Where and What to Eat on A Budget at Waseda | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan
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Where and What to Eat on A Budget at Waseda

By Margherita Feb 7, 2022

Finding a good, filling meal on a budget in Tokyo is not too hard but knowing where to go for the most delicious food at the best price when surrounded by so many options takes time – especially when scrolling through hundreds of scores and reviews.

Best Meals on a Budget for Students Around Waseda University

We have done all the research for you, and we can recommend the best spots where you can eat on a budget around Waseda – student-friendly but super delicious!

Fujiya 

Fujiya is a traditional Japanese set meal and canteen-style restaurant run by an old couple, much loved by the hungry students populating the area.

The menu is all in Japanese, handwritten on some small black wooden boards affixed to the walls. Some favorites include the meat and mixed vegetables and the deep-fried horse mackerel​ set meal, served with a generous portion of rice and miso soup on the side.

Opening hours: 11:30-14:00 and 17:30-20:00.

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Photo credit: Canva

Takata Bokusha

If you have been dreaming of delicious pizza during your whole morning lesson, it’s time to head to Takata Bokusya for lunch.

Indulge in their fluffy Napoli-style pizza in a casual and cozy environment. There is even a cute dog walking around to cheer you up – if the pizza didn’t get the job done already.

Opening hours: 11:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:00.

Kitchen Otoboke

This spacious set-meal and canteen-style Japanese restaurant is considered a must among students.

The portions are huge, with prices ranging at around 600 yen, a real bargain. The staples are tonkatsu and chicken cutlet and Japanese curry with different toppings.

It is definitely not the most balanced meal to have every day, but this is one of the best places for cost performance, or “kospa,” as the Japanese people in the area say. Open from morning to night without breaks; you can hop in for a late lunch or an early dinner.

Opening hours: 11:00 to 21:30.

japan, tokyo, waseda, budget, meal

Photo credit: Canva

Cohaze Coffee Waseda

Cohaze is a coffee roastery and shop that originally opened in the hipster neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, but opened another store in the Waseda area less than a year ago. It was appreciated straight away for its cozy and stylish interior and the highly affordable coffee – ranging between 200 and 300 yen! 

It is the perfect spot for recharging with friends after a day of lessons or taking advantage of the quiet and cozy environment to study for a couple of hours, your choice!

Opening hours: 10:30 to 21:00.

Ile des pain

An Italian Hawaiian restaurant with a French name? What?! Despite the misleading name, do not be discouraged! The restaurant offers pasta, pizza, and salads (on the Italian side), Hawaiian loco moco, and even traditional Japanese curry. You will find something you can enjoy for a very reasonable price in a nice and very welcoming “at home” environment.

Opening hours: 11:30 to 14:30 and 16:30 to 20:00.

japan, tokyo, waseda, budget, meal

Photo credit: Canva

Gossou Ramen

Gossou Ramen is a small ramen shop; much loved in the neighborhood for the generous bowls of ramen with a rich seafood base broth, as well as their seasonal tsukemen and mazesoba.

Order from the ticket vending machine just near the entrance, sit down at one of the counter seats and watch the preparation while waiting for your warm bowl of noodles – it won’t take long.

Opening hours: 11:30 to 15:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 or until the soup runs out.

japan, tokyo, waseda, budget, meal

Credit: Unsplash

Maeyau Curry

Maeyau Curry is a small shop owned and run by Japanese people that serves coconut milk, cinnamon, and coriander-infused Thai-style curry. Choose between different types of meat or opt for a green or red vegetable curry.

Opening hours: ​​Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 until the curry runs out.

Try One of These Delicious Options That Are Great For Any Budget

Eating out on a budget isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but why not treat yourself to something tasty every now and again?

Ditch the boring onigiri and conbini salads and head over one of these spots for the best budget meals and coffee around Waseda.

For More Related Articles:

Guide to Shibuya on a Budget

Featured photo credit: Unsplash

The images used are not representative of the featured restaurants.