While many of us are familiar with ‘normal pigs’, I was really very curious about the “black pig” at this Japanese restaurant and wondered what’s all the fuss about.
The Berkshire black pig (Kuro Buta) is actually a rare breed of pig originating from Windsor Britain, but reared in America by the Japanese for their ‘exceptional flavour’. The meat is said to be the perfect combination of juiciness, flavour and tenderness. (The famous Napoleon in George Orwell’s Animal Farm is actually a Kuro Buta!)
The Ambience
Walking into this branch at Central, I felt that I was transported right into Tokyo once again. The décor was in an old timber Japanese home style, along with a sashimi counter with Japanese sprouting chefs. I chose the very comfortable booth seat, but you might prefer one with a Singapore River view.
The Food
This branch’s specialty is in their Shabu Shabu and Tonkatsu, though common complaints from customers are that they don’t serve enough noodle dishes.
Rarity comes with a price. The Top Grade Black Pig Curry Rice comes with a steep cost of $25.60. But my friend literally stopped for seconds and felt like he went to heaven after eating the pork culet. Although it sounded very wrong, he remarked that the pork tasted as succulent and tender as chicken. Sure enough, the luscious meat within the special bread crumbs, dipped in mild spicy curry was simply oishii.
The Black Pig Sukiyayi ($18.90) came surprisingly in a little gas cooker, not the typical lighted ones which would flame out in minutes. True enough, the pork tasted like beef! Along with sweet tasty soup, firm udon noodles, the extremely thin pork slices trickles down your throat. There also isn’t the typical pork taste you often get in other dishes.
The Price
The signature Tom Ton Special A Course Set for 2 Pax at $160 would give you an indication that this is not your everyday Japanese food.
Tom Ton, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #03-88/89 The Central @ Clarke Quay S(059817) Tel:+65 63277887 (Closed)
Other Related Entries
Tonkatsu (Mandarin Gallery)
Ootoya (Orchard Central)
SUN Japanese Dining (Chijmes)
Watami (Ion Orchard)
Box n Sticks
Thanks for reviewing the “Black Pig restaurant”, as my friends and I jokingly call it. We always pass by the place and think of trying, but there are so many Japanese restaurants in Central to choose from. Now with your review, we will certainly give it a try asap! Which other Japanese restaurants in Central would you recommend?
Ma Maision @ Central (Another outlet @ Bugis Junction) is quite good too. 🙂
The more popular ones there are Waraku, Pasta de Waraku, Sun with Moon, Ma Maison….. I would recommend Sun with Moon if you like a nice view of the river side while eating their green tea tiramisu. Yumz.