Open since 1927 in Ginza (Japan), Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin Hawaiʻi is known for its classic Japanese tonkatsu that features a crispy, deep-fried exterior and juicy interior. The Waikīkī-based restaurant recently launched new lunch specials.
New lunch specials are available in both, the eatery’s tonkatsu room and yoshoku room. Yoshoku refers to Japanese dishes with a western influence that were introduced to Japan in the late 19th century.
The tonkatsu-centric lunch specials include dishes like oyster katsu-don set ($19.95), Ginza hamburg steak set ($18.95), Kurobuta minced katsu curry set ($17.95) and Kurobuta minced katsu burger ($17.95).
Meanwhile, the yoshoku lunch specials include dishes ranging from stews and pasta to a loco moco.
Of everything we tried, my favorite had to be the loco moco ($14.95), which isn’t your typical loco moco. This elevated version features a Kurobuta hamburger patty that’s breaded and fried to create a menchi katsu. It’s served with Tsuyahime rice, two sunny-side eggs and homemade demi-glace sauce. The menchi katsu is glorious in and of itself — super crispy on the outside, thick-cut and juicy on the inside — and the demi-glace is rich with a subtly sweet aftertaste. If you order this dish, good luck getting any work done afterwards.
If you’re craving something comforting, go for the miso-marinated Kurobuta stew with rice ($16.95) or the baked curry hamburg steak doria with soup ($17.95). The hearty stew features slow-cooked Kurobuta marinated in miso and simmered in a rich, demi-glace sauce. While the pork is tender and flavorful, the soft veggies steal the show. The doria — a type of rice gratin — features Tsuyahime rice topped with housemade curry sauce, a Kurobuta hamburger patty and cheese. Cheese lovers will appreciate the melty cheese pull, along with the soft, flavorful patty.
The chicken cutlet is sure to satisfy any craving. The crispy coating is complete with Parmesan cheese. It was so flavorful that it really didn’t need the accompanying meat sauce.
Of course, you can still order the eatery’s signature dishes — like the specialty Kurobuta pork loin katsu ($46) and specialty pork tenderloin katsu sets ($32) — from the regular lunch menu. Kamaʻāina can get a 20% discount off the regular lunch menu (not the lunch specials).
CONTACT
Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin
255 Beach Walk, Honolulu
808-926-8082
Ginzabairinhawaii.com
Instagram: @ginzabairinhawaii
Open for lunch daily, 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Validated parking at the Bank of Hawaiʻi building
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
