Address - 3-25-9 Shoan Suginami-ku Tokyo Opening hours - Open 11:30am-14:00pm Map - Yes Telephone - 3335-3669 Menu - In Japanese CC - No

Years ago I reviewed a Thai restaurant in Nishi Ogikubo named (strangely) Shwedagon after the famous Burmese pagoda of the same name.
It was a good one (I have never found a bad Thai restaurant. Has anybody?), but a little out of the way, hidden in a dark alley as it was, so it never became one of my favorites, and as a matter of fact I hadn't been there in years.
Some time ago I was visiting a friend in the neighborhood and found Shwedagon reborn as a completely different (but also Thai) place called Thai Country Club Restaurant.
I am pleased to say it's even better than before, simple, friendly, and with a rich menu peppered with little surprises.
Food prices are mostly in the three digit range, and their fridge and tap are well stocked not only with the usual brands, but with bottled Guiness and Chang, this last a robust Thai beer which is a valid alternative to the excellent, but already well known, Singha.
The interior is just a little bare and so far I have always found its tables mostly empty. It's no big deal, but it does feel a bit lonely, and one wonders how they pay their bills. I hope they manage, because losing TCC would be a pity.
I cannot but recommend it, in spite even of the menu in Japanese only. There are pictures, but often they are often of little help. And it's too bad, because a menu as nice and original would be a joy to explore.
October 2004