Ginza Bairin

Late post!  Ever since Ginza Bairin opened in Glorietta, I've actually eaten there about 3 times to date.  And I seriously thought I've already written my review about it.  That is, until I saw my Ginza Bairin post on the drafts folder today!  Eeeks!  Bad, bad blogger!  Sorry!  But better late than never, right? 

I've actually tried Ginza Bairin both in Singapore and Hong Kong, and have been impressed by it on both countries.  So let's see if the local version is comparable to the other Asian branches.

Korokke

Nicely crunchy with creamy insides.  

Special Katsudon Set

My go-to order when in Ginza Bairin.  This is their "star" dish; the very one that made Ginza Bairin famous.  So it goes without saying that I order their Special Katsudon Set every single time I dine there.  It's my favorite!  So how was it compared to its Asian counterparts?  Well... I have my reservations.  The first and second time I dined in our local Ginza Bairin, it was good!  As good as the ones in Hong Kong and Singapore.  But I had my share of disappointment on the third time.  The pork was not as tender as before.  Could it be that on the first two times, it was fairly new, and I observed a foreign chef (Japanese, most likely) working on the kitchen, and on the third time, the foreign chef was nowhere to be found?  Hmmm...

Unagi Katsu

I've been a huge fan of the unagi ever since I can remember.  Seeing the unagi katsu on the menu, I can't resist not trying it.  First few bites will be heaven on your mouth.  But a few bites more, and I slowly notice that it's getting a bit too oily for my taste.  So in conclusion, this dish is better when shared!  No gluttons allowed or you stand to face the consequences! 

So how would I rate Ginza Bairin?  It would've gotten a 4 out of 5, but since the last experience was a downer, I'll give it a 3 out of 5 stars.  Not closing my doors on it though, maybe it was just an off day.  Will be trying it out again before giving my final conclusion :)

Ginza Bairin is at G/F Glorietta 2, Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati

*Join my blog anniversary giveaway!  Click here for more details!

Hong Kong Eats: Ginza Bairin

The very first time I've tried Ginza Bairin was on the last day of our honeymoon in Singapore.  Hubby and I were on a last minute shopping hurrah in Ion Orchard and needed something quick before we miss our flight.  A sign that said "Japan's best katsudon" was all it took to convince us to try it out, and that was one of the best decisions ever because yes, it was the single best katsudon I've ever tasted in my life.  Fast forward close to two years later, it was a pleasant surprise to find out that Hong Kong too has Ginza Bairin and the glutton in me just said "go for it!".  

Chawan Mushi

Velvety smooth.  Nuff said.

Salmon and Salmon Roe Kushiage / Soft Shell Crab Kushiage

Didn't like the kushiages that much,  It was oily and the taste, forgettable.

Beef Short Rib Skewer

 Nothing special with this one either, would rather go for our tried and tested Pinoy BBQ.

Hotategai Katsu (Scallop)

 NOW we're talking.  The scallops were huge and simple tasted divine.  Soft and juicy.  Would've had seconds if not for the price.  Hehe!

Barin's Signature Special Hire Katsudon

 And for the main event, the main reason we went back to Ginza Bairin:  the signature special hire katsudon.  Still as yummy and as flavorful as I remember it.  Sooooo good!

Rosu Katsu Set (Black Pork)

The Rosu Katsu (Black Pork) was pretty good too, the outside crunchy and the meat tender .  But the overall winner for me would still be the katsudon.  

Overall I'd give Ginza Bairin a 4 out of 5 stars.  The scallops and katsudon is worth every single penny.  It's the stuff wet dreams are made of.  LOL.

*Ginza Bairin has just recently opened here in the Philippines too, hurray!  But I've yet to try it and see how it compares to our neighboring Asian branches.  Something tells me I'm going to get to try it out very soon.  Do watch out for my post on our local Ginza Bairin!

Ginza Bairin is at B/F, Macau Yat Yuen Centre, 525 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay Hong Kong