Pure value at Pura Asia in Jardin Botanico

Just off the A7 in Jardin Botanico is Pura Asia. A family-run spot, full of repeat customers seated in the no frills eatery enjoying the consistently good Asian fusion food.

Reviews online are positive with a rock-solid 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor from hundreds of satisfied customers, which is no small feat on the highly competitive coast.

Inside and out seating and parking options

The first thing you notice when you arrive is how relaxed it feels. Reds, golds and whites fill the spaces, fitting to the cuisine on offer. There is plenty of seating inside and outside with an upper and lower area, with free parking all along the road directly outside the restaurant. To add to the appeal of the location, there are a few other bars just along the strip for a pre or post dinner drink.

The flavours of Asia

The menu covers a lot of ground, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai, which can sometimes feel like a confusingly long menu, not focusing on one thing, but here it isn’t, it does each area well.

There are options to choose items and dishes individually, also varying set menus available and then a fantastic menu of the day option offering excellent value for money.

First up were the temaki hand rolls, both salmon, and spicy tuna. They’re rolled to order, so the seaweed sheet is still actually crispy when it hits the table, and the sushi rice was perfectly seasoned. It’s a simple thing, but a lot of places mess it up by letting them sit around. Salmon nigiri. The fish was incredibly fresh, thick-cut, and had a great texture.

Next came the miso soup, which was exactly what you want, hot, savoury, and not overly salty.

The hot dishes were full of flavour. Set menu options gave spring rolls, satisfyingly crispy and crunchy. A table favourite of succulent fatty Peking duck, hoisin sauce and pancakes. Then mains followed bringing sticky sweet Kong Bao prawns and Japanese chicken curry, all served with egg fried rice and noodles. To finish the meal, the set menu also includes desserts, cheesecake, tiramisu, flan or ice cream.

Keeping it simple with drinks, there is no flashy cocktail menu trying to dazzle and distract you, just simple wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks.

Why it’s worth a visit

Its incredibly good value, the menu of the day for starter, main, side and dessert comes in at €13.50 for lunch, then €15.95 for dinner, which is fantastically priced. A nice little neighbourhood find, honest, well cooked and no fuss.

Pura Asia is at Av. las Gardenias, Local 21-22, La Cala de Mijas, on 951 35 28 53. Book for tables of 6 or over. Takeaway and delivery are also available.