Shin Katsu: This is possibly one of the best Tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore

We recently went to check out a new Tonkatsu restaurant called Shin Katsu which has just opened its doors a week ago along Tanjong Pagar Road – one of the most popular dining spots in the CBD.

It is worth mentioning that this restaurant is helmed by Chef Matsubayashi Masato, a seasoned tonkatsu specialist and a former Head Chef of Ma Maison. He was present in the kitchen on that day and we get to have a chat with him while we enjoyed some Tonkatsu over the counter.

The Interior

Shin Katsu looks exactly like any tonkatsu restaurant you see in Japan. It seems a little space-constraint as the walkways are narrow but it’s cosy, new and modern. There are counter seats which made it friendly for solo diners. In fact, we noticed that there were quite a number of people who dined here alone for lunch on a weekday afternoon. There are a couple of tables at the side for group dining and also, a small private dining room for those who prefer to dine in private.

We sat at the counter seats and on the table, you can find a set of condiments placed neatly before you – all labelled clearly in both English and Japanese. While we were dining there, we were quite surprise to see that most of the customers there were Japanese. Having that said, could it be a sign that the food here is truly authentic and taste exactly the way Japanese are acquainted to? We could totally understand why after trying their Tonkatsu.

The Condiments

You can find sesame dressing for the cabbage, Tonkatsu Sweet sauce, Himalayan Pink Salt, Furikake and chilli powder. All of these condiments can be enjoyed along with their charcoal-grilled rice and Tonkatsu.

What’s on the menu?

Other than the Tonkatsu sets, they also offer Chicken Katsu set, appetisers, sides, deep-fried skewers, desserts and drinks. We started off with some sides. The price of their tonkatsu sets range from $22.80 to $42.80.

They offer premium pork cuts which are globally sourced. The most premium pork cut is the Mangalica from Hungary. It is often referred to as the “Kobe beef of pork” for its marbling and buttery mouthfeel. Another standout pork cut is the U.S Kurobuta which is prized for its tender meat texture that boost a savoury depth of flavour.

Potato Salad ($6.30)

This is no different from any other potato salad. It serves more like a palate cleanser before we dive into the deep-fried food stuff like their Tonkatsu.

Kushi Katsu (Deep-fried Skewers)

We tried a few of their skewers which include their Asparagus ($2.80 per piece) and Chicken Thigh ($3.80 per piece). The chicken thigh is well-fried and crunchy on the outside. I was excited to try their Tonkatsu after trying their deep-fried skewers. Because the way they fry the skewers its exceptional – crunchy but not too greasy.

We also tried their boneless chicken wings ($8.80 for 3 pieces) which is well-seasoned and appetising as well. But all in all, these are just the sidekicks – not the highlights of the meal.

But if you need to order some sides, I would highly recommend their unagi ($8.80 per piece) and Kaki Fry or (oysters) ($4.30 per piece). Those two sides were a standout. I don’t remember having deep-fried unagi before and it’s really palatable.

Charcoal-grilled Rice

Each tonkatsu set comes with refillable rice, miso soup, cabbage and pickles. What is worth highlighting is the way they cook their rice. They use a ceramic grill called the Kamado Joe to cook their rice. This method of cooking actually helps to lock the moisture into the rice so the rice taste alot more soft and fluffy. The rice is literally glistening under the light.

Mangalica Rosu Katsu Set ($42.80)

This set is served in limited quantities as this pork cut is pretty rare. The set includes a bowl of rice, pickles, miso soup, shredded cabbage and Hungarian Mangalica Pork Loin cutlet. The cutlet is served with a specially paired salt which is sprinkled sparingly on the long black plate.

This set also includes a black curry sauce ($4.80), as an add-on. The black curry sauce looks really dark as it has charcoal and squid ink added into it. The sauce itself tasted just like any Japanese curry sauce except that it has a hint of umami-ness which is probably due to the squid ink. The sauce can be enjoyed with the Tonkatsu but I prefer to enjoy the Tonkatsu as it is.

Crispy Thick Cuts of Tonkatsu

Chef Masato uses his bespoke panko breading method that ensures lightness without compromising crunch. The exterior is crunchy but not too overly moist or greasy. The interior remains light, tender and slightly moist. The Hungarian Mangalica Pork Loin cutlet has a slightly stronger ‘porky’ flavour which is an acquired taste. I personally find it quite fragrant and unique.

Because the Tonkatsu was fried to perfection, I did not even find the need to pair it with any sauces or condiments. It tasted really good on its own. You could say it’s undeniably one of the best Tonkatsu I had in Singapore.

Depending on the type of pork cut, some of the tonkatsu may appear to be drier and less tender as they are much leaner.

Hearty Miso Soup

This is not your regular flat miso soup which contains just tofu and spring onions. The soup has carrots,onions and a bunch of other ingredients which made the soup tasty and hearty to drink.

3-in-1 Shin Katsu Combo ($34.80)

If you are someone who loves to try a little bit of everything, then their 3-in-1 Shin Katsu combo would be a perfect choice for you. In this set, you get to try their ebi fry, Canadian Rosu (Pork Loin) and Hire (Pork Tenderloin) cutlets. This is an equally exceptional tonkatsu set to have. I would say the portion is rather huge and I personally could not finish it all.

The Rosu and Hire are leaner pork cuts so it’s not as tender as the Mangalica Hungarian Rosu Katsu.

At this point, we did not ask for any refills because we were pretty full from the sides and the Tonkatsu. And if I were to head back, I would probably order their basic Rosu Katsu set which starts from $22.80.

Desserts

We tried their fried Taiyaki with matcha ice cream ($5.80) and Vanilla Mochi ($3.50). Desserts, in my opinion, were lacklustre and worth skipping.

Verdict

This is a solo-friendly dining spot to have a quiet and simple meal to yourself. Tonkatsu sets are exceptional but with so many other good dining spots along Tanjong Pagar, it is certainly difficult to decide on a lunch spot if I am working in the CBD. Prices for the premium pork cuts are on a higher end.

Dining experience was pretty memorable as service was relatively good and staff were attentive.