Introduction
I recently visited the long-standing izakaya “Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro” located about a 12-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong Station, and I’d like to share my review.
About the long-standing Japanese izakaya “Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro” in Phrom Phong
Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro is located approximately a 12-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong Station. Torajiro is situated on the street connecting Soi 39 and Soi 49.
Torajiro is a long-established restaurant, founded in 1997, and has been a place of relaxation for Japanese expatriates in Bangkok for nearly 30 years. For context, “Mata Mata Japanese Cuisine” in Thonglor was established in 1999.
At the entrance of Torajiro, you’re greeted by a statue of a person dressed like Ebisu, the Japanese god of luck. Perhaps it’s the manager? The statue is about 1 meter tall. It certainly feels auspicious.
While Mata Mata had the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese izakaya, Torajiro has a more modern design. It resembles a slightly upscale izakaya chain found in Japan. The seating areas are partitioned into semi-private and private rooms, making it suitable for families and banquets. Indeed, when I visited, there were many families dining there. The partitions mean that it’s likely comfortable even with small children around. Although I didn’t confirm, I suspect there are also spaces for solo diners.
Menu at “Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro” (Photos, Prices, Reviews)
Torajiro offers an extensive menu.
I ordered the “Mini Kaisen Sabi Sara” (Mini Seafood Wasabi Salad) for 229B++. “Sabi Sara” is likely a shortened term for “Wasabi Salad.” Despite being labeled “mini,” it was quite a generous portion. It was topped with plenty of seafood, ikura (salmon roe), had a good kick of wasabi, and the dressing had a nice flavor. It was delicious.
I also tried the “California Roll” for 299B++. It was good, as expected, but for 4 pieces, the price felt quite steep. Still, it was tasty.
The “Yakisoba” (fried noodles) was 159B++. My children absolutely loved it!
I had the “Tsukimi Udon” (Udon noodles with egg) for 189B++. It was a simple, rustic Japanese-style Tsukimi Udon. Personally, I prefer the egg yolk to be runnier.
The “Gomoku Chahan” (Five-ingredient fried rice) was also delicious at 189B++. The menu even advertised it with a catchy phrase, “Customers who come just for this!” While I initially thought it might not live up to the hype in Bangkok’s competitive fried rice scene, it was indeed very tasty.
Incidentally, the “Singha Reserve Large Bottle” was on promotion for a very cheap 89B, so I ended up drinking quite a bit of that. Bottles of shochu and whiskey were also slightly discounted due to promotions. There was also a promotion offering 5% off when paying with a JCB card.
Additionally, they seem to hold irregular fairs featuring regional cuisine from various Japanese prefectures.
Recommended Score for “Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro”
To be helpful, I’ll assign a score based on the Tabelog (Japan’s top restaurant-review site) rating system. For the long-standing izakaya “Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro” in Phrom Phong, I personally estimate it would be equivalent to a Tabelog score of 3.2. I’ll leave this note here for reference.
Points that contribute to a higher rating include the restaurant’s cleanliness, the suitability of its semi-private and private rooms for families and banquets, and the generally good taste of all the dishes. On the other hand, while it might be suitable for banquets, the prices are on the higher side for casual evening drinks or family meals. Although there were promotions, I felt the experience could be enhanced with more of them.
Conclusion
“Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro,” a long-standing izakaya in Phrom Phong, is a versatile restaurant that can be used for various occasions, including family gatherings and banquets, thanks to its semi-private and private rooms. It’s recommended for those who enjoy Japanese food and drinks.
| Restaurant Name | Izakaya “Shu Han · Banshoku Dokoro Torajiro” |
| Cuisine Type | Izakaya |
| Budget | 600B++ – 1000B++ (2 dishes, 2 drinks) |
| Opening Hours | 16:30 – 24:00 |
| Access | Approx. 12-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong Station |
| Phone Number | 02-261-5351 |
| Address | 1 Soi Phrom Si 1, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok |
| Website | http://www.aroijapan.com/torajiro |
