Sushi Fort Lauderdale Florida

Hi, my name is Matt. I am a forty something guy living in Fort Lauderdale. I eat at Thai and Sushi restaurants at least 5 times per week. I like other types of food but the food in Fort Lauderdale is quite poor and overpriced to boot.  Granted, I have lived in Paris, Bangkok, L.A., New York, and Bloomington Indiana. I am spoiled. But give me a break. The restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are awful in general. On top the their low quality food you usually have to put up with an arrogant attitude.  I have found some exceptions. One of them is Asahi City 23 Sushi and Thai Restaurant located at 2364 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 (954) 537-9391.

They do not have a website. I go there about 4 times per week. Why? The food is fresh, not overcomplicated or pretentious, the service is friendly, personal efficient and polite. And yes the prices are quite reasonable. I do not go there for the prices however. Occassionally I stray and go to another establishment and almost invariably I am dissapointed. I kick myself for having spent $50. on a meal which was sub standard.

I have never been dissapointed by Asahi City 23 Sushi. The food is clean, plentiful and quite tasty.

Kaosan, the owner, used to be the owner of Kyoya Japanese Market in the Gateway Plaza. This is mainly a takeout place and Japanese mini super market. The food is decent there now under new ownership. I do not think anyone knows how to smile in the whole place though. And the hot red sauce is way too salty for my taste. Yet it remains a popular place.

I much prefer the Sushi by the original owner who now is at Asahi City 23.

Asahi City also has great Thai food. Kaoson is married to a lovely Thai lady so they really have the best of both worlds. Today I was there and I saw one of the head chefs for a local Thai restaurant there at the counter eating. I have also seen the owner of the Sushi joint on Las Olas eating there on a number of occassions. Many of the local Thais come there to eat their own style of Thai cooking. They even have a Kareoke night all in Thai late Friday nights. Thais and Japanese are crazy about Karaoke. I am not even sure they let westerners (falong) in.

The real Thai food is much too spicy for most westerners so Asahi City actually has a separate menu for the real Thai food. It is the pink menu. You have to ask for it. They will not give it to you otherwise. It is also a bit more expensive and you can get Issan specialties such as Pappaya salad. As for me I am reassured when I see the local Thais and even the chefs for competing restaurants coming in and having their meals at Asahi City.

It is not a fancy place. Very unpretentious. It is right next to the Vietnamese nail salon and Sage French restaurant.

If you are looking for a relaxed eatery with tasty fresh sushi and delicious Thai food I highly recommend Asahi City 23. If you see me at the bar say hello.

Bon Appetit,

Matt

(Somchai)