While a seafood feast is usually thought of as a gourmet experience, we prefer to get our hands down and dirty by having it the messy way.

You can do just that at Cajun on Wheels, a Halal-certified seafood diner on wheels that serves outrageously sumptuous and fresh Louisiana-style seafood at very reasonable prices. Living up to its name, the majority of Cajun on Wheels dishes pack a mean, spicy punch that will undoubtedly leave you reeling in satisfaction.

To add on to their already extensive menu, they will be introducing a whole new range of Asian Charcoal-Grilled dishes that are marinated with Kicap Manis, an iconic Indonesian sauce that is sweet, savoury and mildly spicy all at once. The new range of Charcoal-Grilled dishes is exclusively available at Cajun on Wheels at Plaza Singapura only.

So, say goodbye to your utensils and don your plastic bibs because this bold and unpretentious feast is best enjoyed with your hands!

OLYMPIAN BUCKET 

Unleash your inner beast with Cajun on Wheels’ classic Olympian Bucket (S$177) that features a smorgasbord of various fresh seafood and ingredients such as Scottish Dungeon Crab, Sri Lankan crab, prawns, white clams, mussels, sweet corn, potatoes and chicken spam.

All these goodies are drenched in a sauce of your choice which includes options such as Cajun Cheese, Herb & Butter, Spicy Cheese Soil (available in a non-spicy version), Singapore Chilli Crab, Sambal Chilli Egg and Salted Egg Yolk.

We highly recommend the Spicy Cheesy Soil, a decadent, full-bodied sauce that is sweet, creamy and ridiculously addictive.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SEAFOOD BUCKET 

Be sure to also try Cajun on Wheel’s Charcoal-Grilled Seafood Bucket (S$89) which can serve 2 to 3 people. The bucket comes brimming with ingredients such as charcoal-grilled Sri Lankan crab, crayfish, squid, baby potatoes and corn. To complete this hearty feast, everything is doused in a spicy and sweet kicap manis sauce which pulls all the various components together perfectly.

NAUGHTY PLATTER 

Whether you’re naughty or nice, the Naughty Platter (S$36) was made for ravenous seafood fanatics who like to have a little taste of everything. It isn’t an unfamiliar dish and has been a constant menu item, but they’ve revamped it to make it even naughtier and better.

Served on a massive wooden platter, the dish features charcoal-grilled seabass and tiger prawns lusciously coated in kicap manis sauce, a fried whole squid, sambal matah and your choice of aglio olio, rice pilaf or white rice.

Despite the squid being fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp, its flesh still remained satisfyingly chewy and sweet without being too rubbery. We also love how once again, the kicap manis sauce managed to add an additional layer of flavour to the dish that elevated the sweetness of its various seafood components perfectly.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SRI LANKAN CRAB 

There are few things as satisfying as cracking open gargantuan crustacean pincers and claws to reveal the sweet, tender meat beneath the hard exterior.

The Charcoal-Grilled Sri Lankan Crab (S$56) is a treat for crab fanatics. Each dish comes with a generous serving of 600 grams of charcoal-grilled Sri Lankan crab drenched in that addictive kicap manis sauce and paired with a side of grilled cauliflower and corn.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED FLOWER GROUPER

The Charcoal-Grilled Flower Grouper (S$28) features a whole flower grouper that has been cooked in kicap manis sauce, garnished with a tangy, fiery sambal matah and complemented with a side of cauliflower and corn.

Don’t be fooled by the fish’s boney-like structure; dig in deeper to discover its impeccably tender flesh that pairs amazingly well with the kicap manis sauce. We also like how the generous slathering of sambal matah added a piquant, spicy touch to the overall dish.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED GIANT SQUID 

Rarely do we come across squid that isn’t cooked to the point where it is rubbery, so tucking into Cajun on Wheel’s Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid (S$19) certainly was a real treat.

Here, two colossal-sized squids are grilled to perfection and doused in kicap manis sauce. Each squid was absurdly succulent and of just the right amount of chewiness. The kicap manis sauce also managed to bring out the sweetness of the squid phenomenally and we savoured each and every blissfully good mouthful of it.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS

Prawn enthusiasts will adore the Charcoal-Grilled Tiger Prawns (S$19) which has 6 mammoth-sized tiger prawns that are grilled to perfection, coated in kicap manis sauce and paired with a side of cauliflower, corn and sambal matah.

Tear off the head and shells of each prawn to reveal the sweet, white flesh that lies beneath which is further enhanced by the kicap manis sauce.

OCEAN VALUE MEALS

If you want to have a taste of what Cajun on Wheels has to offer but you don’t have a voracious appetite, you can instead opt to have one of their Ocean Value Meals. Each meal comes with an individual seafood platter just for one as well as your choice of sauces, sides, carbs and drinks.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SEABASS PLATTER 

Tuck into the Charcoal-Grilled Seabass Platter (S$18) which consists of a massive slab of grilled seabass slathered in kicap manis sauce and served with a sunny-side-up, sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and side dishes.

The beautiful white fish was delightfully buttery and succulent and the sweetness of its plump flesh complemented the rich kicap manis sauce. For added texture and flavour, we recommend breaking open the yolk of the sunny-side-up over the fish for a creamier finish.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS PLATTER 

The Ocean Value Meal version of the Charcoal-grilled Tiger Prawns Platter (S$16) offers 4 fat fleshy pieces of tiger prawns in kicap manis sauce that are served with a sunny-side-up, sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and side dishes.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED GIANT SQUID PLATTER 

Likewise, if you find the Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid dish too much, you can have the Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid Platter for just S$14. Each set comes with a charcoal-grilled squid in kicap manis sauce that is served with a sunny-side-up, kickass sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and a side dish.

Cajun On Wheels
68 Orchard Road, #03-92 Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

This post was brought to you by Cajun On Wheels.

Japanese eateries are common in Singapore; there are a plethora of them scattered all over our sunny island and their prices can range from wallet-friendly to ‘I may have to eat soya sauce and rice for the next 2 weeks’.

Joining the ranks of the wallet-friendly list is Sora Boru, a brand-new Japanese dining concept in Somerset that dishes out a wide range of Japanese casual one-dish meals at incredibly affordable prices. Sora Boru is conveniently located in the heart of town at 313@Somerset and it is little wonder how it is already so well-received among executives who work in the area as well as students and shoppers.

Playfully named after the way the Japanese pronounce ‘bowl’, Sora Boru’s menu includes customisable chirashi-don, curry rice bowls, soba and their signature Volcano Beef Don and Snow Beef Don. All the mains here come in regular and mini sizes—great for different people with varying appetites.

And from 17 to 30 April 2019, quote “ladyironchef” or flash this advertorial when you order any Regular main and get any Mini of your choice at Sora Boru!

As of August 2019, Sora Boru is officially halal-certified. You can bring your Muslim friends to enjoy Sora Boru’s affordable Japanese meals.

VOLCANO BEEF DON

Aptly named after its appearance, Sora Boru’s Volcano Beef Don (S$11.90) is a glorified beef bowl of Japanese rice topped with your choice of stewed cabbage or seasoned bean sprouts and a massive pile of incredibly tender flame-grilled slices of beef.

The cherry on top is the rivulets of ‘lava’ that run down the sides of the volcano, which is essentially Sora Boru’s special in-house concocted spicy sauce. Coating the heap of beef evenly and generously, the sauce adds that much needed fiery kick that makes this dish deserving of its volcanic title.

SNOW BEEF DON 

On the other end of the spectrum is their Snow Beef Don (S$11.90) where instead of spicy gochujang sauce, the beef is doused in a unique homemade sweet and savoury sauce that is made from whipping cream. This is further enhanced by a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan which gives the dish its snow effect.

In comparison to its spicy counterpart, the Snow Beef Don has a creamier texture as well as a much sweeter flavour that stems from the whipping cream. The contrast of the sweetness from the sauce with the savouriness from the parmesan cheese created a medley of varying flavours that definitely got us hooked!

If we had to choose between the two, we admit that it won’t be an easy decision because we are equally obsessed with both of them. But if you really can’t make up your mind, then get both! We recommend getting the mini versions of both don (S$7.50 each) so that you can have the best of both worlds!

CUSTOMISABLE CHIRASHIBORU 

Fans of chirashi-don would know that a decent bowl of this goodness does not come cheap. Here at Sora Boru, fill your bowl to the brim with juicy cubes of sashimi. Mini bowls are super affordable and are priced at S$6.50, while regular bowls are at S$11.90 and large bowls at S$16.90.

What we also love about their chirashi-don is its customisability. Through a six-step process, diners can pick and choose their preferred bowl size, base, raw fish, add-ons, sauces and garnishes.

Examples of some of the raw fish that you can choose to add into your ChirashiBoru are salmon, scallop, tuna, octopus and swordfish.

BARA CHIRASHI EBIMAYO ABURI DON 

If you want to up your chirashi don game, you can opt for their Bara Chirashi Ebimayo Aburi Don (Mini S$9.50, Regular S$16.90) instead. This bowl of goodness features cubes of assorted half-grilled seafood such as salmon and baby scallops, tamagoyaki, tempura bits and cucumber that are blanketed in an incredibly aromatic blow-torched shrimp roe mayonnaise.

The savoury umami of the shrimp roe mayonnaise was reminiscent of the flavours of mentaiko. Blow-torching the decadent sauce also created a lovely char and an irresistible smoky flavour. Texture wise, the tempura bits added a lovely crunch to the entire dish and provided a nice contrast to the chewy sashimi cubes.

If chirashi and beef do aren’t your thing, you can always try the other dons available which include their Salmon Teriyaki Toji Don (Mini S$7.50, Regular S$13.90), Chicken Teriyaki Toji Don (Mini S$4.90, Regular S$8.50) and Ebi Vegetable Tendon (Mini S$4.90, Regular S$9.50).

CURRYBORU 

Japanese curry has always been regarded as one of Japan’s most well-loved comfort foods, which is why Sora Boru has an entire section of their menu dedicated to this perennial favourite.

Every bowl of CurryBoru here is drenched in a gratifyingly rich curry sauce that is cooked with a secret recipe that has been fine-tuned and perfected for months. Mildly spicy with subtle hints of fruity acidity, this robust concoction packs on a lot of flavours without being too cloying. Based on how much heat you can take, you can also choose between two levels of spiciness.

Each bowl of curry rice is paired with one type of deep-fried meat or seafood. Some options available are the Chicken Katsu CurryBoru (Mini S$6.50, Regular S$10.90), Shabu Beef CurryBoru (Mini S$6.50, Regular S$10.90) and Breaded Ebi CurryBoru (Mini S$6.50, Regular S$10.90).

If you’re feeling more peckish than usual, you can opt for one of their curry combo sets which are the Breaded Ebi with Shabu Beef CurryBoru (Regular S$12.90) and the Breaded Salmon with Shabu Beef CurryBoru (Regular S$11.90).

CHA SOBA SETS 

Sora Boru also has a selection of noodle options for you to tuck into. The cha soba here is springy and cooked to a nice al dente which goes perfectly with the chilled, savoury dipping sauce or warm soup.

The cha soba can also be enjoyed with your choice of accompaniments such as Ebi Vegetable Tempura (Mini S$7.50, Regular S$12.90), Chicken Karaage (Mini S$6.50, Regular S$10.90) and Chicken Katsu (Mini S$6.50, Regular S$10.90).

SCRUMMY SIDES

If you’d like more food for sharing (or if you’re simply ravenous), get some sides to go along with your mains. The recommended picks are Chicken Gyoza (S$8.50 for 6 pieces), Chawanmushi (S$1.90) and Yasai Corn Tempura with Tartar Sauce (S$5.50).

Our favourite of the lot is the Crispy Salmon Skin with Egg Mayo Dip (S$8.50) which features insanely crispy slivers of fish skin fried to a lovely golden brown. The egg mayo dip adds an addictively sweet and savoury touch to the salmon skin and we couldn’t stop ourselves from slathering everything on sight with it.

From 17 to 30 April 2019, quote “ladyironchef” or flash this advertorial when you order any Regular main and get any Mini of your choice at Sora Boru!

Terms & Conditions
- Valid for dine-in only
- Orders and redemptions must be made at the cashier
- Promotion is valid for any Regular and any Mini ChirashiBoru / DonBoru / CurryBoru / Noodles
- This offer cannot be stacked with any other promotions or discounts
- Flash Ladyironchef’s corresponding Facebook / Instagram / blog post to redeem

Sora Boru
313@Somerset #B3-19/20
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post is brought to you by Sora Boru. 

The Bugis enclave has come a long way since its earlier, sleazier days. Now, things have smartened up for the place with the many slews of hipster cafes, shopping centres and even classy new hotel establishments such as Andaz Singapore.

While the area is evolving into a shopping paradise for both locals and tourists alike, one thing still remains unchanged—the food scene here is immense. Sussing out some of the best from the old to the new, from glitzy restaurants, cosy cafes and humble hole-in-the-walls, here is our list of 50 cafes and restaurants in Bugis.

& WHY…

Sandwiched between Stateland Café and Brother Bird at Bali Lane, & Why is a New York-themed café decked with vintage interiors that imitate old western cafés from the 1920s. Halal-certified and Muslim-run, this eatery serves coffee, sandwiches, mocktails, and selected bakes. Order a Panama Boquete SHB Coffee (S$7) to enjoy a light caffeine experience.

& Why…
31/30 Bali Lane #01-01
Singapore 189867
Tel: +65 6291 0993
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

AFTERWIT

Afterwit was inspired by an afterthought of pairing Mexican-influenced fare with an indie cafe experience. Given a dearth of halal Mexican options, Afterwit has established itself as a cult favourite among diners with a penchant for spicy flavours, or looking for a sweet spot to unwind over punchy mocktails and house-made desserts.

Afterwit
778 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198746
Tel: +65 6299 3508
Sun to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

ALL THINGS DELICIOUS

Tucked away in Arab street, All Things Delicious prides itself on using high-quality fresh ingredients to bake unique creations that are meant to be enjoyed till the very last crumb. What we adore about this quaint café is how unpretentious it is; just simple and wholesome pastries made with love.

All Things Delicious
34 Arab Street
Singapore 199733
Tel: +65 6291 4252
Tue to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

ANDAZ SINGAPORE’S ALLEY ON 25

Situated on the 25th floor of Andaz Singapore, Alley on 25 is an immersive novel dining concept that is home to 5 restaurant concepts—all of which will have you feeling pampered from head to toe, and leave your taste buds sufficiently satisfied. From hearty stews and locally-inspired desserts to rustic modern Asian fare, there is surely something for everyone no matter what you are hankering for.

Alley on 25
5 Fraser Street, Level 25
Andaz Singapore
Singapore 189354
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

ARTICHOKE CAFÉ & BAR

Located between the junction of Middle Road and Waterloo Street, Artichoke Cafe & Bar features a menu heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine. The weekend brunch is highly popular, and we suggest making your reservations before heading down this casual restaurant.

Artichoke Café & Bar
161 Middle Road
Singapore 188978
Tel: +65 6336 6949
Tue to Fri: 4pm – 9.45pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

BERGS GOURMET BURGERS

For those who value good quality burgers, BERGS is the place to go. The burger patties, sauces, and marinades are handcrafted from secret recipes designed to deliver the freshest, most intense mix of sensations and flavours. Add S$5 to your burger and get a side of chips and iced lemon tea or lemonade.

BERGS Gourmet Burgers
10 Haji Lane
Singapore 189203
Tel: +65 6293 3424
Sun to Thurs: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

BLU JAZ CAFÉ

Over the years, Blu Jaz has grown into a popular spot for live entertainment such as comedy shows, DJ nights, jam session and poetry slam. Bursting with great vibes, this buzzing hotspot is a great place if you want a night out but don’t want to dress up for it.

Blu Jaz Café
11 Bali Lane
Singapore 189848
Tel: +65 6292 3800
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bugis

BOX N STICKS

Japanese food is big on freshness and Box n Sticks is dedicated to serving Japanese food made freshly upon every order using the same Japanese culinary techniques one would find in high-end restaurants. With a diverse range of Japanese delights and sake, all you need is some good company and you are set for an awesome meal.

Box N Sticks
28 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198889
Tel: +65 6341 7780
Tues to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

BROTHER BIRD

Sharing the shop space with Stateland Café, Brother Bird is famous for their artisanal soft serve with signature handmade mochi donuts. This minimalistic café introduces innovative flavours such as Honey-dew sago and Speculoos on a rotational basis. The unique soft serve flavours and chill environment makes Brother Bird a good pit stop in between shopping.

Brother Bird
30 Bali Lane
Singapore 189966
Tel: +65 9800 7628
Mon, Wed to Sun: 12pm – 9.30pm
Tue: 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

CAPTAIN K SEAFOOD TOWER

The famous nine-tier Captain K Seafood Tower has indeed taken the food scene in Singapore by storm. Supper goers will be delighted to know that the Middle Road outlet opens until 4am every day, making it an ideal supper spot in town. This humble eatery is suitable for all occasions, be it a family dinner or a late night gathering with your friends.

Captain K Seafood Tower
112 Middle Road
#01-00B, Midland House
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 6255 5744
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

CIAO @ ITALIAN RISTO-BAR

If you’re in the vicinity of Haji Lane and looking for a place to savour quality Italian cuisines, this Italian restaurant offers a wide selection of homespun Italian fare such as pasta and pizzas, as well as wine and cocktails to go with it. Diners can expect to be whisked away to Italy with their handmade pizzas.

Ciao @ Italian Risto-Bar
8 Haji Lane
Singapore 189201
Tel: +65 6296 9688
Tue, Thurs & Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

DON MEIJIN

In light of the recent tendon craze in Singapore, Don Meijin is a Donburi eatery at Ramen Champion Bugis+ that has been making waves on social media for its massive tendons. With fantastic ambience and efficient service, Don Meijin is great for diners looking for a quick and delicious meal.

Don Meijin
201 Victoria Street
#04-10 Bugis+
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6238 1011
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

EARLYBIRD CAFE

Taking over the space of the now-defunct Artistry along Jalan Pinang is Earlybird Cafe, an aesthetically-pleasing bird-themed cafe that serves quality grub that is worth forgoing your diet for. Make sure to order up a portion of their decadent Chicken and Pancakes (S$19) which is a dish that is sinful and indulgent yet, comforting at the same time.

Earlybird Cafe
17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Mon to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 9.30pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Tel: +65 9788 6858
Nearest Station: Bugis

EATLOVEPLAY (THYME @ ALIWAL)

This Thai-Western café s Thai delights alongside simple Western fare at affordable prices. Besides Thai-Western cuisine, this humble café features a Craft Corner where children and adults alike can get creative with arts and craft (S$5 per hour on weekends, S$5 for 2 hours on weekdays). Enjoy a cup of tea and spend your afternoon doodling away in the relaxing ambience.

EatLovePlay
28 Aliwal Street #01-07
Singapore 199918
Tel: +65 6444 6400
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

FIKA SWEDISH CAFE AND BISTRO

The minimalistic Scandinavian interior of the bistro is an extremely comforting one that we’ve always loved, and it’s a great place for a gathering with your Muslim friends as Fika is certified halal. The Swedish Meatballs (S$19) oozes with flavour – delicious handmade meatballs with a side of baby potatoes and topped with thick creamy sauce and sweet lingonberry jam.

Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro
257 Beach Road
Singapore 199539
Tel: +65 6396 9096
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

FLUFF BAKERY

If you are exploring the premises of Jalan Pisang, do not be surprised by the snaking queue at this halal bakery, fondly known as Fluff Bakery. This takeaway-only halal bakery is a favourite among the Muslim crowd and the humble confectionary has also attracted patrons far and wide with their supposedly to-die-for cupcakes.

Fluff Bakery
4 Jalan Pisang
Singapore 199071
Tel: +65 9660 3541
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 7.30pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

GOING OM

Going Om is inspired by the spirit of the Nepali mountains. Situated in the corner of eclectic Haji Lane, this peaceful café and bar serves Asian-Western cuisine and offers card readings, holistic healing services as well as yoga and meditation classes.

Going Om
63 Haji Lane
Singapore 189256
Tel: +65 8363 5640
Sun to Thurs: 12pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 1am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

GOOD LUCK BEERHOUSE

This cosy, 25-seater bar offers an array of craft beers; some are locally brewed while others are imported from other parts of the world such as the United States of America and New Zealand. Surprisingly, this specialty craft beer bar also serves dim sum on its menu. Who would have thought that craft beer and dim sum would go well together?

Good Luck Beerhouse
9 Haji Lane
Singapore 189202
Tel: +65 8742 4809
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Bugis

HYGGE

Pronounced as “hue-guh”, this idyllic Danish-inspired café serves simple savoury mains such as Beef Lagsana (S$14) and Mushroom Aglio Olio (S$12) as well as cakes such as Earl Grey Lavender (S$7.80). Unpretentious food, a relaxed and cosy setting, HYGGE ticks all the right boxes.

HYGGE
37 Haji Lane
Singapore 189230
Tel: +65 8163 1893
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 6.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

I AM…

Integrating European influences into the café’s interior and cuisine, this Halal-certified and Muslim-owned café is a splendid spot for ravenous diners strolling along Haji Lane. Other than deliciously savoury Western delights, the seven-layer Rainbow Cake (S$8.90) is another crowd favourite.

I Am…
674 North Bridge Road
Singapore 199486
Tel: +65 6295 5509
Mon to Thurs: 9am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 1am
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

ICHI TEI

Hidden away in Sunshine Plaza, Ichi Tei specialises in Japanese cuisine, featuring the usual favourites such as Bento and Udon sets. The set meals are priced below S$14, making it super worth it if all you’re looking for is a quick workday lunch. Each set meal includes a rice set, creamy potato salad and a bowl of miso soup.

Ichi Tei
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-52 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9139 1746
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Sun & PH: Closed
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

KRAVE

This value-for-money and Muslim-owned eatery serves tantalising Malay-Western fusion food such as Kraving Ayam Bakar (S$18): grilled chicken with sweet and spicy kicap marinade, and Laksa Sayang Eh! (S$18): penne pasta with laksa sauce.

Krave
28 Bali Lane
Singapore 189864
Tel: +65 9856 4249
(Kitchen closed from 4.30pm – 6.30pm)
Tue to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

KOGANE YAMA

On a lookout for another tendon to add to your list of favourites? Kogane Yama just might be the one for you. This tempura speciality restaurant offers customisable tendon — choose your tendon toppings, base and the spiciness level. The best part is that a hearty meal here costs less than S$20.

Kogane Yama
516 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188740
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

LA MARELLE

La Marelle definitely pops out from your usual minimalistic cafés with its intricate and whimsical interior – think paper lanterns, raindrop motifs, pink backdrops. The affordable food here is served on beautifully crafted plates, and they also offer complimentary wifi and power points, making it an excellent place to chill out while you charge your gadgets.

La Marelle
25A Baghdad Street
Singapore 199664
Mon to Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

LICKETY ICE CREAM & WAFFLES

Established by the team behind Fika Swedish Café & Bistro and Konditori Artisan Bakery, this halal-owned café serves an array of Instagram-worthy ice cream and egglet waffles that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Lickety Ice Cream & Waffles
34 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199452
Tel: +65 6291 7670
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

MAISON IKKOKU

For those who are on the hunt for a place to chill out, Maison Ikkoku is our recommended restaurant for it features all-day breakfast, weekend brunches and a scrumptious dinner menu as well. This restaurant and cocktail bar is well-known for its no-drinks menu concept where diners get to customize their cocktails.

Maison Ikkoku
20 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198885
Tel: +65 6294 0078
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 1am
Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

MAN FU YUAN

Contemporary Chinese restaurant, Man Fu Yuan, can be found on the 2nd storey of Intercontinental Hotel. From speciality teas to an assortment of artisanal handmade dim sum and more, diners can enjoy quality food at this fine dining Cantonese restaurant.

Man Fu Yuan
80 Middle Rd
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

MERELY ICE CREAM

Merely Ice Cream is dedicated to serving homemade ice cream made from natural ingredients such as fresh fruits and nuts. The Grape Yakult Yoghurt Ice Cream (S$3.50) delighted us with its silky, sorbet-like texture and light flavours.

Merely Ice Cream
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-13 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 6238 0890
Mon to Thurs: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

PIZZAEXPRESS

PizzaExpress specialises in gourmet, hand-made Italian pizza that even Italian palates will agree with. Everything at PizzaExpress is made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. Besides pizzas, diners can indulge in a wide selection of Italian-style salads, pasta and desserts.

PizzaExpress
7 Fraser Street
#01-01/02, Duo Galleria
Singapore 189356
Tel: +65 6702 1514
Sun to Thurs: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri, Sat and Eve of PH: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

PIEDRA NEGRA

Opened by the owners of the popular Blu Jaz, this casual restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a laid-back ambience—a nice switch to your minimalist Scandinavian décor cafés. This restaurant is a good place for late night drinks or a simple get together with your family.

Piedra Negra
241 Beach Road
Singapore 189753
Tel: +65 6291 1297
Mon to Thurs: 12pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 2am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Bugis

POULET

Poulet is a casual French restaurant which specialises in rôti (roast chicken). On Poulet’s menu, you can find a variety of appetisers ($5.80 to $9.80) such as escargot, sautéed wild mushroom and French onion soup; main courses ($8.80 to $15.80) like Iberico pork belly and Smith chicken; and desserts ($6.80 to $7.80) such as banana bread pudding and tiramisu.

Poulet
201 Victoria Street
#04-12, Bugis+
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6509 9411
Mon to Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

RAMEN KEISUKE

Right around the corner of KFC at Bugis Village, Ramen Keisuke offers a unique Four Seasons ramen concept. From Spring Ramen (S$11.90), Summer Ramen (S$13.90), Autumn Ramen (S$12.90) to Winter Ramen (S$10.90), there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Ramen Keisuke
158 Rochor Road Bugis Village
Singapore 188433
Tel: +65 6333 5740
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

ROYALE

Royale is an all-day dining restaurant serving a full western buffet for breakfast; western and local favourites for lunch and dinner. Helmed by Royale’s Executive Chef Nicholas Sia, guests can enjoy over-the-top buffet spread or choose from a la carte menu which features signatures such as the Pan-Seared Angus Ribeye Steak and Wok-Charred Salmon.

Royale
122 Middle Rd
Mercure Bugis
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6088
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SAWADEE THAI CUISINE

Having been around for more than a decade, this Thai restaurant teleports you all the way to the Land of Smiles with its decadent array of Thai dishes and soft Thai jazz music serenading you while you dine.

Given its close proximity to offices in the Bugis district and communal dining concept, Sawadee Thai Cuisine is an ideal dining destination for working professionals during lunch time.

9 Tan Quee Lan Street
Singapore 188098
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SELFIE COFFEE

Selfie Coffee is known for churning out coffees with your selfies printed on the edible coffee foams. Aside from the selfie coffee, the 30-seater café also serves pastries and savoury pies to go with the drinks.

Selfie Coffee
11 Haji Lane
Singapore 189204
Tel: +65 6341 7213
Mon to Thu: 11am – 7pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

STATELAND

If you love waffles, Stateland Café is the place you must visit. Served with a scoop of ice cream, and topped with homemade cream cheese glaze, the Red Velvet Waffle (S$14.90) is highly recommended. The humble café also offers a range of breakfasts for patrons who want something more substantial.

Stateland
30 Bali Lane
Singapore 189866
Tel: +65 9296 4997
Mon, Wed to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Tue: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SUMIRE YAKITORI HOUSE

There is no doubt plenty of Japanese joints serving yakitori in Singapore, but Sumire Yakitori House at Bugis Junction specialises in serving affordable quality yakitori. Diners can choose from a range of yakitori such as oyster mushroom, chicken shoulder and chicken meatballs.

Sumire Yakitori House
80 Middle Road #01-88/89
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6338 9963
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SUSHI AIRWAYS SUSHI BAR

Sushi Airways is Singapore’s first aircraft themed restaurant that prides itself on providing the freshest sushi and sashimi to diners. This unique restaurant also offers an omakase menu that ensures a gastronomic experience that would give some of the best Japanese restaurants in town a run for their money.

Sushi Airways Sushi Bar
20a Baghdad Street
Singapore 199659
Tel: +65 6291 1151
Sun to Thu: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5.45pm – 9.45pm
Fri & Sat: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5.45pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SYMMETRY

Nestled in Jalan Kubor, Symmetry is a restaurant and bar that focuses on the idea of sharing food. Taking inspiration from Australian casual dining culture and French cuisine, the place strives to provide quality food made with love. On top of their repertoire of amazing grub, they also serve up a decent range of tasty hand-crafted cocktails.

Symmetry
9 Jalan Kubor
Singapore 199206
Tel: +65 6291 9901
Mon: 10.30am – 9pm
Tue to Thu: 10.30am – 11pm
Fri: 10.30am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

TANUKI RAW AT KAPOK

Tanuki Raw is known their Happy Hour cocktails and air-flown oysters and their Bras Basah outlet brings another modern Japanese-styled restaurant to the Bras Basah area. Located on the ground floor of National Design Centre, the restaurant also offers their signature rice bowls alongside a variety of cocktails and craft beers.

Tanuki Raw At Kapok
111 Middle Road
#01-05 National Design Centre
Singapore 188969
Mon to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

THAI GOLD FOOD

If you’re craving authentic Thai food, Thai Gold Food (formerly known as Sbey Sbey Thai Food) at Sunshine Plaza is the one to visit. Thai Gold Food’s menu includes popular Thai dishes like Mango Salad, Phat Thai, and Green Curry. Most of the items are reasonably priced below S$10 for a small portion.

Thai Gold Food
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-14/22 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore189652
Tel: +65 6883 1575
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE BEAST SOUTHERN KITCHEN + BOURBON BAR

The cosy bar offers a myriad variety of bourbons, an extensive selection of American craft beers, and rye speciality cocktails. This is a place to gather with your friends to sip on some bourbon and be treated to some classic southern cooking and hospitality.

The Beast Southern Kitchen + Bourbon Bar
17 Jln Klapa, Singapore 199329
Tel: +65 6295 0017
Mon to Wed: 5pm – 12am
Thu & Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE BIG CHEESE

If you’re looking for a place for a quick cheese fix, The Big Cheese at Sunshine Plaza offers you the chance to build your very own mac and cheese. For S$5.90, you get to mix and match everything from your choice of cheese to toppings to form your ultimate mac and cheese.

The Big Cheese
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-59 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 8147 0485
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE DIM SUM PLACE

The sister company of The Ramen Stall, The Dim Sum Place serves Cantonese style cuisine with a local twist. From Pan Fried Taro Cake (S$2.90 for 3 pieces), Salted Egg Custard Bun (S$3.90 for 3 pieces) to Beef Rendang in Vermicelli Roll (S$8.90), customers can choose from an array of dim sum at a pocket-friendly price.

The Dim Sum Place
791 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198759
Tel: +65 6655 8787
Sun to Thu: 11am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 11am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE MAD SAILORS

From the folks that brought you Afterwit and The Working Title, The Mad Sailors focuses on recreating British classics and serving them at affordable prices. This Muslim-owned café is a good place to visit on a lazy afternoon over a cuppa and a good book.

The Mad Sailors
24 Haji Lane
Singapore 189217
Tel: +65 8248 2853
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE RAMEN STALL

The Ramen Stall serves Halal traditional Japanese cuisine that has altered to fit local palates. Form Beef Ramen (S$12.90), Salmon Maki (S$12.90) to a range of sashimi, this place is perfect for supper-goers looking for a spot that opens past midnight to enjoy a bowl of ramen.

The Ramen Stall
787 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198755
Tel: +65 6655 0800
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 5am
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE SINGAPURA CLUB

The Singapura Club is a heritage-style vintage bistro and taproom, an extension of The Tiong Bahru Club. The bistro features classic Asian cuisine and a range of Northern Indian dishes prepared by The Old Raj Kitchen. End your meal with their wide collection of speciality tea as well as their signature Chai Latte selections from Chaiholics.

The Singapura Club
26 Haji Lane
Singapore 189219
Mon to Sun: 11am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

TWENTY GRAMMES

Twenty Grammes is essentially a dessert café and ice cream parlour that serves quality ice cream, crispy waffles and unique flavours. The quaint café offers wholesome salads and hearty chicken pie for patrons who crave something more savoury and substantial.

Twenty Grammes
753 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 198721
Tel: +65 6717 1733
Sun to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

VICTOR’S KITCHEN

Tucked in a cosy corner in Sunshine Plaza, Victor’s Kitchen serves handmade Hong-Kong dim sum. This small eatery is committed to serving quality dim sum, allowing customers to enjoy the taste of Hong Kong without breaking the bank.

Victor’s Kitchen
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-49 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9838 2851
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

WORKING TITLE

Well-known for their coffee creations and gourmet burgers, Working Title caters to the meals of many with its range of all-day brunch, pizzas and pasta. The cosy interior makes a perfect place for popping by for a quick bite or to chill the afternoon away. You will also be delighted to know that this halal burger joint provides free wifi and charging ports.

Working Title
48 Arab Street
Singapore 199745
Tel: +65 8248 2841
Mon to Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Article by: Fion Lee
Edited by Alvin Tan & Sherlyn Teo

Among the many intricate and beautiful aspects of Japanese cuisine, one of the most unique is the Omakase. Omakase in Japanese fine dining is the act of leaving one’s culinary experience entirely up to the chef, transcending beyond what’s written on the menu. It is in fact, a huge compliment to the chef and is a sign that the diner has total trust in the chef’s expertise, culinary skill and recommendations. It’s a huge deal as far as Japanese food is concerned and the one place that we have total confidence in when it comes to a  luxurious, top-notch dining experience, Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase undeniably takes the cake.

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality all come together, Fat Cow is one of those restaurants that bears timeless appeal. From their snazzy interiors, laid-back jazzy tunes to their extensive array of top-of-the-line wagyu and seafood-forward dishes, Fat Cow truly gives you a sense of exclusiveness and is quite realistically, the closest one gets to experiencing royalty.

Fat Cow’s dinner Omakase (S$250++ per pax) has always been known to be on the pricier side but for what it’s worth, diners are treated to nothing short of a pure, sensorial and blissful experience. With their newly curated lunch Omakase menu at S$80++ featuring 7 courses, lunchtime will no doubt be the best time to visit the restaurant to enjoy deluxe but wallet-friendly Omakase indulgences.

From now until 30 Sep 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy a further 10% discount for both lunch and dinner Omakase, as well as a complimentary glass of Fat Sour (whisky). A minimum of two persons per reservation is required.

Now, who’s up for Fat Cow’s lunch and dinner Chef’s Table Omakase? We know we are.

The man behind the restaurant’s highly celebrated Chef’s Table Omakase, Head Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—ensures that all dishes prepared are nothing short of perfection. He serves only the best seasonal seafood and produce—treating them delicately so as to present diners with only the purest, most pristine flavours and textures—and prides himself with serving premium ingredients of the highest grade.

Whether it is a moulded nigiri sushi or a simple soup, you can rest assured that Chef Kasajima cuts no corners—he ensures that every item is perfect before serving from seasoning to garnish.

Decked out in an intimate space of tranquil elegance and a sleek counter that sits just eight, guests are able to witness Chef Kasajima’s culinary prowess that embodies the spirit of both Japanese precision and French flair. Intimate from beginning to end, be prepared to be pampered like royalty as you entrust your evening to the chef himself. Dining at Fat Cow promises heightened dining experience unlike any other—one filled with a myriad of delicate tastes and unforgettable moments of sensorial bliss.

AMUSE BOUCHE

Both the lunch and dinner Omakase kicks off with the Amuse Bouche, which is essentially a wagyu beef carpaccio served with a marinated egg yolk and shiitake mushrooms.

Straightforward and visually stunning, we were blown away by how each individual component stood out without outshining one another, flavour-wise. The marinated egg was creamy and decadent while the shiitake was surprisingly sweet with a hint of umami. The seared wagyu, on the other hand, provided a nice buttery texture which completed the dish.

SEA BREAM SOUP

With the introduction of rich flavours at only the first course, it made complete sense to have the Sea Bream Soup with Lime Sudachi as our second. A hearty palate cleanser with notes of citrus, the light yet flavourful fish soup was hot, savoury and just what we needed to prep ourselves for the heavier courses ahead.

TOMATO UNI

Served in a martini glass, the Tomato with Sea Urchin and Tosazu Jelly—available only in the dinner Omakase menu—comprises a chilled Japanese tomato, sweet and savoury jelly (Tosazu Jelly), sea urchin (uni) served in a light, refreshing sauce.

A delightful appetiser, every mouthful was a combination of rich flavours that were nicely underscored by savoury and umami notes.

WAGYU TARTARE W BLACK TRUFFLE & QUAIL EGG YOLK (LUNCH & DINNER)

Another appetiser to look forward to is the Wagyu Tartare with Black Truffle and Quail Egg Yolk in Yuzu Ponzu. A true spectacle to behold, everything about this dish from the way Chef Kasajima prepares it to its final assembly is a display of Japanese precision and discipline at its best.

The dish first begins with a carefully formed layer of wagyu beef mince followed by shiitake mushrooms that he carefully places on top. Finally, black truffle is shaven over the top and a yuzu ponzu sauce is drizzled over.

Chef Kasajima’s advice is to first take a bite of the dish as it is to appreciate the raw flavours of each component and subsequently to drizzle in the quail egg yolk and mix everything together.

YUZU MISO FLOUNDER (LUNCH & DINNER)

Sliced thin and seasoned with a few drops of their house-made yuzu miso, the first thing you taste is the salty kick from the miso followed by the citrus notes from the yuzu. The raw flounder was relatively neutral tasting, which perfectly brought out the dominant flavours in the dressing.

5-PIECE NIGIRI (LUNCH)

The Chef’s Table Omakase lunch comes with five pieces of nigiri sushi. The sushi selection encompasses a smorgasbord of fresh ingredients that were carefully executed so as to not overshadow one other.

For lunch, guests can tuck into the likes of Alfonsino, Bluefin Tuna, Striped Jack, Signature Surf and Turf and Conger Eel. Some are dipped in shoyu, torched or simply served as it is to allow the original flavours of the fish to shine through with every bite.

The sushi is also served with a side of Pickled Chrysanthemum (Japan’s national flower and a snack that was enjoyed by royalty), instead of the traditional ginger, setting a more modern take on the Omakase experience.

Do note, however, that the ingredients used may vary depending on seasonality.

8-PIECE NIGIRI (DINNER)

For dinner, indulgence truly knows no bounds with the addition of three sensational nigiri sushi items on top of the ones mentioned above. They are the sea urchin (uni), marinated foie gras and baby leeks with bonito flakes.

The uni (sea urchin) sushi was phenomenal and a true luxury for the palate—from the brininess that hits you when it first touches your tongue to the subtly sweet taste that lingers.

WAGYU SUMIBIYAKI

Dining at Fat Cow would not be complete without savouring some of their prime wagyu beef and the Wagyu Sumibiyaki is a dish specially designed for the Omakase dinner to showcase just how exemplary the quality of their beef is.

With a meat so fine in quality and marbling, only the simplest treatment is needed. Lightly seared to achieve a caramelised exterior but just enough so that it still retains its buttery interior, the wagyu is delicate, soft yet extremely flavourful.

The quality of the beef is simply divine and as if having it on its own wasn’t good enough, served on the side is Chef Kasajima’s house-made koji miso that further accentuates the tender beef, giving it a nice salty kick.

If you find yourself drooling in envy now and hankering for a taste of all these decadent goodness, just know that there is still much more to expect from Fat Cow’s respective Omakase menus—we’ve barely scratched the surface.

Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase Dinner (S$250++ per pax) comes with amuse bouche, soup, five appetisers, three seasonal sashimi, six pieces of nigiri sushi, wagyu sumibiyaki, akadashi miso soup, Japanese rolled omelette and Japanese fruits.

If you are new to Omakase, you can choose to try the Chef’s Table Omakase Lunch (S$80++ per pax) first which consists of amuse bouche, soup, two starters, appetisers, five pieces of nigiri sushi, akadashi miso soup, Japanese rolled omelette and ice cream.

Do note that the aforementioned courses may not be available during selected days/ seasons and the chef will replace them with seasonal specials that are of similar value.

From now until 30 Sep 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy a further 10% discount for both lunch and dinner Omakase, as well as a complimentary glass of Fat Sour (whisky). A minimum of two persons per reservation is required.

Fat Cow
Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02,
1 Orchard Boulevard,
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post was brought to you by Fat Cow.

What’s not to love about Japanese tonkatsu? It may not be the healthiest food option around but it sure hits the spot every time. We simply adore tonkatsu whether it’s stuffed with melty cheese, drenched in Japanese curry or simply on its own.

For the uninitiated, Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish which consists of meat that is breaded, deep-fried to golden perfection and usually served with rice and shredded cabbage. The most common tonkatsu is pork tonkatsu, with the fillet and the loin being popular cuts to choose from.

For the love of all things breaded and fried, that boasts a crunch and succulence like no other, here is our list of 10 best tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

HAJIME TONKATSU & RAMEN 

Opened by Chef Tan-San, a seasoned tonkatsu specialist with over two decades of experience and the very same man that helmed the highly acclaimed Tampopo, Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen over at myVillage in Serangoon Gardens is where you can find authentic Japanese cuisine at really affordable prices.

Their ramen is decent by most standards, but the real star of the show is their tonkatsu that comes in a variety of options—be it pork, fish, ebi (prawn) and more!

1 Maju Avenue, #02-07/8/9
myVillage @ Serangoon Garden,
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6509 9952
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

KATSUYA

Nestled in the food-driven enclave of East Coast Road, Katsuya is a small and cosy restaurant where you can find topnotch tonkatsu offerings.

Here, diners can choose between pork loin (rosu) or pork fillet (hire) or seafood such as shrimp, oysters (kaki) or fish. Rosu is a fattier cut of pork that is considerably more flavourful and texturally divine. Every order is made fresh so be prepared to wait but make no mistake that the wait will definitely be worth it.

85 East Coast Road,
Singapore 428787
Tel: +65 6344 8183
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

KATSUDON HANAKATSU

Katsudon Hanakatsu at Suntec City is opened by the same team behind the popular Tendon Kohaku. They specialise in Katsu Don and you can choose between the spicy and non-spicy alternatives.

The original HA-NA Katsudon features a generous portion of two types of meat—pork and chicken. Diners get well-marinated meat with a subtle taste of shoyu on top of warm Japanese rice. Those who prefer your dish with a spicy kick can opt for the HA-NA Katsudon Spicy Flavour instead that sees a generous sprinkling of chilli flakes.

#03-10 Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Daily: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade / Esplanade

MONSTER CURRY 

Popular for its affordable, colossal-sized plates of katsu, rice and Japanese curry, Monster Curry is a hot favourite among the younger crowd.

Choose from a selection of combos that come with either chicken katsu, pork katsu, pork shabu-shabu, shrimp tempura or all of them together.

Let’s be clear: Monster Curry’s tonkatsu is nothing special. But it is something that we enjoy when we want a simple and fuss-free meal.

2 Orchard Turn
#B4-52 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 4555
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SABOTEN

Where quality tonkatsu is concerned—the popular tonkatsu chain uses only selected grain and barley fed pigs—Saboten serves as a prime example that delicious tonkatsu need not necessarily come at a high price.

Be spoilt for choice with their menu that features all sorts of breaded goodies from their signature Breaded Pork Loin Katsu Gozen to their Curry Katsu Gozen.

80 Airport Boulevard, #031-004
Changi Airport Terminal 1,
Singapore 918146
Tel: +65 6214 9504
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

TAMPOPO 

One of the first few tonkatsu joints to introduce Kurobuta (black pig) in their tonkatsu, Tampopo sets the standard for not only tonkatsu but Japanese fare as a whole.

Here is where diners can tuck into their signature Black Pig Tonkatsu and it ranges from Top Grade BP Tonkatsu (a la carte – S$27.90, set – S$31.80) to BP Loin Tonkatsu Set (a la carte – S$22.80, set – S$26.90) and Less Fat BP Loin Cutlet (a la carte – S$22.80, set – S$26.80).

391 Orchard Road, #B2-33,
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

GINZA ANZU 

Ginza Anzu—a farm-to-table concept eatery from Kyushu—is famous for their authentic Tonkatsu. Be prepared to stuff yourselves silly with their incredible range of tonkatsu offerings.

You have to try their Thick Pork Loin Katsu that features strips of tender, succulent pork that boast an unbelievable crunch.

1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-113/114
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6977 9815

TONKATSU BY MA MAISON

As far as real-deal Japanese tonkatsu is concerned, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison over at Mandarin Gallery is hands down, one of the best tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

Besides the usual crispy-breaded-pork-with-rice combination, they also have a vast repertoire of innovative tonkatsu dishes such as their Mille Feuille Truffle Katsu (S$26++) that sees a massive cult following.

333A Orchard Road, #02-35 & #02-36
Mandarin Gallery,
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6733 4541
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#10 TONKICHI

Tonkichi is one of the more well-known tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore and it has garnered many supporters over the years.

We’ve been dining at Tonkichi over the years and we felt that the standards have dropped quite a bit. The basic tonkatsu sets are just run-of-the-mill and nothing to shout about. The Premium Rosu Katsu (S$32), on the other hand, was quite something else. We had the MIyazaki Rosu Katsu which was juicy and tender, with the right proportion of fats.

In our opinion, there are much better tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore unless you are willing to splurge on the premium cuts. Nonetheless, we have included Tonkichi in our guide to tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore because there are many people who still patronise Tonkichi and swear by their tonkatsu.

350 Orchard Road
4F Shaw House
Tel: +65 6835 4648
Mon to Thu: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

While there are many things about Japanese cuisine that we love, few are able to satisfy our cravings for crispy, greasy delight as well as a hearty tonkatsu. Be it in the form of meat, poultry or seafood—anything coated in egg and panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection warrants our attention.

Anzu—a popular tonkatsu restaurant from Japan—at Wisma Atria’s Japan Food Town specialises in tonkatsu and it features a remarkable range of katsu offerings on their menu.

Tonkatsu joints may be in abundance in Singapore, but if you are someone who values great service on top of delicious food, then Anzu is a place you have to pay a visit to.

THICK PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Fat is flavour as far as meat is concerned and more importantly, it keeps the tonkatsu itself incredibly moist. We loved every bit of Thick Pork Loin Katsu (S$25++) from the crunch of the breaded exterior to the pork juices that come spilling out all over our tongue with each bite.

Every katsu set comes with free-flow portions of rice and salad, chawanmushi as well as your choice of either seaweed or clam soup.

PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Considerably easier to manage given that it is not as huge as its thicker counterpart, we enjoyed this version in the sense that we could really taste the porky goodness erupt the moment we bit into it.

Our only issue was that, due to the lack of delicious fat, this tonkatsu option (S$20++) was quite dry—to the extent that we had to rely heavily on the sauce and soup to balance it out.

We must say that we were impressed by how every component was executed properly from the pork katsu to even the accompanying side dishes right down to the house-pickled carrot and cucumber served on the side.

Anzu
435 Orchard Road
4F Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6262 3408
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard