Introduction
In Nishi-Shinjuku, there is a long-established local Chinese restaurant that has been serving customers since 1949.
This time, we visited Tokiwa, a popular “machichuka” (local Chinese restaurant), to try its well-known dishes including mapo ramen, omurice, and gyoza.
Tokiwa – A Long-Established Chinese Restaurant Since 1949
Tokiwa is a long-standing local Chinese restaurant founded in 1949.
The restaurant has continued to serve traditional flavors under the motto of “taste, volume, and speed.”
Business hours are limited to 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and there is no dinner service.
Despite the short hours, it is a popular spot where lines often form during lunchtime.
The location is near the intersection of Ome Kaido and Juniso Street, about a five-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station.
We visited for the first time at around 1:00 PM on a weekday.
Interior and Menu
The restaurant has a total of 20 seats, including both counter and table seating.
The interior features an oriental-style wall design, giving it a calm atmosphere with a retro Showa-era feel.
Because it is often full during busy hours, sharing tables with other customers may be required.
Here is a selection from the menu:
Menu highlights (partial list)
Ramen – 750 yen
Tanmen – 900 yen
Champon – 950 yen
Mapo Ramen – 900 yen
Chashu Ramen – 1,000 yen
Shanghai Fried Noodles – 900 yen
Fried Noodles – 900 yen
Egg Rice Bowl – 750 yen
Katsu Don – 950 yen
Tenshin Don – 1,000 yen
Fried Rice – 900 yen
Crab Fried Rice – 1,050 yen
Chicken Rice – 900 yen
Pork Rice – 900 yen
Omurice – 1,000 yen
In addition, there are many side dishes such as sweet-and-sour pork, meatballs, eight-treasure stir-fry, stir-fried pork and vegetables, and liver and chives. Beer is also available.
Mapo Ramen, Gyoza, and Omurice
Here are the dishes we ordered during our visit.
Mapo Ramen – 900 yen
First, we ordered the mapo ramen.
The soy sauce-based soup is topped with spicy mapo made using the restaurant’s original chili miso.
The thick, starchy sauce coats the thin egg noodles well, creating a satisfying texture.
It is more filling than it looks and makes for a very satisfying bowl.
Gyoza – 450 yen
We also ordered gyoza.
Each order comes with six large pieces, offering great value.
The filling contains a generous amount of cabbage, giving it a slightly sweet flavor, while garlic provides a strong punch.
The crispy texture makes it a great match with fried rice, white rice, or beer.
Omurice – 1,000 yen
Finally, we ordered the omurice, which comes with soup.
This is a classic-style omurice topped with ketchup, featuring a thin egg layer.
Inside, the rice contains pork and onions, and the seasoning is well balanced.
The portions are generous—almost enough for two servings—but the flavor is so good that it can be finished without getting tired of it.
Final Thoughts
This time, we introduced Tokiwa, a long-established local Chinese restaurant in Nishi-Shinjuku.
It truly delivers on its motto of taste, volume, and speed, making it a reliable and satisfying choice.
In addition to the dishes we tried, there are many other appealing menu items such as katsu don, fried rice, and seasonal cold noodles.
If you are interested, it is definitely worth visiting.
Shop Information
Tokiwa
Address: 6-26-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Access: 5-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station
Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Seats: 20
Power outlets: No
Wi-Fi: No
Smoking: No
Payment: Cash only (cards and e-money not accepted, QR payments available)
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/2026/03/21/westshinjuku-tokiwa-omlet-rice/
