The Buta Don is something of a family culinary heirloom. Ask around in Obihiro, Hokkaido, and you’ll be sure to discover that every family holds a secret recipe of its own, all a variation of each other that emphasises the hidden history of their elders. What is common amongst them all is this: juicy chargrilled pork slices are draped over a portion of steaming-hot rice, smothered in specialty tare sauce that’s been perfected over the generations. This dish may sound rudimentary per se, but surely you can understand its appeal at the end of a long work day of manual labour in the fields – that’s how it became a regional staple.
At Tokaichi Tontaro, the restaurant makes its own version true to its historical origins but using their own secret recipe. They use only premium pork from the Tokaichi prefecture where cooler temperatures and nutrient-rich fodder have allowed for the area to become known for its superior stock. Their mission? To bring the Buta Don back in fashion, as a reward that anyone and everyone can enjoy at the end of their day.
JCB Cards: 15% off total bill
68 Orchard Road #06-11/12 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Tel: 6455 2033
OUE Downtown Gallery #03-20 6A Shenton Way, Singapore 068815
Tel: 6224 1470
