I don’t know about you, but December is the month to really indulge and pig out. After all, we all deserve to treat ourselves for getting through 2023 — what a year!
Feel the same way? You can do just that at specialty tonkatsu restaurant Tonkatsu ENbiton.
For the uninitiated, the restaurant, which arrived on our shores in April 2023, prides itself as the first in Singapore to offer “yuzu pork” — a unique breed of pigs reared in Kagoshima, Japan, that are fed local yuzu.
Not only does this make the pork more nutritious (hello, vitamin C, pectin, and citric acid), but the meat is also a lot more tender, with a deep umami flavour.
Despite not being the biggest fan of tonkatsu in general, I had my first taste of “yuzu pork” back when the restaurant first opened in VivoCity, and was instantly hooked on the first bite.
In keeping with the season of feasting, Tonkatsu ENbiton has unveiled an exclusive Winter Menu that’s available at all outlets for a limited time only.
We visited their 313@somerset outlet to get a taste of these festive offerings, and let’s just say that you’re in for a real treat!
First up, there are two limited-edition tonkatsu sets, the first being the Snowy Rosu Cheesy Katsu Set. Think crispy pork loin katsu simmered in an irresistible combination of melted cheddar and parmesan cheese, topped with seaweed flakes — we can totally see this being a hit with kids and cheese lovers.
Sure, you could go for the Classic Pork at S$17, but I highly recommend forking out a little extra for the Yuzu Pork (S$24), which boasts juicy, succulent meat and chunks of unctuous, melt-in-your-mouth fat.
One thing you’ll notice about the tonkatsu served here is that the panko (breadcrumb) coating remains crisp even after sitting out for a while, and I can definitely attest to that.
As much as I relished the cheesy katsu, my dining partners and I found ourselves gravitating towards the Festive Rosu Katsu Toji Set (S$15 for Classic Pork, S$22 for Yuzu Pork).
The same pork loin katsu is served in a pot simmering with a rich and savoury specialty sauce and sliced onions, alongside two Okinawa eggs, that you’re supposed to beat and pour directly into the pot.
The egg mixture soaks up all that delicious sauce, and firms up over the heat, yielding a silky and creamy custard of sorts that pairs oh-so well with the tender rosu katsu — kind of like oyako don.
Enjoy it with rice, and you’re in for a gratifying meal.
Both sets come with cabbage & arugula salad — feel free to jazz it up with sesame sauce — and Nanatsuboshi white rice, both of which are free-flow, as well as pickles and tonjiru (pork miso soup). All things considered, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling really, really satisfied.
Given that we are in the thick of the rainy season, it’s no wonder that this Winter Menu also features hotpot.
The Kagoshima Pork Yuzu Konabe Set (S$17) comprises Kagoshima pork loin shabu slices, tofu, assorted vegetables, and mushrooms in a subtly tangy yuzu-based broth.
The pork slices on their own are pretty lean, so you’ve got to pair them with the accompanying yuzu ponzu dipping sauce, grated daikon, and scallions.
Although I typically only eat hotpot for dinner as it tends to leave me in a food coma, this makes for a heartwarming yet healthy lunch option. The yuzu broth is refreshing and non-cloying, so you won’t find yourself sinking into that dreaded afternoon slump.
There’s also a Chicken (S$15) version for non-pork eaters with the exact same ingredients and accompaniments!
Pair your meal with festive drinks like the refreshing Apple Mint Fizz (S$7) or Snowy Milko Beer (S$7).
Despite being a beer drinker, I found the latter too foamy for my liking. It is very IG-worthy though, as long as you don’t take too long to get your shot!
This Winter Menu will be available till 1 January 2024, so there’s still time to round up your friends, family, and colleagues for a festive feast at Tonkatsu ENbiton.
Tonkatsu ENbiton Winter Menu
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📍 Multiple outlets
🗓️ From now till 1 Jan 2024
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This post is brought to you by Tonkatsu ENbiton.
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨