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Gochi-So Shokudo is a Singaporean-born Japanese casual dining chain that has carved out a unique niche: making premium Iberico pork accessible to everyday diners. The name — a play on 'gochisousama' (ごちそうさま, the Japanese expression of gratitude after a meal) and 'shokudo' (食堂, dining hall) — captures the brand's mission: hearty, honest Japanese comfort food at fair prices.
What sets Gochi-So Shokudo apart is its commitment to Iberico Bellota pork — the finest grade of Iberico, sourced directly from purveyors in Spain. These free-range black Iberian pigs, sometimes called 'olive walking trees', feed on a natural diet of acorns, herbs, and grasses across the Iberian Peninsula. The result is meat with a distinctive nutty flavour, rich marbling, and a deeper reddish colour that sets it apart from conventional pork. By importing directly and keeping operations efficient, Gochi-So Shokudo offers this premium ingredient at prices that would be considered a bargain anywhere else.
The Tampines 1 outlet, located on the third floor of the mall, is a convenient stop for Tampines residents and commuters passing through Tampines MRT. The space follows the chain's standard format — clean lines, functional seating, and a focus on getting freshly prepared food to your table quickly. It is walk-in only, with no reservations needed.
Prices are indicative and may vary. All prices in Singapore Dollars.
| Iberico Pork Jowl Don — charcoal-grilled jowl, onsen egg, rice | S$17.10 |
| Iberico Black Char Siew Don — sweet smoky char siew, rice | S$14.85 |
| Iberico Collar Don — charcoal-grilled collar, poached egg, rice | S$14.85 |
| Iberico Pork Belly Don — charcoal-grilled belly, rice | S$11.70 |
| Unagi W Iberico Black Char Siew — eel + char siew combo, rice | ~S$18 |
| Iberico Tonkatsu Set — deep-fried loin cutlet, cabbage, miso soup, rice | ~S$16 |
| Mille Feuille Cheese Katsu — layered cutlet with mushroom & cheese | S$18.90 |
| Iberico Hire Katsu Set — tenderloin cutlet, lighter & leaner | ~S$17 |
| Iberico Belly Curry Rice — grilled belly on Japanese curry | ~S$14 |
| Tonkatsu Curry Rice — deep-fried cutlet with curry | ~S$15 |
| Iberico Sirloin Steak — served on sizzling hotplate | ~S$19 |
| Iberico Black Char Siew (6 pcs) | S$14.40 |
| Ebi Katsu (fried prawn cutlet) | S$7.38 |
| Crispy Pork | ~S$6 |
| Belly Miso Soup | S$3.15 |
| Soft Drinks / Iced Tea | ~S$2–4 |
Free refills of fresh cabbage with any tonkatsu set. Prices subject to change.
Not all Iberico is created equal. Gochi-So Shokudo uses Iberico Bellota — the top tier, from pigs that roam free across Spanish oak forests and feed primarily on acorns during the montanera season. This natural diet gives the fat a distinctive nutty, almost sweet flavour and a melting quality reminiscent of wagyu beef. The intramuscular marbling is visible to the naked eye, and the meat carries a deeper, richer red compared to regular pork. Most restaurants in Singapore that serve Iberico use lower grades; Gochi-So Shokudo's commitment to Bellota grade makes it exceptional at this price point.
The grilled items at Gochi-So Shokudo are cooked over binchotan — Japanese white charcoal known for its clean, odourless burn and extremely high heat. Unlike regular charcoal, binchotan produces far-infrared radiation that penetrates deeper into the meat, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. This is the same charcoal used in high-end yakitori restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka. The difference is immediately noticeable: a subtle smokiness without any acrid aftertaste, and edges that caramelise beautifully without charring.
While many Japanese restaurants default to pork belly or loin, Gochi-So Shokudo's signature uses the jowl — the cheek of the pig. This relatively uncommon cut offers the best of both worlds: the tenderness of belly with the clean flavour of loin, plus a gorgeous marbling pattern that bastes the meat from within as it grills. Served over fluffy Japanese rice with an onsen egg that breaks into a golden stream when punctured, the Iberico Pork Jowl Don is the dish that has built the chain's loyal following.
The Mille Feuille Cheese Katsu is a standout creation: thin layers of Iberico pork loin are stacked with king oyster mushrooms, button mushrooms, and cheese, then breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. When you bite in, you get alternating textures — crispy batter, tender pork, creamy cheese, earthy mushroom — with the truffle-rubbed interior lending a subtle earthiness. Topped with parmesan and served with miso soup and free-flow cabbage, it is arguably the most 'Instagram-worthy' item on the menu while still delivering real substance.
The magic of Gochi-So Shokudo lies in the equation: premium Iberico Bellota pork, binchotan charcoal grilling, and Japanese cooking techniques — all at prices that keep most meals under S$18. By sourcing directly from Spain, standardising recipes across outlets, and focusing on a tight menu, the chain delivers a level of ingredient quality that would cost significantly more at a standalone restaurant. For Tampines residents, it is a genuine luxury made routine.
If you have never been to Gochi-So Shokudo before, start with the Iberico Pork Jowl Don — it is the dish that best showcases what this chain does differently. The jowl has a melt-in-the-mouth quality that surprises first-time visitors. Break the onsen egg over the rice, mix it through, and let the richness of the yolk coat every grain. For a heartier meal, add the Mille Feuille Cheese Katsu as a shared side. The free-flow cabbage with tonkatsu sets is a nice touch — ask for it if the staff doesn't offer it automatically. Avoid peak lunch hours (12–1pm) if you want to skip the queue; the post-lunch 2–3pm window is usually quiet.
10 Tampines Central 1, Tampines 1, #03-K2, Singapore 529536
📍 Open in Google MapsTake the East-West Line (green) or Downtown Line (blue) to Tampines station (EW2/DT32). Use Exit D, which leads directly into Tampines 1 mall. Head to Level 3 — Gochi-So Shokudo is at unit #03-K2. Total walking time from MRT platform: about 5 minutes.
Tampines Bus Interchange is connected to Tampines 1. Services 3, 15, 21, 27, 129, 168, and 298 stop at Tampines Interchange. From the interchange, walk through the mall to Level 3.
Tampines 1 has a multi-storey car park accessible from Tampines Central 1. Parking rates are standard mall rates. The food court area on Level 3 can be reached directly from the car park lifts.