Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan｜Chanko Nabe Shinzan

I had read about this place online before visiting and it definitely lived up to my expectations. The service was great and the staff was really nice and attentive despite the language barrier. The food itself was great, and I love the way it is served (cooked on the table in front of you). Make sure to bring a friend to share with, as the dishes are meant for two people minimum!

"Having not grown up on eating nabe, like most Japanese do, I have to admit that the thought of eating it, doesn’t automatically make my mouth water. However once you start eating, it’s hard to stop – the taste is just that satisfying. Search for "Chanko Nabe Shinzan Shinjuku" for more info.

The first time I ate here was in 2019, I discovered the place by chance. I came back a few days ago with my girlfriend but unfortunately the place was all booked. Nevertheless, having explained that it was my second to last night in Tokyo, they managed to accommodate me anyway, something for which I will be forever grateful. The place is very small and friendly, and almost exclusively frequented by locals. It serves different kinds of chanko nabe, a staple food of sumo wrestlers. It consists in a big and savory hotpot made with broth and a wide variety of vegetables and meat. When you finish the nabe, they will offer you udon or rice to eat with the remaining broth. The food is absolutely delicious and both me and my girfrfiend loved it. We will absolutely come back next time we are in Tokyo. The staff speaks very little English but we managed to communicate using a mix of google translate and my very bad Japanese. Most importantly, they are very friendly and happy to communicate, so language is not really a barrier. This is definitely an exception compared to many restaurants in Tokyo we went to. In general, eating here is more than just delicious food, it's a very warm experience that makes you feel at home, something you will for sure remember. I can't recommend it enough, and I can't wait to come back!