Tonsui

Frequented by up-and-coming musicians, comedians and youth trying to get the best bang for the buck, this small teishoku eatery in Shimokitazawa has been feeding locals for over 50 years.

It’s run by an elderly but tireless husband-and-wife team who turn out hearty set meals with a clear focus on deep-fried meats. Standouts include freshly fried tonkatsu cutlets, with fillet priced at ¥1,100 and loin at a wallet-friendly ¥950. Each main comes with generous portions of rice, shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables, plus the occasional bonus of a deeply flavoured slice of simmered daikon. If you’re in the mood to mix things up, the chicken cutlets, cheese and ham cutlets and classic katsudon are equally satisfying – comforting, filling and exactly what you want after a long day of thrifting in Shimokitazawa.

To be mindful of the elderly proprietors, this location is best visited alone or enjoyed as a bento takeaway.