Recent Reviews
I visited around 8 pm during the Obon festival period. There was no line and I was able to enter the restaurant immediately. The restaurant was about half full. I ordered the Tomato and Cheese Curry for ¥1200. It came out in just a few minutes after ordering! The rice and curry are served separately. It's a refreshing dish with fresh tomato slices and melted cheese, a simple dish without any meat. It doesn't look very spicy, but it has a rich flavor with a hint of bitterness and a solid spiciness that kicks in later. The restaurant has both table seating and counter seating, making it easy for solo diners to enjoy.
I visited for lunch on a weekday. This long-established curry specialty store has a long history and is located on the second floor of a building behind Isetan, just a short walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station. I ordered the Tomato and Cheese Curry (¥1,200). It had a pretty impactful visual with thick tomato slices placed directly on top. The tomatoes were fresh, juicy, and very flavorful. The curry was quite spicy, with strong spices, and the cheese provided a nice mellowing effect. It's unusual to have a curry without meat or fish, but surprisingly, it wasn't lacking in anything and I was very satisfied.
Located just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, nestled in a quiet back alley, lies the renowned curry establishment "Gandhi." This long-standing restaurant has captivated countless curry enthusiasts since its inception. On this occasion, I indulged in their popular "Beef Curry." The curry sauce, rich and spicy, boasts a depth of flavor with a balanced level of heat. The generously sized beef chunks were tender and fell apart in my mouth, a testament to their meticulous braising. The perfect harmony between the rice and the curry allowed the spices to gently permeate my body, leaving a lingering taste of pure delight. The interior exudes a classic ambiance, featuring a blend of counter and table seating, each offering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The welcoming environment makes it easy for solo diners to feel at ease, explaining the restaurant's loyal following. Beyond the exceptional beef curry, a diverse selection of other curry dishes awaits. For any curry aficionado, a visit to Gandhi is a must. If you're seeking a taste of tradition in Shinjuku, Gandhi is the place to be!
I arrived around 11:00 am on a holiday, about 30 minutes before opening. There were already about 7 people lined up at the main entrance, but no one was waiting in front of the entrance at the bottom of the stairs. I thought it was pretty early, but then I saw a waiting area at the top of the stairs with a couple already waiting. They took our order while we waited. By then, the line had grown considerably, stretching from the bottom of the stairs to outside the building. It was a bit unexpected, but I was glad I came early. The interior isn't very spacious, with a cafe-like atmosphere, and it was full as soon as it opened. Even when I left, the line stretched down to the bottom of the stairs, but the customer turnover seemed fast, so maybe it's better to worry about the curry running out than the wait time. I ordered the large portion of the tendon stew curry. Since I ordered before opening, it was served right after I sat down. The spicy aroma was inviting. The rice was spread out on a large flat plate, making it look like a lot, but the thickness wasn't that much. The dark-colored roux had a slightly bitter, savory flavor that was delicious. It had a classic Western curry feel. The roux was juicy with the flavor of the meat. The spiciness was mild at first, but it kicked in later, becoming quite spicy towards the end. There were no solid vegetables in the ingredients, only meat. It was a good amount of food. I understand why you'd want to add more pickled ginger. I would have liked some pickled radish and ginger. Maybe a salad would be good too. The seats were narrow but had a calm atmosphere. I was at a window counter, so I thought it would be nice to have coffee after the meal and relax, but the line outside was long, so I left quickly.
Gandhi [Tokyo, Shinjuku] - A Curry with a Perfect Balance of European Depth, Spice, and Heat - ◆ A Dish That Stands Out The beef stew curry has a rich, European flavor reminiscent of beef stew, with a complex blend of bitterness, spiciness, and a perfect balance of spice. The strong, assertive spiciness that hits you, and the sweet, tender braised beef tendon, create a wonderful interplay of flavors. ◆ Menu Items Beef Tendon Curry (Lunch) ¥1,320 per person ◆ How to Enjoy This Restaurant <Profile> A popular European-style curry restaurant established in 1972. It is currently considered one of the top 100 curry restaurants in Tokyo according to Tabelog. <Ordering> The beef tendon curry I ordered was ¥1,320.