Writer: Hinata S.
Editor: Yukinobu N.
Translator: Leoni A.
New semester is a season of encounters and challenges. “Food” is what makes this new life more enjoyable and fulfilling. This time, we will introduce 4 restaurants in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, where you can enjoy authentic cuisines from around the world. Ikebukuro is an area with a particularly rich international flavor in Tokyo, and especially around the East Exit, there are many restaurants where you can experience overseas food culture.
For TIU students, it is a great attraction to have a place nearby where they can easily enjoy authentic flavors without having to go abroad. Furthermore, there are also halal-friendly restaurants, creating an environment where everyone can enjoy food with peace of mind, transcending cultural and religious differences.
- Turkish Cuisine “EFE Kebab”
“EFE Kebab,” located right outside Ikebukuro Station East Exit, is a street-style restaurant that reproduces the authentic taste of Turkey. There are three main kebab dishes to choose from: Kebab Sandwich, Kebab Wrap, and Kebab Bowl, all of which are juicy and satisfying. A nice point is that you can customize the spiciness and sauce to your liking. The student-friendly prices are also a recommended point.
Since it is a halal-certified restaurant, Muslim students can also use it with peace of mind. Takeout is also available, making it a popular spot for a quick bite when you’re hungry. Be sure to try authentic kebab on your way home from school.
📍 1-22-3 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
🚶♂️ Approximately 1 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station East Exit (in front of Seibu Ikebukuro Line Station)
- Taiwanese Cuisine “Din Tai Fung”
The globally famous Taiwanese restaurant “Din Tai Fung” is located on the 13th floor of Tobu Department Store, directly connected to Ikebukuro Station East Exit. The signature dish is xiaolongbao, with meat juice overflowing from its thin skin. In addition, you can authentically enjoy traditional Taiwanese dishes such as shumai, dumplings, and beef noodles.
The clean and calm interior makes it easy for groups or solo diners to enter, allowing for a relaxed mealtime. Taiwanese tea and desserts are also abundant, allowing you to experience Taiwanese culture through food. Since it is inside Ikebukuro Station, be sure to stop by on your way home from school.
📍 Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store 13F, 1-1-25 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
🚶♀️ Directly connected to Ikebukuro Station East Exit
- Indian Cuisine “A-RAJ”
“A-RAJ,” located near Higashi Ikebukuro Station, is a restaurant where you can enjoy fragrant, authentic Indian curry. There is a wide variety of curries, including chicken, vegetable, and mutton, and the spiciness can be adjusted, so students who like spicy food and those who don’t can enjoy it.
The interior, decorated in an Indian style, offers not only curry but also South Indian dishes, allowing you to enjoy a meal while experiencing an exotic atmosphere. It is located near Higashi Ikebukuro Station and is very close to TIU. Be sure to visit during lunch or after class.
📍 1F, 2-42-5 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
🚶♂️ approximately 1 minute walk from Higashi Ikebukuro Station
- Sri Lankan Cuisine “Florida Tei”
At “Florida Tei,” which has a tropical atmosphere, you can enjoy a hearty portion of Sri Lankan home cooking. Particularly popular is the signature dish, “Banana Leaf Curry.” This voluminous dish consists of several types of curry and side dishes wrapped in a banana leaf. It is a rare dish in Japan that allows you to enjoy the aroma of banana leaves, filled with local flavors and dedication.
The casual atmosphere makes it easy for students to enter, and vegetable curries are also available so that vegans can enjoy them with peace of mind. Be sure to experience Sri Lankan culture with all your senses
📍 Sunshine Building 1F, 2-6-7 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
🚶♀️ Approximately 5 minutes walk from Higashi Ikebukuro Station
Conclusion
Many attractive restaurants offering international food cultures are gathered around the Ikebukuro East Exit, allowing you to experience them close at hand. In addition to being able to enjoy authentic flavors as they are, there are also halal-friendly establishments and restaurants with vegan options, making it a major feature that everyone can enjoy meals regardless of nationality, religion, or culture.
At the start of the new semester, why not explore the global flavors of Ikebukuro and expand your culinary world? Your campus life is sure to become richer through food!
Times Of TIU 
Leave a comment