This pioneering tonkatsu specialist was first established in Tokyo in 1927, but its reputation was sealed a second time over when it served its signature katsu sandwich, a dish that emerged soon after the end of World War II, when a rice shortage prompted Ginza Bairin founder Nobukatsu Shibuya to pair tonkatsu with bread instead of rice. The menu has expanded since then, and you can enjoy sandwiches with other breaded deep-fried fillings, such as unagi, minced pork and chicken. Sandwiches aside, they also serve donburi, curry rice, tonkara, curry udon and more.

The outpost in ION Orchard’s bustling basement is a soothing, minimalist space that nevertheless gets packed with diners—not hard to see why, given the focused, well-executed menu, the high-quality imported pork and the affordable prices.