Discovering Shin Katsu: Singapore's Premium Tonkatsu Haven in Tanjong Pagar

If you're a fan of Japanese comfort food, tonkatsu, the crispy, golden-fried pork cutlet, holds a special place in your heart. It's simple yet indulgent, with layers of crunch giving way to juicy, tender meat. In Singapore's bustling food scene, where Japanese eateries pop up like cherry blossoms in spring, Shin Katsu stands out as a fresh contender. Tucked away in the vibrant Tanjong Pagar district, this newcomer promises an elevated take on the classic, helmed by a chef with serious credentials. We recently paid it a visit, and let us tell you: it's worth the hype (and the short walk from the MRT).

The Backstory: From Ma Maison to Shin Katsu

Shin Katsu opened its doors in July 2025 at 84/86 Tanjong Pagar Road, a collaboration between Chef Matsubayashi Masato and The Gourmet Factor (the team behind beloved Italian spot Fortuna). Chef Masato, a tonkatsu specialist with over 15 years of experience, previously served as Head Chef at Ma Maison, one of Singapore's go-to spots for high-end Japanese fare. Born in Osaka and trained in Chiba, his passion for tonkatsu ignited during a stint in Spain, where he honed his craft at a Japanese restaurant. Now, in his first independent venture, he's channeling that global journey into a menu that's all about precision, premium ingredients, and respect for tradition.

The restaurant's philosophy? Craftsmanship meets soulful indulgence. From custom panko breading for that feather-light crunch to charcoal-grilled rice that adds a subtle smokiness, every detail screams authenticity. It's no wonder Shin Katsu has racked up a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Google from over 700 reviews since launch. Diners are calling it "one of the best tonkatsu spots in Singapore."

First Impressions: A Sleek, Solo-Friendly Space

Step inside, and you're greeted by a minimalist vibe that feels worlds away from Tanjong Pagar's chaotic energy. Clean wooden accents, soft lighting, and an open kitchen let you peek at the action, perfect for food voyeurs like us. It's compact but thoughtfully designed, with counter seating ideal for solo diners or quick CBD lunches. It's just a five-minute stroll from Tanjong Pagar or Maxwell MRT stations, making it a no-brainer for office workers craving an upgrade from the usual hawker fare. The atmosphere is calm and focused, almost meditative, like the quiet joy of grinding your own sesame seeds at the table (a ritual that's both fun and functional for drizzling over your katsu). It's not a rowdy izakaya, think refined refueling spot where you can savour without rush.

The Menu: Premium Pork, Global Twists

Photo: Mille-Feuille Black Truffle Katsu Set

Shin Katsu's menu shines by spotlighting globally sourced pork cuts, handpicked by Chef Masato for their unique marbling and flavour. No skimping here, the focus is on quality over quantity, with sets that include miso soup, cabbage slaw, rice, and pickles. Prices start reasonable for lunch (around SGD $22–SGD $25), but premium options climb to SGD $40+ for rarities. Here's a quick breakdown of what to try:

Dish	Price (Set)	Highlights	Why Order It?
Rosu Katsu Set (Pork Loin)	From SGD $22.80 (120g)	Juicy Canadian pork with a fatty rim that melts like butter, cooked slightly pink for tenderness.	The classic gateway, crisp exterior, succulent inside. Reviewers rave about its balance of lean and fat.
Hire Katsu Set (Pork Tenderloin)	From SGD $23.80 (120g)	Leaner Japanese or Kurobuta cuts, ultra-tender with minimal chew.	For those who prefer subtlety, glistens with juices on the cut surface.
Mangalica Rosu Katsu Set	SGD $42.80 (160g, limited daily)	Hungarian "wagyu of pork" with buttery marbling, rich and indulgent.	A showstopper, exclusive to Shin Katsu in SG, perfect for special occasions.
Mille-Feuille Black Truffle Katsu Set	SGD $37.80	Layered thin pork slices infused with black truffle, served with truffle salt.	Innovative twist, textural contrast and earthy luxury without overwhelming funk.
3-in-1 Shin Katsu Combo	SGD$34.80	Mix of fried prawn, pork loin, and tenderloin.	Sampler heaven for indecisive eaters; hearty and varied.
Chicken Katsu Set	From SGD $21.80	Juicy thigh meat, lighter alternative.	Non-pork option that's still crave-worthy.

Sides steal the show too: Go for kushi katsu (deep-fried skewers like chicken thigh-asparagus for SGD $8–SGD $12), unagi (grilled eel, a surprising savory hit), or the hearty miso soup packed with veggies, not your standard watery version. Skip the desserts (fried taiyaki with matcha ice cream at SGD $5.80 feels meh compared to the mains).

Our pick? The Mangalica set. Its fatty decadence is unmatched, and the custom panko keeps things airy despite the richness. Pair it with the optional grated daikon for a refreshing cleanse.

The Verdict: Crunch Time in Tanjong Pagar

Shin Katsu isn't just another tonkatsu joint. It's a benchmark-raiser in Singapore's escalating katsu wars (shoutout to rivals like Tonshou and Katsuya). The execution is spot-on: never greasy, always balanced, with that elusive "just pink" doneness that elevates it from good to unforgettable. Drawbacks? Limited portions on premium cuts mean arriving early (lunch 11:30am–3pm; dinner 5pm–10pm), and it's pricier than hawker stalls. But for this quality, it's a steal.

If you're in Tanjong Pagar scouting your next meal, make Shin Katsu your stop. It's the kind of place that turns a routine bite into a ritual.

Opening hours: Daily 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–10 PM. Reservations recommended via their site: shinkatsu.co.