Travel4Food

Diving into our Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen Review, Singapore’s vibrant streets led us to an unexpected culinary treasure. Amid the city’s bustling food scene, this wasn’t just another Japanese spot. Here, every dish tells a tale, and our hunger for both adventure and flavor found its match.

The Story

‘Hajime’, which translates to “beginning”, was a name that aptly embodied the philosophy of the restaurant. With every bite, you are taken to the root of the dish, the very essence of its origin, and the story of its creator, Chef Tan-San – the pioneer of Tonkatsu in Singapore. The name also resonates with “Hajimenashite” or “Nice to meet you”, an ode to the warm welcome one feels upon stepping inside.

Having heard about the crowd during weekend evenings, we decided to beat the rush and reached the restaurant around 5 PM. It was an early dinner strategy that paid off.

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen Review: The Starters

The simplicity of the menu was like a breath of fresh air. No over-complicated names or dishes; just pure, authentic Japanese fare. Our choice for starters was the Torikawa ($4.9) and Tori Karaage ($5.9).

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen Review: The Main Course

For our mains, the selection was:

• Premium Pork Loin Tonkatsu ($20.5)
• Chashu Ramen ($14.5)
• Ebi Fry Ramen ($18.5)

The Tonkatsu was love at first bite. The crispy outer layer combined with the tender inside was an experience, while the choice of pork, with just the right amount of fat, ensured the meat was juicy and not dry.

Both ramen dishes were impeccable. The noodles were neither too soft nor too hard, striking the perfect balance of texture. But the standout was the Ebi Fry Ramen. The rich, 12-hour Tonkotsu broth, fused with a secret Sakura ebi paste, was a result of relentless R&D. A dish that is unique and soul-satisfying.

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen Review: In Retrospect

In wrapping up our Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen Review, we realized it’s more than just a culinary exploration. It’s a heartfelt journey into the legacy of Chef Tan-San, and the stories woven into each dish. Unquestionably, it stands out among Singapore’s Tonkatsu scenes. Given its quality and affordability in a city known for its high cost, Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen is more than a dining spot – it’s an experience, a narrative of tradition and taste. Eagerly, we anticipate our return, hungry for more tales and flavors.