Hajime – A Memorable Oink Oink

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen is a Japanese restaurant in MyVillage opened by Chef Tan-San. Chef Tan-San is the first Singapore Chef send to Japan to master the art of Tonkatsu. He is also the first Executive Chef of Tonkichi and Tampopo, whose names are synonymous with quality Japanese food in Singapore.

Chef Tan-San Bio

Premium Pork Loin ($21.90 for set menu) is a signature dish of Hajime. The crusted deep fried Japanese pork chop that basically melts in your mouth. The lighter part of the meat is more meaty and lean, while the darker part with the fats is just sublime. This is what you called #Porkgasm!!

Premium Pork Loin

The set meal comes with free flow of Nigata Rice and fresh cabbage. The combination of cabbage and salad dressing just opens up your appetite. Tonjiru soup is the tonkotsu broth that has been simmer for 12 hours. Expect a mild milky pork soup that sooth the throat when you slurp it.

Premium Pork Loin Set

Nagoya Miso Fillet Set ($19.50). The fillet is a leaner cut of the pork compare to the pork loin. It is smaller in size, but there is more bite to the meat. The miso sauce is specially sourced from Nagoya, the flavour of the miso is more subtle yet creamy at the same time. Good for dipping and you don't need any rice to balance it as well.

Nagoya Miso Fillet Set

Nagoya Miso Fillet

Chasu Ramen ($12.90) is a dish that I tried during the previous visit. For those that have tried the Tonkotsu version in Keisuke, Ippudo or Ramen Champion you will find that the broth here slightly lack of Omph. At first, I feel the same way. After a while, I grow to appreciate the mellow, subtle, milky tonkotsu broth though it will not be my first choice. The ramen is springy, while the chasu are lean.

Chasu Ramen

Chasu Ramen

Karobuta Shabu Shabu Ramen ($15). Though the soup base is the same as the Chasu Ramen, the added chilli powder in this ramen seems to jolt the flavour a little. Not spicy, more of a peppery flavour. I like the fatty karobuta pork belly here, it just complements the ramen nicely in each bite.

Karobuta Shabu Shabu Ramen 

Karobuta Shabu Shabu Ramen 

Tori-Kawa / Crispy Chicken Skin ($4.50). New side dish on the menu. The chicken skin is marinated with home made teriyaki sauce, deep fried, then coated with the sauce again. It is those typeof side dishes that will WOW you. Love this and I can finish a bowl of rice with this dish. Imagine hot steaming white rice topped with fried pork lard in the good old days!! Drool …...

Tori-Kawa / Crispy Chicken Skin

The décor of the restaurant is modern yet simple. Due to the huge size of the glass window, the natural lights just shine through the restaurant nicely during the day. Service is simple and efficient. You will be shown to your seat, check out the menu, place the order at the counter, make payment and wait for your food.

Some Condiments

During one of the evening visit, I had the opportunity to speak to Chef Tan-San. He shared his working life story and starting from his days in Tonkichi, Tampopo onwards. For a long time, his children and his children spouses did not even know how good is his cooking. Finally, when they tried his cooking in an establishment that he consulted, then realised the amazing skills of Chef Tan-San. Soon after, Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen is born.

Overall, if you are looking for high-grade Tonkatsu that melts in your mouth, Hajime is a must try. The version of the ramen here is more subtle and soothing, instead of those with knock out flavour. I am just so glad it is near my home. Kanpai!! Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8.5/10

Value: 8.5/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25; $26 - $50

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen

1 Maju Avenue

#02-07/8/9, MyVillage @ Serangoon Garden

Singapore 556679

T: +65 6509 9952

W: https://www.hajime.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/hajimeSG/

IG: @Hajime_tonkatsu_ramen

OH:

Mon – Fri: 11.30 – 15.00; 18.00 – 22.00

Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30 – 15.00; 17.00 – 22.00

Last Order at 21.30

Menu Available Online