Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan｜ごんべえ

Gonbee is a lovely udon restaurant in the basement close to the university (just a few stops from busy Shinjuku and a short walk). The staff speak English quite well so even with a menu mostly in Japanese (no ingredients in English, only the names) it is easy to order for those continuous ‘lost in translation’ elsewhere. When the waiter saw me struggle a bit (though not too much) with the smooth chopsticks he came over with wooden chopsticks and said these would be easier to grab the udon noodles with thise or I could have a fork (which he also brought as backup)! Super very kind and attentive, I opted for the wooden chopsticks. So that’s about the service, the food itself was also great. I wanted to go for a nikujaga (niku jaka) but it was not in season (winter only) so I went with the Nikunan Ban which recommended. Really tasty. Overall a great experience. Do give Gonbee a chance, it’s unassuming with good food (the many university students who showed up after me agreed).

The best place for students at Waseda! I love this place and come back every time I’m in Tokyo.

Very good and very cheap! Service is also perfect: quick and kind. Good music selection as well :)