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2013-06-01
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Ginza Bairin isn't the most famous place for ramen or even noodles, for that matter. Lunchtime ensures that there is always a queue line for Ginza Bairin. The must-tries here would include their katsu sets, be it with or without curry. Be warned though, for a casual establishment with a self-service ordering counter (You order + pay, get a order chit and the food gets served to your table) the prices are pretty steep. A decent rice set with pork katsu + miso soup can be just a few dollars shy of
Decided to try the ramen as I did afterall come to ION for ramen but the queues elsewhere were too disgustingly long T-T. The standard ramen is $12.90, and they have other varieties such as kurobuta black pig (? did I spell this correctly, oops) ramen.
The soup stock is rich and salty, with a milky tonkotsu taste with a savouriness akin to sea salt/shoyu. There is an egg in this, with vegetables, charsiew and wood-ear. I found it slightly strange that they used bok choi in the ramen though, didn't seem very Japanese and more Chinese instead! Haha, but no matter. The noodles were springy and delicious, and it went superbly with the other contrasting textures. The egg was a bit soft for me, but the yolk was perfect - a delicious golden, orange tinge. What I found the oddest about this was the the charsiew and the egg was braised in a gravy that tasted so sweet, it tasted like dessert. It tasted like someone had accidentally knocked over a bottle of honey into the gravy. Didn't sit so well with me.Service is mediocre, the ramen is mediocre (I admit this wouldn't be an accurate representation of Ginza Bairin as ramen isn't their forte at all.), the price is quite expensive (especially for the ambience + food). Not exactly worth it but Ill return to try the katsu sets one day!
Tip: They accept credit cards here, Amex, Master & Visa!
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