Where to Find the Kobe Beef of Pork – Mangalica – in Singapore

As a foodie living in Singapore, I’m always on the hunt for unique and exceptional ingredients. Lately, I’ve become a bit obsessed with trying to track down Mangalica pork. Dubbed “the Kobe beef of pork,” Mangalica has a cult following among chefs and food enthusiasts. But it can be quite elusive, especially here in Singapore.

In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about Mangalica pork and where you might be able to find it in Singapore. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly is Mangalica Pork?

Mangalica pork comes from a rare breed of pig called the Mangalica or Mangalitsa It originates from Hungary and has a long heritage there, with some records showing it existed as early as the 1830s.

The Mangalica pig has a thick, curly fleece that can be blond, black, or red. This woolly coat makes it look a bit like a sheep! These pigs are allowed to roam outdoors and forage naturally, which contributes to their rich flavor.

Over the years, Mangalica pork has earned prized status for its high fat content, intense taste, and extensive marbling It contains more monounsaturated fat than regular pork, giving it a signature melt-in-your-mouth texture The meat is also slightly darker in color.

Due to its exceptional quality, Mangalica has been called the “Wagyu of pork.” It’s easy to see why it has a growing fan club!

What Makes Mangalica Pork Special?

There are several characteristics that make Mangalica pork stand out:

• Marbling – Mangalica meat contains abundant creamy white fat marbling, which provides incredible flavor and juiciness.

• High-Quality Fat – The fat contains high levels of oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acid that also gives Mangalica its signature soft, buttery texture.

• Free-Range Foraging – Allowed to roam and forage freely, the pigs develop superior muscle and fat.

• Heritage Breed – As an older breed, Mangalica is genetically superior with a much richer taste.

• Near Extinction – In the 1990s, there were fewer than 200 Mangalica pigs left. Their rarity adds value.

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth – With its high fat content and soft texture, Mangalica basically melts in your mouth.

It’s this total package of quality fat, marbling, foraging, genetics, and scarcity that gives Mangalica pork its prized status among food connoisseurs.

Why is it Hard to Find Mangalica Pork?

Given its cult following, you may wonder why Mangalica pork is so difficult to find, especially here in Singapore. There are a few reasons:

• Small Scale Production – Mangalica pigs are raised on a small scale by specialty breeders rather than big commercial operations. There just isn’t much supply.

• Slow Growth – Mangalica pigs grow slower and produce smaller litters than commercial breeds, limiting availability.

• Specialty Stores Only – Because of small supply and high demand, Mangalica is only found at gourmet butchers and niche online stores rather than mainstream supermarkets.

• Exotic in Singapore – Being native to Hungary, Mangalica is not common or well-known in Singapore, making it hard to find.

• Expensive – With small supply and sky-high demand, Mangalica pork commands a premium price, so it’s not accessible to everyone.

For these reasons, Mangalica pork remains an elusive treasure, even for die-hard foodies like myself! But a precious one that’s worth pursuing.

Where to Find Mangalica Pork in Singapore

Now that you know why Mangalica pork is so special, where can you actually track it down in Singapore? Here are a few places I suggest trying:

Clifford at The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Currently, your best bet for tasting Mangalica pork in Singapore is to visit Clifford at the Fullerton Bay Hotel. They have a special Mangalica menu available until March 31, 2023 that allows you to sample this rare delicacy.

Dishes include a Mangalica and Iberico cold cut platter, braised Mangalica belly, and a grilled Mangalica pork chop with pineapple and coriander sauce. Definitely a bucket list experience for any foodie!

The Butcher’s Wife

This upscale butcher shop offers specially sourced meats, including the occasional appearance of Mangalica pork. Stock is limited and turnover is high, but check with them to see if they have any Mangalica offerings currently available.

Meat N Bone

Another gourmet butcher worth contacting is Meat N Bone. They focus on ethically raised, heritage breed meats. Availability fluctuates, but they may be able to source Mangalica pork through their specialty suppliers.

Three Buns Quayside

This hip burger joint imports speciality meats to grind for their house burger blends. They’ve offered limited edition Mangalica pork burgers in the past. Give them a ring to ask if it’s currently on the menu.

Online Shops

There are a few online meat delivery services in Singapore that can source Mangalica pork:

• Huber’s Butchery
• SG Meat Club
• Meadows Family Butchery

Stock is limited and you’ll pay premium prices, but online ordering can save the headache of chasing down elusive Mangalica pork yourself.

Cooking with Mangalica Pork

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some Mangalica pork, you’ll want to showcase its fabulous flavor in your cooking:

• Grilling – A simple grilled Mangalica chop or tenderloin lets the incredible taste shine.

• Braising – Slow braising is perfect for rich cuts like shoulder or belly.

• Sausages – Mangalica’s bold flavor and fat content make fantastic sausages.

• Charcuterie – Cured Mangalica meats like salami or prosciutto are divine.

• Minced/Ground – Burgers and meatballs showcase Mangalica’s juiciness.

• Roasting – Roasting joints, especially the leg, play up Mangalica’s tender, fatty qualities.

• Low and Slow – Gentle cooking methods prevent the delicate fat from rendering out.

The possibilities are endless! With its outstanding marbling and flavor, Mangalica pork cooks up tender and succulent.

Is the Search Worth It?

Tracking down rare ingredients like Mangalica pork can seem like an endless chase, especially in Singapore where it’s not native. But for die-hard foodies like myself, it’s absolutely worth the effort to experience such an exceptional delicacy.

The buttery texture, intense flavor, and incredible mouthfeel of Mangalica pork make it a bucket list food item for any lover of fine cuisine. I’ll be closely monitoring all the spots above, hoping to score this unique pleasure again soon.

If anyone else manages to uncover additional sources of Mangalica pork in Singapore, please share the info! This foodie would greatly appreciate any tips. I’m determined to taste the Kobe beef of pork once more!