Tonkatsu Ma Maison: The Best Katsu in Singapore??

Kurobuta Rosu (Loin) Katsu

Continuing on my journey to find really good Katsu, there has been no lack of places here in Singapore which specializes in this Japanese dish. Saboten, Tonkichi, Ginza Bairin and Tampopo are some of the names which have already established themselves here.

But few of them have rarely commanded a snaking, never-ending queue like Tonkatsu Ma Maison. Ever since its opening, people have flocked from all over to Mandarin Gallery to have a bite of its Tonkatsu. Many a reviewer/critic have also staked their claim and put their heads on the chopping block, saying that they have truly found a place which serves up the best Japanese Pork Cutlet here in our sunny island.

With such raving reviews and constant invitations from friends, I finally found an evening where it was thankfully not crowded to finally satisfy my curiosity. Are they truly serving the best here?

I was torn between the Mangalica Hungarian Pork Loin and the Kurobuta Loin. I went with the latter in order to make a fairer comparison between the other Katsu-yas in terms of the product used for its dishes.

One bite, and I knew this was something different. The pork here was oozing with juices and the batter was shatteringly crisp. The folks here at Tonkatsu Ma Maison cut the tonkatsu into really thick slices in order for their guests to fully get a divine-swine explosion of flavours in the entire mouthfeel. It was not only juicy and crispy, but I definitely detected a stronger mouthfeel at the back of my palate about a minute after I was done. I'm guessing this is testament to the meticulous care they take in only selecting the best type and parts of the pig for their menu.
However, one gripe I had was that the temperature was a little too lukewarm for my liking upon serving. The restaurant was not crowded that day and service was generally efficient. Maybe the Chef wanted to rest the pork for a few minutes? That said, this is really a fantastic piece that fulfills the criteria of a good Tonkatsu.

Side Order: Ebi (Prawn) and Kaki (Oyster) Katsu

My friends ordered a Sampler Set which featured a really long Ebi Katsu (about the length of a human thigh. They even gave a fork and knife for you to cut the prawn into smaller pieces) and half of the loin and tenderloin of the pork, which really piqued my interest. Deciding to add a side order of prawn and oyster just to taste, I was glad that they take the same amount of care of their seafood just as they would for their pork items. The oyster and prawn were fresh and crispy. Again, the slight issue was with the temperature.

Chamomile Jelly (Comes with the set)

A unique and elegant gesture about this place is that instead of offering the usual matcha ice cream for dessert as most other places do, they presented a pale block of jelly which my friends and I were trying to guess the flavour. Upon confirmation from the waiters I was delighted to find out it was chamomile. The light and refreshing floral jelly provides a light and pleasant contrast to the otherwise heavy and full-bodied pork and balances the experience of meal overall. A small but important touch, I feel.

Tonkatsu Ma Maison has really taken Tonkatsu here in Singapore to the next level by offering higher quality products, but of course at a premium. They are also starting to introduce newer products like the Mangalica Hungarian Pork Katsu and the kimukatsu (Mille Feuille) Katsu. While I can be still satisfied by my comfort place at Saboten, this is a place for someone who seeks a higher level of culinary contentment, and they fairly give for what they charge, just as one would get what he pays for.

If they are able to iron out their service issues and serve their Tonkatsu piping hot to their guests, hands down, this place will be a worthy accolade of "Best Tonkatsu in Singapore"  in my humble opinion. But until then, I am happy to head to Saboten anytime for Tonkatsu due to factors like travel time and pricing. However, I am still glad someone is taking the art of Tonkatsu seriously and attempting to push the limits in order to give guests a fantastic experience here.

Tonkatsu Ma Maison
#02-35/36, Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road

Operating Hours:
Mon to Fri [1100-1500, 1700-2200], (1500-1700, Drinks and Desserts only)
Sat, Sun and PH (1100-2200)

Tel: 6733 4541

Nearest MRT Station: Orchard


Reservations highly recommended especially during peak periods.
Groups will only be seated when all members of the party are present.