The Japanese dish breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet or Tonkatsu has always been a favourite among many Singaporeans, and one of the recommended places to get it is from Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen.
There are two outlets – one at Serangoon Garden myVillage and the other at Thomson Plaza.
Owner Chef Tan-San started Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen out of his passion for Japanese cuisine, and is often called “Singapore’s first Tonkatsu Chef” after mastering the art of Tonkatsu in Japan.
Hajime is Japanese for “beginning” and the short form for “Hajimemashite” which means “nice to meet you!”.
He returned to Singapore to lead the kitchen of Tonkichi and later on became the Pioneer Chef of the famous Tampopo.
Experience his 25+ years culinary mastership through signature dishes at affordable prices.
Tonkatsu dishes available on the menu include Premium Pork Loin ($22.90), Nagoya Miso Fillet ($19.90), Nagoya Miso Loin ($19.90), Pork Loin ($18.90), Pork Fillet ($18.90), Ebi & Pork Fillet ($19.90), Ebi Fry ($18.90) and Chicken Katsu ($17.50).
I have tried both the Premium Pork Loin ($22.90) and more ‘normal’ Pork Loin ($18.80) before, and you would prefer something more exquisitely juicy and tender, go for the Premium set using air-flown Japanese pork.
It is coated with freshly made breadcrumbs for that extra crunch, served with miso sauce from Nagoya and some finely shredded refreshing cabbage.
Each order comes with a bowl of Niigata rice, Tonjiru soup, and ground roasted sesame.
To be honest, I found the usual and cheaper Pork Loin not bad a choice too – certainly succulent and better than the average, the meat would be more fibrous with less fatty parts compared to the Premium.
But both were good, which also had a good crunch without being oily.
In terms of ramen dishes, there are the Ebi Fry Ramen ($17.50), Tonkatsu Ramen ($15.90), Kurobuta Shabu Ramen ($15.90), Kyushu Ramen ($13.50), Miso Ramen ($12.50), Shoyu Ramen ($12.50) and Chashu Ramen ($13.50).
The Ebi Fry Ramen ($17.50) is a one-of-a-kind ramen developed and perfected after months of R&D.
Its 12-hour Tonkotsu broth is infused with a secret Sakura ebi paste made in-house.
Paired with a flavourful Loin Rib Chasu and Chef Tan-San’s famous crunchy Ebi Fry, it is topped with Japanese seasoning menma, bean sprouts, greens, a dash of Japanese chili oil (la-yu), and a sprinkle of crispy Sakura ebi.
Hajime uses fresh Nama ramen noodles which are slightly thicker and chewier, compared to the usual Kyushu or Hakata-style ramen noodles which are long and straight.
Some may find the noodles too ‘limpy’, though they reminded me of the more ‘old-school’ type of Japanese ramen which was still not bad.
The soup which that distinct sweetness coming from the prawns, was the clear winner.
Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen
1 Maju Avenue, #02-07/8/9, myVillage @ Serangoon Garden, Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6509 9952
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:15pm, 5pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen
Thomson Plaza #01-110, 301 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574408
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:15pm, 5pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
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SENSHI (Dorsett Singapore)
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