Singapore

Run by a bandana-clad “ojisan” chef who previously helmed Ichizen at SAFRA Mount Faber before shifting into the heartlands, the stall has slowly built a following for its tempura tendon and ramen line-up, including a spicy miso variant and beef bowls.

Tonkatsu ENbiton is a Japanese tonkatsu restaurant chain in Singapore under EN Group (the same folks behind Aburi-EN and Tamago-EN), positioned as a “destination for authentic tonkatsu experiences”. The name itself is a small hint at the concept: “EN” refers to a place of gathering, while “Biton” carries the idea of beauty – essentially a pretty setting to sit down over deep-fried pork and company.

The menu design makes you feel like you must add toppings or risk ending up with a bare bowl. That is actually untrue. The basic ramen already arrives with shredded meat, seaweed and negi, which is more than enough to form a coherent bowl.

Hidden within Fortune Centre near Bugis, HERBIVORE is one of Singapore’s longest-standing Japanese vegetarian restaurants, created by Ho C.S. together with Japanese chef Yasui Masa. It earned its reputation for turning Japanese comfort food—like katsu, sushi, and ramen—completely meat-free long before “plant-based” became mainstream.