakko ($5), a delightful arrangement of silky-smooth cold tofu crowned with pickles. The combination provided a clean and invigorating taste, with the tangy zest from the pickles perfectly elevating the flavour profile.

Suntory The Premium Malt’s Pilsner Beer

Given the sweltering weather, we sought solace in a glass of Suntory The Premium Malt's Pilsner Beer to quench our thirst and complement the forthcoming deep-fried tonkatsu selections.

Oroshi Yuzu Rosu Katsu Set 3.8/5

Our attention then turned to the Oroshi Yuzu Rosu Katsu Set (S$24), which showcased the pinnacle of deep-fried excellence. The crispy and succulent yuzu-infused pork loin katsu was accompanied by grated yuzu ponzu daikon, Japanese white rice, cabbage and arugula, pickles, and tonjiru (pork miso soup). The refreshing touch of radish helped cleanse the palate after indulging in the rich, deep-fried delights. While the pork exhibited juiciness, we found it to be lacking in robust porky flavour. However, it's worth mentioning that the rice and cabbage offerings were delightfully free-flow.

Miyazaki Gyukatsu 3.8/5

For those seeking a touch of luxury, the A4/A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Katsu ($39) served with a hot stone grill captured our attention. Adorned with a light coat of crispy panko, this gyukatsu experience allowed diners to grill the wagyu to their desired doneness on the teppan hot stone. While Miyazaki is renowned for its high-quality wagyu, its premium quality didn't shine through in texture and flavour. While it may originate from Miyazaki, it likely wasn't from the top-tier cuts. Additionally, it's important to note that this option is limited to one order per person.

Miyazaki Wagyu Katsu Sando 3.5/5

Lastly, we encountered what could be described as one of the most visually unappealing sando. The chunky presentation made it challenging to bite into, even though it featured the same A4/A5 Miyazaki Wagyu ($37) as the previous gyukatsu dish. Nonetheless, the meat retained its succulence, potentially due to the utilization of a thicker cut.

Despite our observations regarding the premium quality of the cuts, it's undeniable that the dining experience offered excellent value for money.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tonkatsu ENbiton
Vivocity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#B2-27/27A
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62648633
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Maji Curry @ Square 2 - Award-winning Japanese Curry Restaurant From Japan Impresses With Their Grandprix Winner Cheese Fondue Hamburg Curry Rice

Award-winning brand Maji Curry opened their very first outlet in Singapore, located within Novena Square 2 mall, alongside their current three outlets in Japan and another two worldwide. Their Japan store has made waves for having won the 2018 Kanda Curry Grand Prix the same year it opened, and now Maji Curry is bringing the very same award-winning dish to our shores.

Cheese Fondue Hamburg Curry 4/5

We tried the Cheese Fondue Hamburg Curry ($18.30), which has propelled the restaurant to fame. It comes with House-special Curry topped with a tender handmade Hamburg Steak and cheese fondue sauce on the side to pour atop the dish. Who knew that cheese and curry could pair so well together? Adding cheese to the dish helps amplify the curry's flavour, giving it a creamier and wholesome finish. Every order also comes with a saucer of the brand's take on fukujinzuke, a Japanese-style pickle, and a heap of crispy deep-fried shallots to sprinkle onto your rice.

Kushikatsu Curry Rice 3.8/5

The Kushikatsu Curry Rice ($16.50) features 5 kinds of deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers atop Japanese rice doused in a savoury curry sauce. Kushikatsu is a classic delicacy from Japan, and if you love your deep-fried skewers, you'd love this dish. The meats are fried with a slightly thicker breaded exterior to a crunch on the outside while retaining their soft, tender texture within. You can dip the skewers into the curry to enhance its flavour.

Tonkatsu Omelette Curry 3.8/5

The Tonkatsu Omelette Curry ($18.50) comes with a panko-coated pork katsu atop a blanket of velvety omelette over Japanese rice, all in a huge plate of Maji Curry's signature gravy. Though a tad dry, the tonkatsu is tender with a nice crisp exterior. Like the rest of the dishes, the thick curry tasted moderately savoury with a mild sweetness. The spice aroma was strong, with a slight spice kick as well.

The humble restaurant is small and fuss-free. Customers can order from the electronic vending machines outside, take a number plate, find a table, and wait for their food which will be served relatively quick to your table. Sets are also available for the main dishes, which come with a salad and drink.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maji Curry
10 Sinaran Drive
#02-07
Singapore 307506
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

SIRI HOUSE @ Dempsey - Breathtaking Garden Dining Experience In Partnership with Veuve Clicquot

In partnership with Veuve Clicquot, Siri House at Dempsey presents a stunning new outdoor dining experience at their outdoor terrace. The new open-air garden trellis comes with a ceiling of greenery and light bulbs complemented by dreamy hanging glass baubles filled with candles and florals. It is a romantic setting for the night. During the day, fabrics are draped over the structure, providing shelter from the heat and excessive light.

We visited Siri House for dinner to experience the Dining at Dusk - An Outdoor Dinner Experience. Diners can indulge in an exquisite 4 or 6 course menu complemented by Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The 4 course menu is priced at $98++ per pax, and 6 course menu is $128++ per pax. Each menu includes a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne per person.

Amuse Bouche

The 4 or 6 Course Menu starts with an Amuse Bouche that will be changed daily. Pop the bite-size morsel for a burst of flavours.

Doenjiang Glazed Beef Short Rib 4.5/5

For the Appetiser course, diners have the choice of Doenjiang Glazed Beef Short Rib and Stracciatella. The Doenjang Glazed Beef Short Rib is cooked to tender to a beautiful pink, marinated in soy, nashi pear, apples, garlic and onions. It is paired with pickled napa cabbage and pickled daikon for a refreshing touch to cut through the richness. On top of that, it is served with celeriac and parsnip puree to go with the 36 hours sous vide beef short rib.

Stracciatella

The Stracciatella is light yet flavourful appetiser with a sweet aburi amebi. The prawn head is deep-fried to crispy, which can be eaten.

Crumbled Pork Ribeye 4.5/5

Moving to the mains, diners can choose from the Crumbled Pork Ribeye, Lobster Miso Carbonara and Chilean Seabass with Sauce Vierge. Starting with the Crumbled Pork Ribeye that uses Iberico pork ribeye, it is served with a house blend of smoked chillies mixed with honey and Dijon. It also comes with shredded pickled cabbage, drizzled with an umami-rich nori mayo. Usually, tonkatsu can be pretty dry if not done correctly, but I have to admit this is one of the best I have eaten. It is succulent and yet not greasy.

Lobster Miso Carbonara 4.8/5

If you have been following me, you will know that I like my pasta to come with a lot of sauce. So though the Lobster Miso Carbonara is not that saucy, flavours come with depth and robustness made with egg yolks, 3 kinds of cheese and white miso. Noteworthy is the housemade pappardelle with a delectable textural bite paired with a whole maine lobster tail that has been bincho grilled and glazed in chicken fat.

Chilean Seabass with Sauce Vierge 4.2/5

The Chilean Seabass with Sauce Vierge is paler in flavour than the other two mains. Though so, it allows the fresh and buttery flavour of the Chilean seabass to shine through.

Orange Chocolate 4/5

From savoury, we moved on to the sweets, starting with the Orange Chocolate infused with preserved orange peel. It even comes with a scoop of hazelnut ice cream, shaved candlenut, and dehydrated chocolate mousse for added texture.

Jasmine 4.2/5

The Jasmine is a pretty dessert in which a scoop of Jasmine tea ice cream sits atop layers of puff pastry sandwiched with jasmine chantilly cream, further sweetened with a drizzle of chamomile syrup. Toasted buckwheat is scattered for extra texture.

Sicilian Pistachio 4.8/5

A must-have is the Sicilian Pistachio. The whole block of pistachio ice cream is served with brown butter crumble base, topped with shavings of cured egg yolk.

Outdoor Private Dinner bookings are available, Tuesday to Sunday Evenings, 6.00pm to 8.00pm. To complement the dinner, guests can order bottles of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label, Rosé or La Grande Dame at special promotional prices, starting at $120 per bottle.

Outdoor Brunch Private Dining is available to book for 5 to 10pax, Saturday and Sunday Afternoons, 11.30 am to 1.30pm. Priced at $70++ per pax with a minimum of 5 pax to book, SIRI HOUSE outdoor brunch feast includes a list of 13 brunch plates to share, a bread and pastry platter and a selection of seasoned butters and jams.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]

Tamoya Udon @ Plaza Singapura - Relocates to Its New Location

Bidding goodbye to its first outlet at Liang Court, Tamoya Udon celebrates the opening of its new outlet at Plaza Singapura with the introduction of Truffle Tonkotsu Udon and Sukiyaki Udon.

Tamoya's Truffle Tonkotsu Udon easily outshines many tonkotsu ramens out there with its rich and creamy pork bone broth, tender and well-marinated chashu slice, and a really good ajitama egg. Although infusing truffle oil and truffle paste into the udon elevates its X-factor, it is just as satisfying with these condiments.

Fans of its sukiyaki udon, fret not. They are here to stay. The Beef Sukiyaki Udon ($12.80) and Pork Sukiyaki Udon ($11.80), both comes with a soft boiled egg. Like Shabu Shabu, beat the egg and dip your meat and vegetables into the beaten egg mixture for a complete sukiyaki experience.

Written and photography by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tamoya Udon
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#06-11/12
Singapore 238839
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke @ Paya Lebar Square - Unique Tuna and Salmon Rare Tonkatsu

Ramen Champion Mr Keisuke Takeda, known for its multiple ramen concepts in Singapore, has launched first-of-its-kind Tonkatsu dining for health-conscious diners. The new concept, Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke, is located at Paya Lebar Square incorporating a mini salad bar and sauces for both rice and katsu.

Most tonkatsu restaurants come with free flow of cabbage, and Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke has brought it a notch up with the mini salad bar, giving diners more varieties. On top of the black vinegar and olive oil dressing, there will be four other seasonal salad dressings each day to pair with the salad.

Unlike other tonkatsu restaurants, diners can create their own blend of Tonkatsu sauce from a spread of over 10 different sauce bases. It is like those hot pot places whereby diners can mix and match their own dipping sauce. Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke aims to cater to different taste profile and create a different experience for diners.

Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set 4/5

Inevitable I have to order the classic Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set ($16.90  for 120g / $19.90 for 200g) to check out whether it is the real deal. Every tonkatsu set meal here comes with a fried half-boiled egg, rice, miso soup and Japanese pickles. The restaurant also positioned itself in serving a healthier version of tonkatsu, thanks to the state-of-the-art fryers with Water Molecule Control technology. Apparently, 50% less oil is absorbed into the meat during the frying process as compared to tradition deep-frying methods. I would say taste the texture are not comprised in the new method of cooking,

Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu 4.2/5

Compared to the pork loin, I would prefer the Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu. The pork is more tender due to the used of layered pork, rolled up. The mixed and match concept allows the diner to choose up to five vegetables of their choice, from over twenty different vegetables. This also gives the tonkatsu an additional crunchy texture.

Tuna Rare Katsu Set 4/5

Great news for pescatarian. Now you can also enjoy tonkatsu at Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke with Mr Keisuke new creations - Tuna Rare Katsu Set ($19.90) and Salmon Rare Katsu Set ($17.90). Uniquely, the fish is still soft and rare on the inside while the outside is crunchy.

Assorted Seafood Katsu Set 4.2/5

If you have difficulty making a decision what to order, I would recommend the Assorted Seafood Katsu Set ($20.90), which you get a bit of everything.

It is incredible to see Mr Keisuke expanding its food empire in Singapore with yet another new concept into his group of restaurants. Instead of just introducing the classic tonkatsu to Singaporean, he also gives it a healthier take with a new experience to enjoy the tonkatsu.

Note: this is an invited tasting.


Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke
Paya Lebar Square
60 Paya Lebar Road
#01-02/03
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 62143345
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Imakatsu @ Tanjong Pagar Centre - Special Hokkaido Pork Set For Limited Period

Awarded Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2015, Imakatsu at Tanjong Pagar Centre has recently launched a Special Hokkaido Pork Set for a limited period, from 1 November to 31 December 2019. The special set menu will only be available during dinner, and it is limited to first 15 customers each day.

The Special Hokkaido Port Set ($23++) comes with 120g of Hokkaido Pork Katsu, Hokkaido Pork Stewed, Salmon Miso Soup, Hokkaido Rice and Cabbage.

Hokkaido Pork Katsu

What makes the pork cutlet at Imakatsu so tender and juicy is their cooking method. Instead of deep-frying in hot temperature, the restaurant takes its time to fry it at low temperature. It ensures the pork remains tender and juicy. It is then allowed to rest longer than usual, cooking in its own steam. By doing so, excess oil is dripped off and allowing the juice of the meat to settle, enhancing the texture. The other highlight of their katsu, is the light and airy breadcrumb. It gives the pork katsu a delightfully crunchy bite.

Hokkaido Pork Stewed

The beauty of the set is that it allows diners to enjoy the Hokkaido pork in 2 ways. Besides deep-frying, you have it stewed.

Salmon Miso Soup

Fresh Cabbage

The value for money set comes with a bowl of miso soup with chunks of salmon in it. That is quite a sell as most restaurants serve their miso soup without any ingredients in it. Not to forget the free flow fresh cabbage that comes along with the Special Hokkaido Pork Set too.

Unatama Don 

It is not just all about katsu at Imakatsu. The restaurant also offers several rice bowl dishes, katsu curry and udon on their menu. One of my favourite items, when I am not in the mood for fried food, is their Unatama Don Set ($18++). The rice bowl comes with tender pieces of unagi and a poached egg. Completing the set is free refill fresh cabbage, miso soup and pickles.

Last but not least, hitting the home run for me is the Japanese premium Koshihikari rice. The beautifully cooked fluffy short grain rice is soft and goes perfectly well with the tonkatsu.

Note: This post is brought to you by Imakatsu Tanjong Pagar


Imakatsu
Tanjong Pagar Centre
7 Wallich Street
#01-06
Singapore 078884
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
1130am - 230pm (last order)
530pm - 9pm (last order)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]