Contact details: (02) 553 7350 (Makati branch)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/GinzaBairin.PH
Food ordered: Rosu Katsu Set / Rosu Katsu Curry Set / Green Tea Ice Cream / Iced Tea
Taste: 5
Ambiance: 5
Presentation: 5
Serving: 5
Service: 5
Value for money: 5
Overall Rating: 5/5
HER FOOD BITES: Being a tonkatsu-lover, I was drawn to this place after reading about how good their food is. When I learned that it will finally open at a place near where I live, I did not pass up on the opportunity to try it. M and I were actually the very first customers of the newly opened Ginza Bairin Restaurant at the UP Town Center. Of course I ordered the Rosu Katsu Set which really did not disappoint. The pork tenderloin tonkatsu was so crunchy and delicious which was greatly complemented by their special tonkatsu sauce mixed with the black and white sesame seeds. Included in the set were unlimited servings of cabbage, miso soup, Japanese rice, and some pickle relish. There were also pineapple slices, but I would have preferred if there were other fruits also. I'm not really fond of pineapple and asked the server if there were other fruits available, he said that it was seasonal, and I guess they only had pineapple that time. Too bad. :( The roasted sesame sauce for the fresh cabbage was so good, that I had to have more servings of the cabbage. Their miso soup had so much tofu and wakame seaweeds in it that I had to use chopsticks to get the seaweeds. It's not just soup, which hasn't happened to me ever when ordering miso soup in other Japanese restaurants. Upon joining their promo of posting a picture of what we ate in social media sites, I was able to get a free scoop of Green Tea ice cream, upon recommendation of our server, Nel. :) It was so delightful to eat, with it not being too sweet. Just the right way to end a very sumptuous meal. Thank you, Ginza Bairin! Will definitely be back to try more! :) And yes, it's definitely better than Yabu and worth being mentioned by CNN Go as "absolutely irresistable." :)
He Says:
Taste: 5
Ambiance: 4
Presentation: 4
Serving: 4
Service: 5
Value for money: 4
Overall Rating: 4/5
HIS FOOD BITES: R has been searching for the best tonkatsu place in the metro and we simply could not pass up the opportunity to visit Ginza Bairin's opening at the UP Town Center last weekend. Being a tonkatsu restaurant, I only had one thing on my mind, to try out their Rosu Katsu Curry! I was given the option to choose from a mild or spicy curry sauce and I did not hesitate when I chose the latter. My Rosu Katsu Curry set included a cup of rice, a mound of cabbage strips, miso soup and slices of pineapples, all of which could be refilled by informing your server during your meal. Their spicy curry sauce just gave enough kick to please both spice enthusiasts (I plead guilty) and our more mild-flavored-loving counterparts. R, despite the fact that she steers away from spicy food like a plague, actually enjoyed the piece of sauce covered meat from my meal. Definitely a first! The meat was also really tender and flavorful. I would be bold enough to say that it was the best tonkatsu meal that I have ever had! Not to mention that the meal was definitely a bang for the buck! A great meal coupled with an excellent price, what more could you ask for? Hoping to bring my family here in the near future. Ginza Bairin... I shall return!
About the venue: Ginza Bairin provides a very warm and cozy atmosphere for its guests. They have very attentive waiters who would whisk to your side even before your side dishes/rice fully depletes. Kudos to Nel, our server during our visit, and Ginza Bairin's training staff. Keep it up!
There is an allocated parking area for UP Town Center visitors where you could park for a very low fee.
Recommended for: Family
Value: 350-500 per person