Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku.
This time, I visited Marushin Honten, a long-established Chinese restaurant in Nishi-Shinjuku that’s been serving locals since 1970. Known for its nostalgic town-style Chinese dishes, it’s a spot where you can eat well and leave completely satisfied — ideal for big eaters looking for classic comfort food.
A Long-Standing Chinese Diner Since 1970
Marushin Honten was founded in 1970 and has been a neighborhood favorite ever since. The restaurant specializes in homemade noodles used for dishes like Nagasaki Champon, along with a wide range of classic Chinese comfort foods.
You’ll find it tucked in a side street between Ome Kaido Avenue and Otakibashi Street — just a short walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station.
The shop’s warm lighting and welcoming atmosphere make it feel like stepping back into the Showa era.
Inside Marushin Honten & Its Extensive Menu
The restaurant offers around 26 seats, including both counter and table options. Many groups reserve in advance, so solo diners are often seated at the counter.
Here are some highlights from the extensive menu:
- Draft Beer Set – ¥1,250
- Ginger Pork Set Meal – ¥900
- Spicy Eggplant & Pork Stir-Fry Set – ¥950
- Spicy Champon – ¥980
- Nagasaki Champon – ¥880
- Crispy Sara-Udon – ¥880
- Gomoku Yakisoba – ¥900
- Miso Ramen – ¥800
- Fried Rice – ¥700
- Shrimp Fried Rice – ¥950
- Chinese Rice Bowl – ¥820
- Liver & Garlic Chive Stir-Fry – ¥700
- Pork Tempura – ¥900
- Gyoza (5 pcs) – ¥500
- Spring Rolls (3 pcs) – ¥560
From noodles to rice dishes, every option is hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly — perfect for those who love big portions and authentic town-style Chinese cooking.
What I Ordered: Beer Set, Shrimp Fried Rice & More
Draft Beer Set – ¥1,250
I started with the beer set, choosing Gyoza (5 pcs) + Kakuteki and Spring Rolls (2 pcs) + Zasai.
The gyoza had a crispy, thick skin with a well-seasoned filling — best enjoyed with vinegar and pepper.
The spring rolls were packed with pork, shiitake, and bamboo shoots — so good that I’d order them separately next time.
Garlic Pork Salad – ¥600
Boiled pork topped with a garlicky sauce, served cold like a refreshing salad. The garlic flavor was addictive and went perfectly with both beer and rice.
Stir-Fried Eggs with Wood Ear Mushrooms – ¥750
A simple but deeply flavorful dish with egg, pork, and black fungus. The contrast in textures — soft egg and crunchy mushrooms — made this one especially memorable.
Shrimp Fried Rice – ¥950
The highlight of the meal.
Five large, deep-fried shrimp were placed on top of a perfectly balanced fried rice — lightly seasoned, fluffy yet moist. The shrimp were juicy and tender, and every grain of rice carried just the right amount of oil.
It was so delicious that I finished it in no time.
Final Thoughts
Marushin Honten in Nishi-Shinjuku is a true gem for big eaters who love classic, home-style Chinese cuisine.
Every dish, from the gyoza to the shrimp fried rice, was prepared with care and balanced seasoning — rich but never heavy.
With plenty of other tempting dishes like Spicy Champon, Sichuan Tantan Tsukemen, and Crab Fried Rice, I can’t wait to return and try more.
If you’re looking for a satisfying, old-school Chinese meal in Shinjuku, Marushin Honten should be at the top of your list.
Shop Information
- Name: Marushin Honten
- Address: 7-22-46 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
- Nearest Station: 5-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku or Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station
- Hours: 11:00 – 24:00
- Closed: Saturdays
- Seats: 26
- Smoking: Partial (separated)
- Payment: No cards or e-money, QR payment accepted
- Tabelog Rating: 3.48 (as of March 2025)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku:
👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/03/22/marushin-honten/
