The early bird gets the worm — especially when it comes to food discounts. Last month, Waikīkī-based Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin debuted a new early bird special. It’s available daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The early bird special includes a variety of appetizers priced at $5.50 or $7.50 (they’re also available on the eatery’s regular menu, but are discounted during the early bird hours). The $5.50 tier includes soybeans (salt or garlic anchovy), cold tofu, cucumber pickles and pipikaula.
Meanwhile, the $7.50 tier includes ‘ahi tuna poke, cream cheese spinach dip and buffalo fried chicken tenders. Don’t knock the chicken tenders — they feature the same, crunchy panko breading as the eatery’s popular tonkatsu. They’re tender inside with a delectably crispy exterior — even when dipped in the accompany hot sauce or ranch. During a media preview, this dish was one of the first to disappear.
Starting this month, meatballs will be added to the early bird special ($7.50, regular price $12). Juicy and flavorful, they’re a welcome addition.
Drink specials include beers, hot or cold sake, shochu cocktails and select red or white wines by the glass for $5.50.
The best part about the early bird specials, though, is that customers can enjoy them in addition to popular dishes from the eatery’s regular menu. The restaurant offers a variety of lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on weekdays.
The katsu loco moco ($28) — featuring crispy, juicy Kurobuta pork menchi katsu patty — is one of the most popular lunch specials. Customers can also choose from Ginza hamburg steak set ($28) and a Kurobuta minced katsu curry set ($24). The hamburg steak features tender Kurobuta steak slowly simmered in a rich sauce. The Kurobuta pork menchi katsu curry, meanwhile, is comforting and flavorful.
Of course, if you’re at Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin during dinner, its specialty Kurobuta pork loin katsu ($45 a la carte, $49 set) is a signature dish. Made from 100% purebred Berkshire pork, this cut is selected for its superior quality. It’s so exclusive that only a limited amount (specifically 20 servings) are available per day on a first come, first served basis for dine-in only (no takeout).
Entrees are available a la carte or as part of a set. Sets include rice, miso soup and cabbage. Other popular choices include Bairin pork tenderloin katsu ($30 a la carte, $34 set) and chicken katsu ($25 a la carte, $29 set).
If you’re craving something other than pork katsu, opt for the fried black tiger shrimp katsu ($29 a la carte, $33 set). The jumbo tiger shrimp feature the same delicate, crispy exterior, and come with an egg salad-like tartar sauce for dipping.
One of my favorite dishes is the original Bairin pork tenderloin katsu sandwich. Reminiscent of the katsu sandos you’ll find in Japan, this features crispy pork tenderloin katsu with spicy Japanese mustard and the eatery’s signature sauce between fluffy, white buns. It delivers savory flavors and the ultimate crunch with each bite.
If you’re already full, order one of these for takeout — you’ll thank me later.
Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin will also add a few new dishes to its regular menu this month. Customers can look forward to oyster katsu ($15) and ‘ahi katsu ($36 set), which be served as a daily special.
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CONTACT
Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin
255 Beach Walk, Honolulu
808-926-8082
Ginzabairinhawaii.com
Early bird special is daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
