This may come as a surprise to some Jersey City folks, but on Route 440, lost in a tiny strip mall, is a slice of Japan. It’s sort of hard to find, though. If you’re headed north on 440, you’ll have to make the correct U-turn or else you’re doomed to go around again. But if you happen to be headed south, and aren’t driving too fast, you’ll find it strangely nestled among a liquor store, a nail salon and a dollar store. But don’t worry. Once you figure out how to park on the tiny strip, you’ll be happy with what you find inside New Ashiya.

The décor is bland, yet tasteful, and the clientele is diverse, but the best thing about New Ashiya is its value. As any Japanese or sushi lover would know, it’s really hard to find fresh, tasty Japanese food at low prices, especially in such inauspicious surroundings.

The edamame appetizer (soy beans) is served perfectly hot and steamy, with just the right amount of crushed sea salt on top. (If you ever eat at a Japanese spot and the edamame is served cold, leave. Immediately.) The fried pork gyoza (dumplings) are scrumptious and come with a tasty dipping sauce. The miso soup is comforting as well. There are a wide variety of sushi, sashimi and special rolls, and the Bento box lunch or dinner will be more than enough food to satisfy you.

On my way out, I thought I would impress my server with my limited knowledge of Japanese, so I bowed and said the traditional phrase you say when you’ve ostensibly had a good meal: “Goshiso sama deshita.” She looked at me strangely, and deadpanned, “Oh, sorry. We’re Chinese.” My mistake!

New Ashiya

680 Rte 440 S

201-332-9994