Best Tonkatsu in Singapore

What is tonkatsu?

Tonkatsu in Singapore is a popular Japanese comfort meal. Ton means pork in Japanese, and katsu comes from the word cutlet. A thick slice of pork is coated in flour, egg and panko, which are light, flaky Japanese breadcrumbs. It is then deep-fried until golden. The outside is crunchy, and the meat inside stays juicy.

Tonkatsu is usually cut into strips, so you can eat it with chopsticks. It is often served as a set meal, called a teishoku.

Choosing your cut

Rosu (loin)

Rosu is pork loin with a strip of fat along one edge. The fat adds flavour and keeps the meat moist. Pick it if you want a rich, juicy bite.

Hire (fillet)

Hire is pork fillet, also called tenderloin. It is leaner and very tender. Pick it if you prefer less fat.

Premium pork

Some menus name a special breed of pork, such as kurobuta, which means black pig. These cuts usually cost more.

What comes with a tonkatsu set

• Shredded cabbage: raw and finely cut. It adds freshness next to the fried pork. Some shops offer free refills.
• Rice and miso soup: standard parts of most sets.
• Tonkatsu sauce: a thick brown sauce that is sweet, tangy and a little fruity.
• Sesame seeds: at some shops, you grind them in a small bowl, then mix in the sauce.
• Mustard and pickles: a dab of hot Japanese mustard and a few pickles on the side.

Other katsu dishes

• Katsudon: tonkatsu simmered with egg and onion in a sweet sauce, served on rice.
• Katsu curry: tonkatsu served with rice and Japanese curry, which is mild and slightly sweet.
• Katsu sando: a tonkatsu sandwich made with soft white bread.
• Chicken katsu: the same idea made with chicken. It is a good choice if you do not eat pork.

Where to eat tonkatsu in Singapore

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison is the top-rated tonkatsu place on this page. It is in the Orchard & River Valley area. That makes it an easy meal stop during a day on Orchard Road. For more ideas nearby, see our Orchard Road guides. On a budget? Read Cheap Eats on Orchard Road: Mall Basements and Food Courts.

Many Japanese restaurants in Singapore are inside shopping malls. They are cool and comfortable, and a good escape from the heat or rain.

Want other Japanese dishes? Try Ramen, Tendon or Sushi.

Tips for eating tonkatsu

• Try a piece plain first. Taste the pork on its own, or with a pinch of salt, before you add sauce.
• Keep the crust crisp. Add sauce to a few pieces at a time, or dip them. Pouring it all over makes the coating soft.
• Add mustard with care. Japanese mustard is hot. Start with a small amount.
• Expect a short wait. Good tonkatsu is fried to order, so it may take a little time to arrive.
• Go at quieter times. Mall restaurants get busy at weekend lunch and dinner. Come a little early or late to avoid a queue.
• Good for families. Tonkatsu is mild and not spicy, so it suits most children.
• Know rough prices. A tonkatsu set often costs around S$20 to S$40, depending on the cut. Prices change, so check the menu first.

FAQs about tonkatsu

What is the difference between tonkatsu and tonkotsu?

Tonkatsu is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. Tonkotsu is a creamy pork-bone broth used for ramen. Keisuke Tonkotsu King in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar is named after the broth.

Which cut should I order, rosu or hire?

Order rosu (loin) for a richer, juicier cut with some fat. Order hire (fillet) for a leaner, softer bite.

Is there tonkatsu without pork?

Tonkatsu is always pork, as ton means pork. Many Japanese restaurants also serve chicken katsu or fried prawns, so check the menu.

How much does tonkatsu cost in Singapore?

A set meal often costs around S$20 to S$40. Premium cuts cost more. Prices change, so treat this as a rough guide.

What is katsu curry?

Katsu curry is a fried cutlet served with rice and Japanese curry sauce. The curry is thick, mild and slightly sweet.