At the former KIN Café, the pork dishes were the highlights, so it is exciting that the revamped spot’s new focus is squarely on the swine with a pronounced Vietnamese influence. They’ve kept the original spot’s casual feel and a small selection from the old menu, but as owner Gary Wang says, “If it’s not pork, what’s the point of eating it?”

His pork street toast (RMB35) convinced us. The juicy, greasy bites of ground pork with shredded sweet potato are fried up on toast with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. It’s our new guilty pleasure. A green papaya salad (¥40) cleanses the palate with a mix of watermelon, papaya, mint and orange, although we’d usually like more heat in this dish. The spring rolls (RMB15) have an amazing crunch and a tasty filling of pork, cabbage and mushroom.

The popular tonkatsu ramen (RMB45) thankfully made its way onto the new menu, and the long simmered broth is as velvety smooth as ever with tender chunks of pork belly and a perfectly poached yodo egg. While the new pho kit (RMB55) is tasty, drawing its flavor from bits of beef brisket, eye round and gooey tendon, the tonkatsu bowl is still our go-to noodle option.

We are also excited about the cupcakes (RMB15) and enjoy the tender crumb and sweet cream cheese frosting of the red velvet variety. We’ve also been told the vanilla is a must try. Along with the improved menu, the dining area has been warmed significantly with the addition of brick walls and traditional wooden Chinese doors and screens. The new individually hung light bulbs give off such a pleasant low light that we’re told they’ve already inspired an attempted robbery. Go for the pork; buy your own light bulbs.

DETAILS

What: The Grumpy Pig

Where: 65-4 Maoming Bei Lu 茂名北路65-4号

Tel: 6217-3355