Most people come to Tonkichi thinking only about tonkatsu. That golden, familiar crunch. But tucked into the menu is another little cluster of favourites that doesn’t always get the spotlight: seafood. And not just any seafood, but the kind that arrives crisp, fresh, and a little bit indulgent.
Crunchy Prawn Ebi Fry: Straightforward Happiness
Ebi fry at Tonkichi doesn’t try to be complicated. Big prawns, coated in panko, fried until the exterior turns that deep, toasty gold. The first bite gives the crackle, the second reveals that gentle sweetness prawns naturally have. It’s the sort of dish that disappears from the plate faster than expected, simply because the balance of crunch and juiciness feels right.
Plump Korean Oysters: Rich, Briny, and Seriously Satisfying
Then there are the oysters from the Seafood Delights section of the menu, sourced from Korea. These aren’t timid oysters. They are thick, full, and almost buttery inside the crumb coating. The panko shell stays light and crisp, while the oyster itself carries that clean, ocean-briny flavour. It’s a contrast in texture crackle outside, soft inside that makes the dish memorable without needing much dressing up.
Fish Katsu: A Different Kind of Comfort
Fish katsu sits quietly in the same family. Mild, flaky fish, fried until the crust forms a delicate shell. It’s lighter than pork katsu, but still carries that familiar Tonkichi style: neat cutlets, clean oil, careful frying. For anyone who prefers seafood or simply wants a change of pace from meat, this is the kind that slips easily into rotation.
Panko Crunch Meets Ocean Sweetness
Across all these dishes, one thing ties everything together: texture. Panko crumbs have that airy crispness Tonkichi is known for, and seafood brings its own natural sweetness. Put the two together and there’s a nice play. Brittle crunch giving way to tender, juicy seafood. It’s simple cooking, but done with care.
A Good Stop for Seafood Lovers in Orchard
Both Tonkichi outlets, Isetan Scotts and Takashimaya, carry these seafood options. They’re easy choices for pescatarians, or for anyone just taking a short break from meat while wandering around Orchard. The style stays unmistakably Japanese: clean presentation, warm rice, crisp cabbage, and frying done properly.
📍 Visit Us in Orchard Road
- Tonkichi Isetan Scotts
350 Orchard Road, Level 4, Shaw House, Singapore 238868 - Tonkichi Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road, #04-24 / 24A, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Singapore 238873