The Place A brand from Osaka, Japan, Tonkatsu Daiki just opened in Singapore at Ngee Ann City few weeks ago. A brief background of Tonkatsu Daiki is that it is a Michelin-recognised tonkatsu specialty restaurant in Osaka and Tonkatsu Daiki Singapore operates in strategic partnership with Osaka-based Tonkatsu Daiki. Designed to evoke the feeling of arriving in Osaka, the restaurant’s interior draws inspiration from the journey of stepping off a JR train into the vibrant streets of Dotonbori. 

The compact space captures the lively spirit of Osaka’s food culture, where there are counter seats, limited tables and a tatami-style seating corner which can accommodate one dining group. 

The Food The menu features carefully selected premium pork, paired with accompaniments that complete the tonkatsu experience. Each cutlet is coated with panko breadcrumbs and fried, where the pork is imported from Hokkaido. 

I managed to try two different cuts of pork – Classic Rosu Tonkatsu Set 150g (S$29) and Classic Hire Tonkatsu Set 120g (S$29). Rosu is pork loin while Hire is pork tenderloin, where Rosu cut is fattier vs Hire which is leaner. 

I personally prefer the Rosu as it is more flavourful and juicier as compared to Hire. The Hire is a tad too “clean” in flavour profile for me. 

Each set comes with a bowl of rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and condiments like salt, mustard and tonkatsu sauce to go along with the pork. The batter is crisp and not too greasy. 

If you love curry, there is also the In-House Special Japanese Curry Sauce (S$5) you can add on to dip your pork tonkatsu into. 

Rants No reservations are taken at the moment. 

Will I Return Again? I love Japanese food and tonkatsu is something I seek out whenever I travel to Japan. Prices are on the high end at Tonkatsu Daiki if you were to compare with what you can get in Japan, but this is one to consider if you are craving for a casual Japanese restaurant in Orchard Road.    

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5     

Tonkatsu Daiki 
391 Orchard Road 
#05-33 Ngee Ann City 
Singapore 238872 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 11.30am to 2.30 pm; 5.30pm to 8.30pm 

Ranted by The Ranter