Review: Why I Love Going Back to Ginza Bairin – The Momma Chronicles

I love Japanese food ever since I can remember. There’s something about sushi and tempura (even if I’m allergic to shrimps, boo!) that makes me giddy and happy like a five-year old. Sadly, I haven’t been to Japan nor did I ever step my foot on the Japanese town somewhere in Makati so I will have to settle with Japanese restaurants in Quezon City.

Then I found Ginza Bairin. 

I’m pretty sure the restaurant gets a lot of comparisons with Yabu because of almost the same food concept. Both are from Japan too so you can expect the same food on the menu. Though if you ask me, I still prefer Ginza Bairin.

The first time I came across this restaurant was through my friends. They posted pics on Instagram, which made me really curious since the food looks yummy. I don’t have the patience to fall in line and wait for my turn in Yabu so I’m looking for same restaurant, same food but with a different and cozier vibe. I was asking my husband if we can try it out but since they don’t have a branch in QC yet, we might as well postpone. Then answered prayer. Ginza Bairin opened in Trinoma so during our August date night, we decided to give it a try.

And yes, we really love the food. I ordered the Rosu Katsu Set (P345.00 for the regular, P395.00 for large) while my husband ordered the Kurobuta Rosu Katsu Set (P595.00). Aside from the usual rice-ulam combo, the set also comes with Miso soup, veggies (which I loved when combined with Roasted Sesame dressing) and fruits. Yes, its refill all you want!

Rosu Katsu Set – Moist flavorful loin

While waiting for our food, we were also given sesame seeds, which will be mixed with their special sauce. I have to be honest, for me, their sauces tastes so much better too. 

Of course, our meal will never be complete without dessert so we ordered their Ice Cream Trio (P235.00) It includes Vanilla, Green Tea (my personal favorite) and Black Sesame.

Ice Cream Trio

Some trivia: According to the waiter, Ginza Bairin was the first and original Katsu and considered the Number One Donburi in Japan. It so happened that Yabu went here first and became more popular so GB is still trying to penetrate the market.

Anyway, I went back two days ago. I was doing my Christmas shopping and since it’s past lunch time, I decided to just eat in the mall. So I went back to Ginza Bairin. It looks odd eating alone but so what? GB is one of my favorite restaurants and I’m happy like a kid so I don’t really care about those stares. Lol!

Instead of going for the usual GB sets, I tried out their Mixed Sets for some variety. Since I was eating alone and with no one to ask if I can try it out, I figured the Mixed Sets deserve a spotlight this time. So, I went for Mixed Set A with rosu, hire and prawn (P425.00). Of course, it still has the Miso soup, veggies and fruits.

Mixed Set A

That feeling when I first tried Ginza Bairin was still the same. And yes, I really, really love the food.

Aside from the food, I also love the interiors. Ginza Bairin gives that home-y, comfortable feel, as if I’m eating at the comfort of my home – with people serving me. Lol! I also love the interiors because it’s so simple yet it blends well with the concept of the restaurant. Plus, nothing to fancy decors. Oh, and I love the purple chairs too 🙂 

Ginza Bairin is located at UP Town Center, Glorietta 2 and Trinoma