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

Yabu: House of Katsu

Who doesn't know Yabu?  Yabu needs no introduction.  Ever since it opened last 2011, crowds have flocked to this Japanese restaurant to savor the katsu goodness.  Can you blame them?  Yabu is the first to serve authentic tonkatsu here in the Philippines.  Fans of Tonkichi, Saboten and Ginza Bairin from abroad will know what I'm talking about when I say that katsu, when cooked the right way, will haunt your dreams every single night after you try it.  And judging from the people who line up every single day in Yabu, I guess they agree with me.  Once you've tasted their katsu, you'll never go back to the old ones or your taste buds will hate you.  Trust me.

Those who order their tonkatsu will receive this.  We always joke that they make us work before they let us eat!  The black and white powdery stuff are sesame seeds, which you grind with the pestle.  Once crushed, you pour in the sauce and voila!  Tonkatsu sauce!

Wakame.  Seaweed salad topped with ebiko.

Sooo good.  At least for me.  If you're not a fan of anything slimy, then I suggest you skip this.  But I urge you to give it a try, you might like it.  It's healthy too!

Hire Pork Tenderloin Tonkatsu

There are two kinds of Tonkatsu.  The Rosu and the Hire.  Rosu gives you a bit of fat while the Hire has no fat.  I'd suggest Hire for everyone because after all, tonkatsu IS fried.  You won't want the additional oil, cholesterol or calories.

Menchi Curry Katsu

One of the new offerings in Yabu.  Minced meat with cheese filling in curry sauce.  This is one of my favorites.  Also one of the softest.  Best for people with no teeth.  I'm kidding!

Soft Shell Crab Katsu

I love softshell crab.  But in a tonkatsu restaurant, I like to stick to the classics = pork.

Hire Original Katsudon

For those who are afraid of oil, you might want to consider the katsudon.  Yes, it is still fried, but the addition of the katsudon sauce negates the oiliness of the pork so that you won't get that woozy feeling after.  Another one of my favorites in Yabu.

My Hire Katsudon Set

This is how the whole set looks like.  I like the fact that they serve unlimited rice and cabbage.  Well, actually, I don't really care much about the rice (but I know lots of people do!).  What I'm in love with is their unlimited servings of cabbage that you can drizzle with their signature sesame mayo dressing.  I swear I ate so much that day, I almost felt like a goat! Baaaaaaa!

Yabu:  House of Katsu is at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and Robinson's Magnolia.