Being an Indian living in Japan, one thing that I miss the most is Indian food. As Indian food contains many spices and vegetables, the cuisine differs significantly from Japanese cuisine, where raw and natural tastes are appreciated. Leaving India for the first time and moving to Japan propelled my search for an authentic Indian restaurant. I observed that the food, especially naan, curry, and mango lassi, was more popular among the Japanese than I had imagined. What surprised me, even more, was that what was served in Japanese Indian restaurants in the name of Indian food was, in reality, very different from the authentic Indian food we eat back home.
The main reason for this confusion is that there are hardly any restaurants in Japan that are actually owned by Indians. Almost every restaurant I visited during my first six months in Japan was Nepali. As an Indian born and raised eating Indian food, I could clearly tell the difference between the two. Hence, my search for authentic Indian restaurants began.
Best Indian Restaurants In Tokyo
Though over the two years, I could find only a few, I want to take this opportunity to share with you the names and locations of those restaurants where you can go and get the real taste of Indian food.
Erick South Yaesu
Credits: Author
Among all the restaurants I tried, Erick South Yaesu undoubtedly serves the best South Indian food. Located in Yaesu Underground Mall near Tokyo Station, it is so convenient to visit this restaurant that you can’t escape trying their food. I often order the lunch thali, which contains turmeric rice, dal, rasam, sambar, basmati rice, papad, yogurt, and curry of your choice, along with a drink, all for just 1,155 yen. I highly recommend trying their masala chai, which I am sure will make you feel nostalgic.
Address: No. 4, Yaesu Underground Mall, 2-1-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday
Lunch- 11:00-15:30
Dinner-17:00-22:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
Lunch- 11:00-15:30
Dinner-17:00-21:30
Phone Number: 03-3527-9584
Tokyo Mithaiwala
Credits: Author
I recently visited Tokyo Mithaiwala on my trip to Tokyo and have very fond memories of it. If you just also saw that viral video of Mr. Modi and Mr. Kishida eating Gol gappe and and thought your next trip to India is your only chance to have it, then this restaurant has got you covered. It has everything from amazing chole bhature to pao bhaaji and vada pao. It is like heaven for your spicy tongue, and the staff are so friendly and kind too. They sell not only street food, but you can satiate your South Indian cravings by ordering dosa or any kind of Indian sweets from laddoo to Ras malai. They also take bulk orders for festivals and celebrations. My only complaint with this restaurant is that I didn’t know about it sooner!
Address: 134-0088 6 Chome-8-5 Nishikasai, Edogawa City, Tokyo
Opening Times: Every day from 11:30AM -9:30PM
Phone Number: +81-3-6808-0777
Bangera’s Kitchen Ginza
Credits: Author
Listed in the Michelin guide for the past several years, the food served in charming, and contemporary setting creates a lasting favorable impression among its customers. Serving beyond the stereotypical curry dishes, this Mangalorean restaurant is famous for doing bold experiments with flavors and recipes. We ordered biryani with channa masala, and it was probably one of the best biryani I have ever tasted. Located in Ginza, both the presentation and quality of food served in this restaurant is as per the high level of Japanese standard. Though I found it a little more expensive than other restaurants, the food served here was also rich in its taste to make up for the price.
Address: 104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 西２−２ 銀座インズ2、2階
Opening Times: 11 AM-11 PM
Phone Number: 3-3561-5516
Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
Credits: Author
Located in the vicinity of the Hindu Temple Iskon, this pure vegetarian restaurant feels like a treat. With a very friendly atmosphere, serving both north and south Indian cuisine Govinda is a must-try. When you go, check the temple’s prayer timings so you can take part in the temple’s Indian rituals and eat the amazing food afterwards. I highly recommend trying their salt lassi. They also do a buffet on weekends which is a very budget-friendly option, and of course, you can eat as much good food as you want.
Address: Govinda’s Iskcon Temple, Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday
Lunch: 11 AM-2:30 PM
Dinner: 5 PM-9 PM
Saturday and Sunday and holidays
Lunch: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM- 9:30 PM
Phone number: +81 3 6808 2157
Why You Should Try Indian Restaurants In Japan?
According to the research done by scientists, the reason Indian food tastes so delicious is that the number of overlapping flavors in the ingredients is very few. So, the taste is unlike anything found across the world. With the perfect use of tamarind, cardamom, and pungent ingredients, this heavenly cuisine is appreciated everywhere. Have you ever tried Indian Restaurants in Japan? Do you have an Indian friend? Send this article to them and ask them for company on your trip. Please tell us about your experience via Instagram at @guidablejapan, and don’t forget to follow us there to get more insights on food and travel across Japan.
Must Reads:
- Why Choose an Amazing Life in the Japanese Countryside
- Your One-Stop Guide to Delicious Niigata Prefecture Food
- Navigating Halal Food as an International Student in Japan
- The Best Online Stores For Buying Imported Goods
Featured Image Credits: Canva.com
