If you’re hungry and in the mood for something more exciting than campus cuisine, Aja Noodle Co. is a sure bet. Best known for their bountiful rice and noodle bowls big enough to satisfy even the most ferocious appetite, Aja is located just a little way down Elmwood Avenue at the 12 Corners Plaza in Brighton.
Aja’s menu features a variety of appetizers and entrees with both meat and vegetarian offerings. Selected appetizers include Thai eggplant dip served with crisp wonton noodles, Chinese dumplings with choice of chicken or vegetable filling and cabbage wraps. Classic miso soup, Japanese nebayaki soup with chicken and shrimp and peanut noodle salad with chicken or tofu are just a few of Aja’s available soups and salads.
Most appetizing by far are Aja’s noodle and rice bowls. The selection features traditional favorites like Aja’s take on sesame chicken and Chinese lo mein with choice of chicken, pork or tofu. Some dishes – indicated with a pepper on the menu – are moderately spicy, such as the Chinese black bean noodle bowl with a spicy black bean sauce accenting rice ribbon noodles, veggies and choice of chicken or tofu.
Aja also offers a varied selection of beer and wine, as well as a few select dessert options such as key lime pie and rice pudding.
Fair prices add to Aja’s already lengthy list of strong points with entres ranging from $6 to $8. Students can also enjoy $5 noodle or rice bowls. Just make sure you bring your student ID if you want in on the special, because you will be required to show it in order to get the discount.
With great value, friendly service and stellar food, Aja Noodle Co. is one of the best restaurants Rochester has to offer.
Egan can be reached at cegan@campustimes.org.
