Ajibou (味坊) is a restaurant I had long wanted to visit. Known for its popular lamb meat dishes, this spot combines a cozy atmosphere with rich flavors rooted in East-Northern Chinese cuisine.
Although Ajibou looks like a small, unassuming restaurant from the outside, it has a spacious second floor that can accommodate many diners. On the day of our visit, there were a few vacant tables, but because the restaurant is popular and often featured on TV, it is common to find a line of people waiting outside.
While lamb meat skews many of the menu choices here, Ajibou is rooted in East-Northern Chinese cuisine, particularly from Heilongjiang and Jilin. The restaurant’s manager hails from Heilongjiang, adding authenticity to their offerings.
The drink menu features options like Japanese sake, shochu, and wine. Additionally, the second floor has a refrigerator stocked with beverages, so diners can freely help themselves to drinks that pair well with lamb skewers and other dishes.
The blackboard menu offers a variety of traditional options, and with many staff and guests being Chinese, the menu includes both Japanese and Chinese descriptions.
We were a group of six, and we ordered a variety of dishes. The portions are large, making it a great spot for groups. I started with a refreshing draft beer, a perfect pairing for lamb meat skewers. The drink selection was limited but sufficient for pairing with the hearty lamb dishes.
Boiled pork back meat with soy sauce. The boiled pork back meat was sweetened by star anise. The staff provided plastic gloves to eat it by hand, adding to the communal, authentic dining experience.
Cold potatoes. The potatoes had a refreshing taste, perfect for sharing among the six of us. It was light yet filling and easy to enjoy.
We ordered fried tomato and egg from the blackboard menu. This was a comforting and classic dish. The sourness of the tomatoes combined with the soft scrambled eggs made it a standout.
Cold flat vermicelli was generously garnished with fresh coriander and dressed in a spicy sauce. Its light and refreshing flavor made it perfect for a summer dinner. A simple yet satisfying dish!
Spicy reticulum lived up to its name with a bold, fiery flavor. The reticulum had a pleasantly springy texture, which paired beautifully with the crisp freshness of the onions. A great choice for spice lovers!
Ajibou’s lamb meat skewers are their specialty, seasoned with cumin and coriander. These lamb skewers are juicy, flavorful, and pair perfectly with cold draft beer.
Fried lamb meat with cumin. This was a different experience from the skewers, as it was grilled with onions. The lamb was slightly sweet and paired beautifully with rice.
Gyoza with lamb meat. These were well-seasoned and did not require any extra dipping sauce. Perfectly crisped and filled with lamb meat, they complemented the other dishes wonderfully.
Boiled vegetable dish seasoned with soy sauce included diced eggplant, bell peppers, and potatoes. It was simple, nutritious, and flavorful.
Cold dried tofu. The cold dried tofu was served with a dressing of coriander and sauce, giving it a refreshing flavor. The tofu’s firm texture made it feel almost like noodles. A unique and enjoyable dish!
Lastly, we tried both rice and noodles. The fried rice seasoned with curry in soup had a bold, spicy flavor. The texture felt closer to dry curry than traditional fried rice.
I couldn’t help but wonder how it would taste without the soup, but the broth added a mild and pleasant balance to the dish.
Yakisoba with lamb meat featured wide, thick noodles reminiscent of udon, almost like “yakiudon” (pan-fried udon). While the dish didn’t include many additional ingredients, the noodles absorbed the rich essence of the meat and vegetables, resulting in bold flavors. The touch of tomato added a slight hint of freshness, perfectly balancing the dish.
Ajibou is a cozy yet bustling spot with its extensive lamb dishes, unique flavors, and warm ambiance. It’s an ideal choice for groups and those seeking authentic East-Northern Chinese cuisine paired with excellent lamb specialties.
Ajibou is a must-visit if you’re in the Kanda area and have a love for lamb meat and Chinese comfort foods!
About
Name Ajibou (味坊)
Open Dinner
Reservation Available
Credit card Available
Google Map
