Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku, your local media source for Tokyo’s Shinjuku area.
Today, I visited “Chuka Ryori Fukuya,” a long-standing neighborhood Chinese restaurant located between Iidabashi and Korakuen. This local favorite has been serving comforting classics for more than 50 years.
A Long-Established Neighborhood Chinese Restaurant
Fukuya sits on a quiet side street just off the Ushigome-Koishikawa line, between Iidabashi and Korakuen stations—about a 7-minute walk from Iidabashi and 5 minutes from Korakuen.
Founded over half a century ago, it has remained loved by locals for preserving the same nostalgic flavors since its early days.
I stopped by around 5 p.m. on a weekday to see what keeps regulars coming back.
Interior and Menu
The restaurant is narrow and cozy, featuring 26 seats in total—counter seating and four 4-person tables.
Even early in the evening, several customers were already dining, reflecting its steady popularity.
Menu Highlights (tax included)
- Ramen – ¥650
- Wonton Noodles – ¥800
- Chashu Ramen – ¥850
- Gomoku Yakisoba – ¥950
- Fried Rice – ¥750
- Chuka-don – ¥850
- Omurice – ¥850
- Gyoza – ¥450
- Shumai – ¥600
- Karaage (large ¥1,300 / regular ¥700)
- Stir-fried Liver – ¥980
- Shrimp in Chili Sauce – ¥1,360
- Stir-fried Garlic Gizzards – ¥700
They also serve a Ramen & Fried Rice Set (¥1,200) and daily set menus (A/B/C, ¥1,100 each).
Omurice, Gomoku Yakisoba & Shumai — Classic Comfort Dishes
I started with a bottle of beer (¥650) and the complimentary potato salad appetizer—simple yet delicious, with thick cucumber slices and a smooth texture.
Shumai – ¥600
Five large steamed shumai arrived piping hot. The texture and flavor were reminiscent of the filling inside a nikuman (steamed pork bun). They were flavorful enough to enjoy without soy sauce.
Stir-Fried Garlic Gizzards – ¥700
Thinly scored gizzards cooked tender, with a rich, peppery garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with beer or plain rice.
Omurice – ¥850
The highlight dish, Omurice, looked like a textbook example: a bright yellow omelet draped over ketchup rice with a line of ketchup on top. Inside, the rice included onion and pork. The combination of the firm egg and rich ketchup flavor was simply unbeatable.
It carries the essence of Western-style omurice, yet with a subtle depth from what seems like chicken stock—a pleasant nod to its Chinese roots.
Gomoku Yakisoba – ¥950
Lastly, I tried the Gomoku Yakisoba, made with crispy noodles topped with a glossy salt-based sauce and plenty of ingredients—char siu, shrimp, cabbage, wood ear mushrooms, and a boiled egg.
The char siu deserves special mention: tender, lightly fatty, and full of flavor.
Adding a bit of mustard would have elevated the taste even more, especially when mixed with vinegar.
Summary
Chuka Ryori Fukuya is a beloved diner located between Iidabashi and Korakuen that perfectly embodies the comfort of Tokyo’s machichuka (neighborhood Chinese) cuisine.
The friendly service, nostalgic menu, and homestyle flavors make this a must-visit spot.
According to the owner, the restaurant’s top three dishes are:
1️⃣ Fried Rice 2️⃣ Gomoku Yakisoba 3️⃣ Omurice.
I’m already planning to return to try the No.1 Fried Rice next time.
Store Information
- Name: Chuka Ryori Fukuya
- Address: 2-19-7 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004
- Nearest Stations: 7-min walk from Iidabashi / 5-min walk from Korakuen
- Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30–14:00 & 17:00–21:00 / Sat 17:00–21:00
- Closed: Sundays & Holidays
- Outlets: ✕ Wi-Fi: ✕ Smoking: ✕
- Notes: 26 seats / No credit cards / QR code payment accepted
- Tabelog Rating: 3.35 (as of Sept. 2024)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2024/09/29/iidabashi-fukuya/
