Malaysian by nationality and known back home as Ninja Joe, Dojo operates on the premise of serving only pork in its burgers in our neighbour to the north.
Evidenced by its first venture overseas, Dojo’s limited menu clearly works. That’s not the only thing that works, too – the burgers, all renamed here with fighty names like Sumo, Ninja and Big Boss, may prove to the beef-or-it’s-a-sandwich camp that pigs can be equally at home between pillowy buns.
The Sumo ($9) is a contrasting tang of mild pickles and crunchy, fried pork belly slices, and the Kaiju ($8) is a comforting meld of creamy mushroom, melted cheese and pork. Dojo’s Asian flavour persuasions are exemplified in the Hadoken ($8), whose slobbery chilli con carne piques the tongue with rempah-like spice. Most of the burgers come with a minced pork patty as juicy as fullycooked pork will allow – which is actually pretty damn juicy at Dojo – alongside crunchy golden-brown fries and a drink (additional $3.90). Great value for its smack-in-the-city location.
Unfortunately, Dojo going the full hog means this isn’t a restaurant for everyone. But for those that can, this burger shack’s piggy thesis is certainly a compelling one.
Time Out Singapore reviews anonymously and pays for all meals. Read our restaurant review policy here.
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