Tonkatsu is an immensely popular Japanese dish, thanks to its succulent, tender texture and crispy panko breadcrumb coating. Here is our guide to the Top 5 Tonkatsu Restaurants in Singapore that you must visit when you're craving this delicious dish!
1. Tampopo
Image Credits: tampoposg on Instagram
Tampopo is our go-to place whenever we crave for a good Tonkatsu! The name "Tampopo" means "dandelion" in Japanese, and is inspired by a popular Japanese film. Known for their crispy and golden exterior and juicy and tender meat, it is no wonder that customers have given tons of good reviews about this place! They have also commented on the generous portions and reasonable prices. If you are not sure what to get, their Top Grade BP Tonkatsu is always a reliable choice!
Location: 391 Orchard Road, #B2-33 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Opening Hours: 11am – 8.45pm (Mon – Sun)
2. Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen
Image Credits: hajime_tonkatsu_ramen on Instagram
Located in the heart of Singapore, Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen is a popular Japanese restaurant known for its authentic tonkatsu and ramen dishes. Made using premium pork that is breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown, the meat is incredibly tender and juicy, with just the right amount of fat and seasoning to enhance the flavor. Do try out their signature dish featuring their juicy and tender Premium Pork Loin!
Location: 1 Maju Avenue, myVillage @ Serangoon Garden, #02-07/8/9, Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6509 9952
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.45pm, 5pm – 9pm
3. Saboten
Image Credits: Saboten
Saboten, a well-known tonkatsu chain with over 500 outlets worldwide, exclusively uses pigs that are fed on carefully chosen grains and barley. They offer a variety of tonkatsu dishes, including the Cheese Tenderloin Katsu Gozen, as well as other options like Loin Katsu Gozen and Tenderloin Katsu. The pork cutlets are coated in crispy bread crumbs and fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. The portion sizes are generous, making it a great value for money.
Location: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-14 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6837 3432
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10pm
4. Kimukatsu
Image Credits: Kimukatsu on Facebook
Kimukatsu is the first in the world to create a unique 25-layer Mille-Feuille Tonkatsu concept, whereby the meat is thinly sliced and stacked in multiple layers before being coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. This creates a crispy exterior and juicy center, a must-try for anyone looking for delicious Japanese cuisine in Singapore! Apart from the classic Tonkatsu, the restaurant also offers several other flavors such as Cheese, Black pepper, Ume Shiso, Garlic, and Yuzu Kosho.
Location: 391A Orchard Rd, B2 Food Hall Takashimaya, Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 9773 7890
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm
5. Imakatsu
Image Credits: Imakatsu
Imakatsu's original restaurant in Roppongi is recognized as a Bib Gourmand Restaurant under the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2015, and the restaurant has since opened an outlet in Singapore. Rather than deep-frying at high temperatures, the restaurant slow-fries the pork at low temperatures, allowing it to retain its tenderness and juiciness. The light and airy breadcrumb coating also gives the pork a delightful crunchy texture.
Location: 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-17 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6694 6148
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 9pm