Ginza, Japanese at Burwood

It has been well over 4 weeks since I was released from hospital with severe gastroenteritis and placed on a strict diet of bland foods. Boring, it was. But now that I'm skipping around as though I've never been sick, my taste buds told me it was time to take revenge... and eat lots of the golden fried foods I had been craving for.

Ginza is a big and bright Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant that sits on a corner site which many restaurants had previously failed at. Being opposite the park and Burwood Westfield, it gives tired shoppers a chance to refuel with a decent meal... away from the food court of course.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - bright interior

I was pleasantly surprised when a complimentary cup of brown rice green tea was brought out to us. Green tea is usually a priced menu item. What impressed me even more was when they carried a teapot around to each table, offering free refills.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - complimentary brown rice green tea

Another goodie about dining at Japanese and Korean fusion restaurants are the complimentary condiments. I loved the caramelised sweet potatoes, kimchi and pickled bean sprouts.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - Korean condiments of caramelised sweet potato, kimchi and bean spouts

Takoyaki balls ($5.90 for 6) are a favourite of mine. I was never fond of them until my trip to Osaka where I snacked on them every day. These were garnished with a generous load of bonito flakes and seaweed.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - takoyaki octopus balls garnished with lots of dried bonito flakes and seaweed

For just $8.90, we also couldn't resist to order the deep fried soft shell crab. There were four satisfying halves... a light crisp batter held together the spindly legs, juicy flesh and all. The accompanying sauce looked like a glossy soy but was sweet like heaven. There's something about eating the crabs whole that I simply love.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - deep fried soft shell crab

Zen decided to play it safe and ordered the teriyaki chicken bento box ($10.90).

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - teriyaki chicken bento box

Meanwhile, I was greedy and had the tonkotsu ramen ($11.90) as a set (additional $3.90) with mixed tempura and avocado salad.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - avocado salad

The tonkotsu broth was flavoursome but not as good as Ichi Ban Boshi's. There was a stack of bean sprouts at the bottom of the bowl which padded out the noodles to look like more than it actually was... the egg was overcooked and the pork had bits of the fat trimmed? Or maybe it was just lean. Hmm...

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - tonkotsu ramen

Luckily I had the side dishes to change my mind about Ginza. For the extra $3.90 I thought it was a bargain to get a full size tempura and salad! Both were triumphantly good!

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood - mixed tempura

The small sashimi boat also crossed our minds but the photograph in the menu pictured tuna and salmon with a little too much grey bits. Ughh! Although when the table beside us ordered it, I saw nothing but brilliant slices of fish, glowing with freshness.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Burwood