Exploring Ginza: A Japanese quiet spot in South Philly

Ah, Ginza. My little South Philly secret was discovered almost two years ago during one of my infamous trips to IKEA. My personal South Philly routine: a visit to Target, maybe Lowe's, and somehow always ending up slightly lost trying to find my way back to Southwest Philly. It's a classic tale of navigation mishaps.

On my usual U-turn escapade, a charming sight caught my eye – a Ramen Shop nestled at the end of a row-homes. The place had that quaint, modern appeal that I couldn't resist. Yet, despite the allure, it took me a good year and a half to muster the courage to park, walk over, and finally indulge in their ramen.

Entering Ginza, I was met with warmth – a greeting and a smile, followed by prompt seating(it was practically empty). A delightful waitress with a pleasant demeanor took my order. Today, my taste buds were craving Japanese comfort, so I went for the Tongue Katsu Ramen, at $13 as of November 2023.

photograph by R. L. Deneen

The wait wasn't lengthy, and when it arrived, piping hot and aromatic, I knew I was in for a treat. Confession time: I'm not a ramen slurper; the fear of a burnt tongue holds me back. But no matter, my American-style eating didn't detract from the experience. The broth, slightly creamy with a robust flavor, worked wonders for the small cold I was nursing, clearing my sinuses with each spoonful. I personally thought this broth was delicious.

Now, let's talk noodles. They were thin, a departure from my usual preference for thicker ramen, but hey, variety is the spice of life. The bowl also sported a familiar Emoji fish cake, eagerly awaiting its fate.

As I enjoyed my steaming bowl, a couple in front of me dug into some seriously fresh-looking sushi. Note: Ginza is BYOB, a trend in many Philly joints. The couple seemed well-prepared with their own bottle of wine. If you forget your beverage, fear not; a Giant is just across the street, and Target isn't too far either. Philly's liquor laws, allow you to buy beer & wine in grocery stores since 2016. I need to go to the Wine and Spirits store for hard liquor. This includes Sake or any other rice wine. They must be purchased like hard liquor.

photograph by R. L. Deneen

Ginza isn't just about ramen; it might be a haven for lovers of Japanese cuisine. Besides sushi and ramen, you can savor delights like karage, a kind of ginger-infused chicken nugget, a true Japanese comfort food. I'm already plotting my return, eyeing that karage among other tempting options.

Ginza has earned its spot on my list of Philly food faves. As the temperatures drop, you'll find me there, enjoying their soul-warming bowls of goodness. It's a South Philly gem that I'm happy to share, so if you're in the area, give Ginza a go – your taste buds will thank you!

~Steffi

The Review

Steffi: Tongue Katsu Ramen 🥨🥨🥨🥨

BYOB: Bring Your Own Bottle or BOOZE

Wall art inside restaurant. Photograph by R. L. Deneen

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