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Ah, the humble tonkatsu – a pork cutlet, breaded and deep-fried. A dish so simple yet so delicious. How could it get better, you ask? TONSHOU, Korea’s number 1 tonkatsu restaurant, proves that even simple dishes can be elevated to the next level. The brand is opening its first outlet in Tanjong Pagar, located at 51 Tras Street.
The restaurant has only counter seating, and an open-concept kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare your tonkatsu from start to finish.
All of the cooking takes place in the line, and the smell of charcoal is quite evident in the space, so let it be known that you will emerge out of this place smelling like it.
The way TONSHOU prepares their tonkatsu (or donkatsu, in Korean) is unique, resulting in the meat’s signature pink hue. The first step is cooking the pork at a low temperature to ensure the pork retains its natural juices, followed by quick deep-frying after breading to lock in the flavour of the meat and create a golden crust.
The cutlet is then allowed to rest and come to temperature before being grilled over charcoal to infuse it with a smoky aroma.
You can choose from different types of pork and pork cuts, and each set will come with miso soup, corn soup (which is served cold and is reminiscent of corn ice cream), kimchi, and Akitakomachi rice.
One of the options available is the Hokkaido Kurobuta Rosu Katsu Set (S$32), featuring a thick-cut loin of kurobuta (black pig). The meat is unrelentingly tender and juicy while the panko exterior is crispy and not greasy – everything a good tonkatsu should be.
The Hire Katsu Set (S$28) features a tenderloin prepared in TONSHOU’s signature method. Each bite is wonderfully moist with porky goodness, and the meat melts in your mouth.
Apart from tonkatsu, TONSHOU also has sandos, or sandwiches. You can choose from either the Katsu Sando Set (S$21) or the Ebi Sando Set (S$24). The latter is made up of whole prawns fried into a delicious, crunchy slab, before being surrounded by pillowy and soft sandwich bread and a light drizzle of TONSHOU’s homemade tonkatsu sauce.
In case you want some spice, TONSHOU also has curry available for an additional S$5.
From now till 19 Dec 2024, TONSHOU is only accepting online reservations; walk-ins will only be available from 20 Dec 2024 onwards.
If you’re a tonkatsu fan, drop by and try TONSHOU – you won’t regret it.
