You’ll often spot Japanese diners stopping by at this particular Big C. They’re not there for the supermarket, but for a meal at Ajidouraku. The restaurant is tucked away on the third floor, and the sign is only in Japanese, except for the letters ADR. Befitting these promises of authenticity, you’re welcomed with energetic Japanese greetings and a space that is decorated with simple furniture, including some low Japanese tables. The menu contains both set meals and a wide choice of classic dishes. But what makes Ajidouraku a favorite is its great taste and value for money. The tempura mori-awase (mixed tempura set, B290) is packed with prawns, squid, orinji (B290), soft shell crab and vegetables. Most of them, especially the prawns, are fantastic—crispy, fluffy, light and not too oily. Thanks to the light batter, you can feel the chunky meat and taste it, too. We also recommend the sashimi set C (bafun-uni iri sashimi mori C, B580) that comes with salmon, squid, scallop, hamaji, sea urchin eggs and Thai maguro. The fish is fresh and naturally sweet and tasty. The popular suki (collagen buta tori nabe, B380) dish is another must-have. Suki may sound less exciting than sushi or tempura, but their soup is so addictive you’ll lick your bowl clean. The suki set comes with all the right trimmings, like the wonderfully aromatic green chili sauce. Our only complaint is that it’s a bit salty, and gets increasingly so as it boils down. Of course, there’s the odd dish we don’t like. The curry served with soft toast (gyu-tan curry toast soe, B200), while not bad, is a dish we’ve definitely tasted much better versions of elsewhere. If you drop by on weekdays and it’s not too crowded, the affable Japanese uncle-owner will even offer you some Japanese game shows on CD—even if you politely insist that he’s already given you one. Overall, this one is a keeper: we like the vibe, the choice and we’re salivating thinking about our next visit.
