Sometimes, we really wish we lived in Koenji. Not that life along the Toyoko line doesn’t have its perks, but Koenji’s live houses, secondhand clothing shops and frantic, artsy-meets-downtown atmosphere make for a vibe that’s unique in Tokyo. And never were we more chagrined at our choice of abode than after a visit to Planet 3rd, which once again brought us face-to-face with the town’s charms.

We wandered in one balmy Sunday to find the place packed with couples, families and other young locals; even though we came in well past the usual lunch hour, there was about a ten-minute wait for a table. It was almost warm enough for the patio to look tempting, but the outdoor area is reserved for the smoking section. Several PCs are available for use at a counter along one wall, while those at other tables can make use of the free wireless (a rare amenity in Tokyo, but to be expected from the folks who also brought us Wired Café).

Planet 3rd is decorated in lots of bold, bright colors, with wicker chairs and other accents that give it a vaguely ethnic-meets-Southeast Asian vibe. The menu plays along with this concept, offering dishes ranging from tom yum goong (¥930) to sweet-and-sour fried eggplant (¥530), and there are even familiar dishes like fish and chips (¥730).

Being big fans of ginger in all its forms, we were drawn to the Singaporean chicken rice soup (¥930). Our dining companion decided on a plate of yakisoba with black soy sauce (¥830), which turned out to be pleasantly sweet and thick. All of the main dishes are available with a soft drink for just ¥150 extra, a deal we were seriously considering until we got a look at the à la carte drinks menu, which features a smoothie section we couldn’t resist.Our soup turned out to be a cast-iron bowl full of steaming, okayu-like rice topped with

 tender chicken and lots of parsley (the menu featured a small parsley icon next to the dish, to clue diners in—apparently, the folks at Planet 3rd are aware that not everyone is a fan of the herb). There was a wonderful ginger aroma in the dish and the chicken was tender, but other than that the flavors were a bit thin. Our waitress recommended adding a thick soy-based sauce (similar to what coated the yakisoba), which turned out to give the rice just the kick it needed.

We finished off the meal with mango and lime smoothies (¥630 each). Both were ice-cold, slushy and incredibly delicious—but be warned that the lime version is shockingly tart, and not for the faint of heart.