“I recommend the Healthy Hamburger Steak, served piping hot on an iron plate!”
Reported by Takumi Hasegawa
4th year undergraduate, School of Education
Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC Student Staff)
Waseda Monsters Kitchen is a teishokuya (a restaurant that sells “set-meals”) that opened in May, 2022 on the Okuma-dori shopping street just off of Waseda Campus. Despite opening recently, the restaurant is already a rising star in the Waseda restaurant community, and can be found crowded with customers during lunch hours, many who are Waseda students.
Mr. Hanada, the owner of the restaurant, was once called “monstrously” devoted to his customer service during his time working at a restaurant in Okinawa, and this is where his restaurant’s name came about. The name also encompasses his vision for creating a “restaurant that supports staff, customers, and anyone who is passionate about something.”
The front of Waseda Monsters Kitchen. During lunch hours, the restaurant also offers takeout service. Food is made after orders have been placed, resulting in piping hot bentos to be enjoyed by all!
At one time, this spot was a long-established soba restaurant called “Asanoya” and the space still uses the same furnishings from that period in time. The restaurant includes both tables and tatami-seated areas, making for a nostalgic, throwback atmosphere. Also, some seating include access to electric outlets, a feature both rare in restaurants and certainly rejoiced by students.
During my visit, I tried the Healthy Hamburger Steak set-meal as recommended by Mr. Hanada. The meat is a mixture of pork and chicken, and the dish is one expertly made with care and effort. The meat is slowly cooked at a low temperature, and features a soft, flavorful texture, unchanged even when it has cooled off. You can choose between demi-glace, Japanese-style yuzu oroshi ponzu (a citrus sauce mixed with grated daikon), or avocado Loco Moco for your sauce. I decided to go with the demi-glace sauce, which is made from scratch at the restaurant. Though the hamburger steak is quite large, I was able to finish it with ease, and there is no worry for a heavy or upset stomach afterwards.
The Healthy Roast Hamburger Steak (Double) set – 950 yen. Served piping hot on an iron plate, you pour the demi-glace sauce yourself and then dig in! Second servings of rice are free!
I often order the most popular menu item when I go for lunch: The Golden Tartar Sauce Chicken Namban. The crisply fried large portion of chicken is the star of this dish. Of all the different chicken namban dishes I’ve had, this one has the best crunch. I’m certain that anyone would fall in love with this texture. The tartar sauce features onion, honey, and turmeric powder, giving it that golden glow to whet one’s appetite.
Golden Tartar Chicken Namban set– 700 yen
Other menu items include fried chicken, taco rice, and a wide array of special seasonal selections. Mr. Hanada comments, “We’re always trying to create a menu with food that is cheap, filling, and delicious looking; enough to stop customers in their tracks!”
A delicious meal is always important, but the real heart of Waseda Monsters Kitchen is in the cheerful and kind customer service of the staff. As you’re leaving the restaurant, staff will say things like “Good luck with your afternoon too!” as they extend appropriate and thoughtful greetings to each customer.
Why not head to Waseda Monsters Kitchen for a bite, and recharge your body and soul with a filling meal?
Restaurant Information:
Name: Waseda Monsters Kitchen
Address: 1-9-9 FREST Waseda (1F), Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6228-0321
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Last order at 19:30)
Wednesdays: Only 11:00-16:30 (Last order at 16:00)
Closed: Sundays
Twitter: @Humberg_island_
Instagram: @waseda.monsters.kitchen
Note: All prices listed in this article are including tax
Mr. Hanada(in the middle) and his staff at Waseda Monsters Kitchen
A message from Mr. Hanada to Waseda students:
“I hope Waseda Monsters Kitchen can become a fun place where students can come with their friends to bond on various occasions. We will strive to satisfy both your stomach and spirits!”
