Looked at from the outside, Tororo might exhibit all the modern chain characteristics common to all those cozy spots in Ekkamai: well-uniformed waitresses, floor-to-ceiling windows and stylishly minimalist wooden table sets. But don’t be fooled, because Tororo also delivers a true taste of Japanese cuisine. Tororo’s menu was put together by the former chef of Miyatake, the popular haven for sushi lovers at MBK. As you’d expect, they serve a wide range of sushi, from the cheapest tamago (Japanese omelet, B45) to the more expensive—and justifiably so—otoro (fatty tuna, B500). But our love of the place runs deeper than the basics; we find ourselves adoring even their most clichéd offerings, like the dragon roll (B400) and foie gras miso sushi (B360). They are both wonderfully moist, accentuated by the sweet-noted miso sauce. In the foie gras sushi, we love that the chef puts eel underneath the big piece of foie gras as the softness of the liver and flaky texture of the eel go deliciously together. The aji takaki (raw horse mackerel in Japanese style salad, B220) is really fresh and has no fishy scent at all. While dishes like the tender Matsusaka beef (B380) or sashimi set (from B780-B3,500) with otoro don’t blow us away, they are still of a great standard, being fresh and well-prepared. Their mixed rice also offers a nice balance of flavors. OK, time to be a bit picky: the toro was slightly dry on our last visit, and their refill miso soup is far from great. It’s bland and the tough boiled tuna pieces detract from the rest of the meal. Focus on where they really excel: in sourcing and serving the freshest and tastiest sushi that easily compares with what’s on offer at the prime sushi joints around town like Honmono only cheaper. Service is friendly and mindful, too, and when you factor in that the venue is quiet and small (with about 40 seats), Tororo makes for a real sushi sanctuary. Corkage B300.
