Food Picks: Charcoal-grilled tonkatsu from popular Korean chain Tonshou

SINGAPORE – Fans of tonkatsu – Japanese breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet – this is something you cannot miss. 

Since its international debut here on Dec 11, Tonshou – a popular chain that hails from Busan, South Korea – has, quite quickly, raised the bar for tonkatsu. 

Diners swiftly booked out its online reservation slots during the soft-launch period and it now operates on a walk-in-only basis with a queue number system in place.

What sets Tonshou apart is the finishing touch of charcoal-grilling the fried pork loin cutlets in the rosu katsu sets (from $28). This infuses a remarkably smoky aroma into the pork, which is cooked to a perfect blushing pink in the centre. 

The other standout is the hire katsu set ($28), which features medallions of juicy pork tenderloin. 

For the best of everything, go for the katsu combo set ($34), which includes both pork cuts and ebi (prawn) katsu. 

There are several ways to enjoy the meat – drizzle lemon juice over and dip in the Maldon salt, savour with the housemade sauce and wasabi, or add lemon kosho (a Japanese chilli pepper paste made with lemons). 

Love Japanese curry? You can order a portion of housemade curry ($5) on the side to pair with the rice. 

Other dishes include the katsu sando set ($21) and ebi sando set ($24) – both available for takeaway as well. 

All sets come with a cold corn soup to start, followed by miso soup and cabbage, as well as refillable kimchi and rice. 

Tonshou is brought in by food and beverage company Gold Moon Restaurant Group – the people behind Seoul Noodle Shop. The group has also been spot on with other Korean concepts – Bakery 1946, B for Bagel and casual restaurant Janchi. 

Where: 51 Tras Street 
MRT: Tanjong Pagar 
Open: 11am to 8.30pm daily (walk-ins only)
Info:

@tonshou_sg

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