[Cheap and Delicious…] 10 Famous “Town Chinese” Restaurants in Tokyo

Recently, “Town Chinese” has been a popular topic of conversation.

The term “Town Chinese” refers to small, locally owned Chinese restaurants that are tightly integrated with their community.

Cheap, delicious, and hearty! These are the characteristics of Town Chinese restaurants.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, there are over 9,000 such restaurants in Tokyo.

But among these numerous establishments, which ones are the best? With so many choices, it can be hard to decide.

To help, TOKYO LOCAL has selected 10 truly delicious Town Chinese restaurants.

By reading this article to the end, you’ll not only discover some recommended Town Chinese spots, but also learn about their popular menu items. Be sure to read until the end!

Higashi-Ogu, 3-Chome Station

Chinese Restaurant Ichiban

This famous restaurant is frequently featured in TV programs and media outlets.

It was founded in 1974 (Showa 49) and is so popular that there is often a line during lunchtime.

The recommended dish is “Shrimp Fried Rice,” which contains large, plump shrimp.

This dish is visually appealing, so it’s perfect for an Instagram post!

Seafood spring rolls are also a popular dish.

Additionally, one of the hidden gems on the menu is the “Meat and Vegetable Curry Rice Bowl.” This unique Chinese-style curry, different from regular curry rice, is very addictive.

The overall quality of the menu is high, so any dish you order will be delicious!

You’ll want to visit multiple times to try everything.

However, since the restaurant is small and very popular, it’s best to go before 12:00 if you’re planning to visit for lunch.

Ueno Station

Shoryu

“Shoryu” is a well-known Town Chinese restaurant in Ueno, located inside the Ameyoko shopping street.

This narrow restaurant features a long counter, making it perfect for solo diners.

The popular menu item is the “Grilled Dumplings.”

Wrapped in a chewy skin, the filling is full of juicy meat and has a flavor that makes you want more with every bite.

These dumplings are larger than usual, and they have a strong garlic flavor. This is a must-try when you visit!

Other recommended dishes include fried rice.

The simple fried rice with ham, char siu (roast pork), and green onions is light in flavor but addictive.

There’s something special about enjoying a big, tasty dumpling or fried rice with a drink during the day, offering a unique sense of indulgence. Be sure to try it!

Chin-Chin Ken

This restaurant is located under the guard of Ameyoko and is always crowded. (The author has observed long lines whenever they visit Ueno.)

Noodles are particularly popular here.

The recommended dish is the “Tanmen,” which is famous for its delicious soup.

The noodles are medium-thick and cooked al dente, giving them an excellent bite.

For those in the mood for rice, the classic fried rice is highly recommended.

The fried rice is served with soup, so even if you don’t order noodles, you can still enjoy the soup’s flavors.

The restaurant tends to get crowded from lunchtime, so be prepared to wait in line or come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

For those with time to spare, it’s also great for an afternoon drink!

Asakusa Station

Juhachiban

A popular retro Town Chinese restaurant in Asakusa.

Founded in 1963, this restaurant was even featured on the “Tunnels” TV program.

The restaurant’s “Mapo Tofu” is the most popular dish.

This Mapo Tofu is uniquely sweet, with a rich flavor.

Mapo Tofu The standard way to eat it is to enjoy it as is, and then spice it up with chili peppers available on the table for an added kick.

The spiciness will definitely awaken your appetite!

Another popular dish is the “Nira Soba” (garlic chives noodles).

The chives are abundant, and the dish has a dedicated fan base.

The drink menu also includes the “Kappabashiwari,” a drink with cucumber slices floating in it. It’s a distinctive, addictive taste that refreshes the palate after greasy Chinese food.

Shinjuku Station

Gifuya

A Town Chinese restaurant located in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho.

Established in 1947, it’s a historically significant establishment.

Though the shop is small with counter seating, it has more seating than you’d expect. The atmosphere retains the charm of old-school Japanese dining establishments, making it especially popular with middle-aged men.

The “Wood Ear Mushroom and Egg Stir-fry” is a popular dish.

The crunchy texture of the wood ear mushrooms is abundant, and it’s a true Chinese classic.

Other popular items include fried rice and ramen.

The fried rice is subtly seasoned but deliciously satisfying and substantial.

The soup that comes with the fried rice has a strong, flavorful seasoning that complements the dish.

With a variety of menu options, you’ll want to try many dishes here.

This lively place is perfect for recharging your energy, and a visit is sure to lift your spirits!

Ōyama Station

Marutsuru

An old and reputable town Chinese restaurant that is also the family business of former charismatic host Jin Jonosaki.

This restaurant became famous for its “Itabashi Fried Rice,” which gained attention from a TV program.

Itabashi Fried Rice refers to fried rice that is moist, not dry and fluffy.

The fried rice at this restaurant is characterized by having large chunks of char siu (roast pork).

Another signature dish is “Tobiko Fried Rice,” which is filled with tobiko (fish roe).

This dish is unique as it’s not commonly found at other restaurants, and the popping texture of the tobiko is a fun addition.

Frequent patrons also recommend the ramen.

The old-fashioned Chinese-style noodle soup has a rich broth that makes it delicious.

If you’re in the mood for fried rice that isn’t the usual dry kind, this restaurant is a must-try.

Kagurazaka Station

Ryūhō

A Chinese restaurant marked by its yellow sign.

While many town Chinese restaurants are known for red signs, this one stands out with its use of yellow.

This restaurant’s highlight is its exquisite fried rice! It is a super popular dish, with over 400 servings sold daily.

It is often hailed as “the best fried rice in Japan.”

Other recommended dishes include “Ryūhōmen,” a noodle dish with a generous amount of vegetables, and “Cucumber in Cream Sauce,” which is flavored with a mildly spicy pepper.

The restaurant has a somewhat café-like atmosphere, and the clean interior makes it a welcoming spot for casual dates as well.

It is one of the few town Chinese spots that is popular with women.

Nippori Station

Chotto-tei

An established and media-featured town Chinese restaurant that has been around since 1973.

The name is pronounced “Chotto-tei.”

This popular spot has long lines during lunch hours.

The signature dish here is the “Bean Sprout Noodles.”

The crunchy bean sprouts pair wonderfully with the thick, savory sauce, creating a perfect dish.

It’s a hot, delicious dish, but be careful of burning your mouth!

Grilled dumplings and fried rice are frequent orders here.

The restaurant has counter seating, as well as tables and tatami seating, making it a great option for families or meals with friends.

By the way, their fried rice mix is so popular that it’s even sold by S&B.

Akasaka Station

Akasaka Minmin

Founded in 1965, this restaurant is tucked away in an alley in Akasaka and always has a line of customers.

This restaurant is known for popularizing the practice of eating dumplings with vinegar and pepper, making it the original place for this style of eating.

The signature dish is the fried dumplings.

They are so popular that people line up to eat them.

Another favorite is the Dragon Fried Rice.

This fried rice is made with a simple combination of garlic, chives, green onions, egg, and char siu (roast pork), all infused with a strong garlic flavor.

Kōenji Station

Shichimencho

A longstanding town Chinese restaurant that has been popular with taxi drivers since its establishment in 1959.

This restaurant’s unique offering is its Chinese-style omelette rice.

The chicken rice inside the omelette is stir-fried at high heat in a Chinese wok, making it stand out from other versions.

This dish is typically enjoyed with a cold beer, which customers help themselves to from the fridge.

During lunch hours, expect lines, and even on weekday afternoons, the restaurant is bustling with customers, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to avoid waiting.

Other popular dishes include their unchanged ramen since its opening, priced at ¥450.

Summary

That’s all! We’ve introduced 10 famous town Chinese restaurants in Tokyo.

Did you find the one you were looking for?

They’re all truly delicious spots, so be sure to enjoy them to the fullest!