*Nishiazabu - Ji-Cube (202609)Budget: from JPY 20,000Tabelog Rating: 4.34- Mackerel with Ginger Sauce- Bang Bang Chicken- Steamed Eggplant with Garlic Sauce- Cumin-flavored Lamb- Matsutake Mushroom Steamed Soup- Stir-fried Squid with Salt- Braised Shark Fin- Crab Omelette- Spring Rolls- Shrimp in Chili Sauce- Ji-Cube Beef Rice Bowl- Hot and Sour Noodle Soup- Chinese Tea JellyOnce again, I visited Ji-Cube in Nishiazabu.This popular Sichuan restaurant has won the 2026 Tabelog Award Silver and has been selected as one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in Tokyo.This time, I enjoyed a course meal starting with Mackerel with Ginger Sauce.The mackerel was perfectly grilled, and the ginger and scallion sauce clung to it beautifully, stimulating my appetite right from the start.Next came the Bang Bang Chicken and Steamed Eggplant with Garlic Sauce, both showcasing the aromatic and spicy characteristics of Sichuan cuisine while maintaining a clean flavor profile.The cumin-flavored lamb was robust, with the spices enhancing the rich taste of the lamb, leaving a lingering aroma of cumin.The Matsutake Mushroom Steamed Soup was particularly impressive.As soon as the lid was lifted, the fragrance of matsutake filled the air, and the clear broth was concentrated with umami.Ji-Cube excels in balancing delicate flavors with the boldness typical of Sichuan cuisine.The braised shark fin was luxurious, with a rich texture enveloped in a velvety sauce.The crab omelette was fluffy, layered with the sweetness of crab, while the spring rolls offered a delightful contrast with their crispy skin.The shrimp in chili sauce featured large, firm shrimp coated in a sauce that provided not only spiciness but also sweetness and depth, making it a standout dish.The Ji-Cube Beef Rice Bowl towards the end of the course was quite memorable.The beef, paired with egg yolk, created a rich and aromatic finish that made it hard to stop eating, even as the course was nearing its end.Following that was the Hot and Sour Noodle Soup.With a strong balance of acidity and spiciness, along with a variety of textures from the ingredients, it was a light and satisfying conclusion to the meal.For dessert, I enjoyed the Chinese Tea Jelly.It was a refreshing way to cleanse the palate, perfectly suited for the end of the course.While firmly rooted in Sichuan cuisine, Ji-Cube's ability to incorporate seasonal ingredients, aromatic combinations, and unique presentations makes each dish distinct and exciting.Once again, it was a highly satisfying course! Restaurant Name: Ji-CubePhone: 050-5890-7448Address: 3-18-10 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, TokyoBudget: from JPY 20,000Nearest Station: Roppongi Station, about a 10-minute walk.