Address - Tokyo-to, Narashino-shi, Kichijoji Honcho 22-2-10 Toshima Bldg B1 Opening hours - 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Map - Yes Telephone - (0422) 202600 Menu - In Japanese and English CC - OK

Kichi Jojii is a great place to eat out for people living on the Chuo line. Lots of excellent restaurants at decent prices (see list) and one of my favoite hangouts.

I have known Sukothai, a small Thai restaurant near Tokyu department store, for at least fifteen years, and I always considered it good, but last Sunday the food was barely eatable, and the sort of stuff that leaves an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.The place never was much to look at, and since it's cheap and conveniently located it's always packed, so really the food was all it had in its favor. Now, after hiring their present cook, Sukothai has as much appeal as a car crash.

Last Sunday we found Lan Saang closed and decided to opt for Sukothai. We chose a few dishes from a fairly average menu (originality was never Sukothai's strength) and found that the tom kha gai (chicken with lemon grass in a coconut milk soup) was watery, the meat in the beef salad had been boiled until no flavor was left in it, the tord man pla (fish paste fritters) were just decent, but the highlight of the meal, the green papaya salad was limp and everything as mild as possible. This is a great disappointment, and I can't see myself going back after this, especially considering the alternatives: Kichi Joji has a lot to offer. If you are in the neighborhood, don't waste your money on Sukothai or Jai Thai, and go straight to Lan Saang. The food there is more interesting and the place is far more quiet.