Asian fusion at its finest
5 out of 5 - Juju Durham
Right now, Juju is my favorite restaurant to take people to when they come to visit Durham. I haven’t exactly figured out why that is but, if I had to guess, it would be because of Juju’s energy and novelty. I absolutely love the food at Juju but there are other top-tier Asian restaurants in the area. What makes this place particularly special is how I can always bet on it to be a unique and incredible experience no matter what.
This chic restaurant is always busy when I go but never too busy to find a table. When we sit down, the staff is ready to tell us any drinks or items they recommend. The Red Sangria is my go to choice because it’s a bold and fun flavor for under $10, but please don’t overlook the cocktails (there are lots of great options). The menu is expansive without being overwhelming. Instead of feeling like there’s no way you can figure out what you want, you start to feel inspired by all the combinations of flavors you could have. It feels like a create-your-own-adventure kind of meal and that’s a good thing. If you’re not sure what you want, you could do a bunch of nibbles to really give yourself a chance to see what they have to offer. Heck, split the nibbles with a friend and double your options! Or, if something from the menu jumped out at you the moment you sat down, then maybe you just get a large plate and some dessert. If you ask me though, you can never go wrong with the following: Spicy Tuna Bites, Sizzling Sisig with Bing Bread, and Miso Corn. Some of those items might be seasonal, but every single gosh darn (not sure if you can curse in Google reviews) time I’ve ordered any of them,I have to take a moment because my spirit leaves my body.
And like I mentioned before, it’s not just the flavors that will impress you. Juju feels like a well run machine. If you take a moment to observe, you might just notice a dish that’s next on your list to try. I recommend ordering one or two plate(s) at a time so that you can be inspired by your neighbors or a staff member crossing in front of your table. It seems like their menu is designed to be explored because the food comes out so quickly. Once you’ve decided on your heart’s desire, it won’t be long before it’s on your table.
After you’ve had all your food and you’re ready to leave this magical place, your server will lay down a receipt with a QR code. You can pay all from your phone and head out without having to wait on anyone. And if you’re anything like me you’ll likely leave thinking “Next time I gotta try that, this, and oh that, too!”
