Japanese food lovers (especially those who love your Tonkatsu) will be happy to know that the famous Katsu-an かつ庵 has arrived in Singapore.
This Tonkatsu specialty restaurant is found at Suntec City #B1-149A (near Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen).
With more than 50 outlets spread across the entirety of Japan, Katsu-an prides itself on delivering quality without burning a hole in your pocket.
Similarly, you would find the items here at a wallet-friendly prices.
I mean, you can get a Katsu Don for $5.90, and that is inclusive of GST and no added service charge.
Katsu-an Singapore has curated a variety of rice bowls and à la carte dishes, both for dine-in and takeaway, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Portion sizes won’t be a matter of concern here. Patrons are spoilt for choice with three distinct sizes for their signature Katsu Don bowls, catering to varying appetites.
Whether you are in the mood for a standard M-sized meal with 80g of Katsu, or ready to dive into an XL portion which boasts 130% more rice and a generous serving of 2 katsu pieces, Katsu-an has got you covered.
Here are some of the recommendations from Katsu-an Singapore:
Katsu Don ($5.90 for M standard size, $7.50 for L, $9.50 for XL)
A visit to Katsu-an would be incomplete without indulging in their signature dish, the Katsu Don.
This iconic offering features a crispy loin katsu. The process of breading done carefully in-store using fresh breadcrumbs that are roasted before being coarsely ground, ensures that every bite of the tonkatsu boasts that crispy texture.
The pork also retained tenderness and juiciness on the inside, sitting atop a bed of fluffy steamed Japanese Koshihikari rice.
Delicately cooked egg partially runny and silky and seasoned with dashi, blankets the pork, caramelised onions and rice.
What I liked was that fruity-tasting savoury-sweet sauce drizzled over, nicely absorbed by the meat and rice. At $5.90, this is really good value for the money.
Side note: I saw that there are a couple of sauces on the table you can add to your bowl.
Those with a penchant for a fruity flair can opt for the Apricot sauce which is sweet with a hint of tartness that can accentuate the natural flavour of tonkatsu.
Tenderloin Katsu Don ($6.90 for M standard size, $8.50 for L, $10.50 for XL)
As the name suggests, this is made from the tenderloin cut of pork which is leaner.
It might be slightly drier compared to its loin counterpart but I know there are many who would prefer this cut.
That is because the hire-katsu generally has a smoother, more tender texture with less fat. Because it is leaner, hire-katsu has a cleaner and more ‘straight-forward’ pork taste.
Original Sauce Katsu Don ($5.90 for M standard size, $7.50 for L, $9.50 for XL)
What sets this dish apart is the signature sauce – a culmination of 16 different extracts from vegetables and fruits, harmoniously blended with a myriad of spices.
It offers a symphony of flavours, from the initial sweet notes of the fruits to a slight tangy depth.
This sauce doesn’t overpower but instead lovingly envelops the katsu.
Chicken Katsu Don ($6.40 for M standard size, $7 for L)
If you don’t prefer pork, there are also other choices such as the Chicken Katsu (chicken thigh katsu and chicken tender katsu), Chicken Karaage, Calamari Fry, and Ebi Fry.
The chicken thigh katsu, preferred for its juicy and tender meat, rests atop a bed of fluffy and slightly sweet Japanese Koshihikari rice.
You get a delightful contrast between the succulent chicken interior and its crispy exterior. Simple, yet packed with flavours.
Chicken Katsu Curry ($11.40)
The chicken katsu with its characteristic crunch, is generously accompanied with rich and aromatic curry sauce.
The sauce itself is made with delightful medley of spices.
I found the curry spicier than the usual, though the heat from the spiciness is not overwhelming, but rather provides a gentle kick.
Deluxe Teishoku ($18.90)
Teishoku typically consists of a main dish, rice, and accompanying sides, served together on a tray, representing a balanced meal that caters to all taste palettes.
The Deluxe Teishoku is for those who love a bit of everything – from the crispy Loin Katsu and Tenderloin, golden-brown Chicken Karaage, to Ebi Fry which offers a delightful crunch with flavourful shrimp.
The Calamari Fry completes this ensemble with tender squid encased in a crispy batter, paired with a bowl of slightly sticky and sweet Koshihikari rice.
A side of crisp shredded cabbage adds a refreshing contrast, while the miso soup warms the belly. There is also addition of seasonal vegetables.
Chicken Karaage & Calamari Fry Teishoku ($12.50)
For those who wish to indulge in a bit of everything, the Chicken Karaage & Calamari Fry Teishoku is a delectable platter.
The chicken karaage features bite-sized delights crispy on the outside and tender within.
I initially thought that the calamari would come in the form of rings. But this “calamari fry” which was encased in a light, golden batter came in two rather big pieces – with a more substantial bite.
Katsu-an Singapore かつ庵
Suntec City #B1-149A (Tower 2), 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm, Last order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Katsu-an.
