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When I realized, I'd finished it all! The extra-large portion made my heart race.
"South・Cafe"

[Interview, writing, and photography]
Waseda Weekly Reporter
Maho Asaba, 2nd year student, School of Creative Science and Engineering

South・Cafe is located just off the south exit of Higashi-Fushimi Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, on the left-hand side as you head towards Waseda University's Higashi Fushimi Campus. The terrace facing the street has an impressive arc-shaped shutter that naturally attracts the attention of passersby. On weekdays, it is mainly bustling with Waseda University athletic students who use the Higashi Fushimi Ground and dormitories, and on weekends, many customers visiting the adjacent ice rink also stop by.

The shop opened in this location in 2001. Then, in 2009, the current owners took over, and it has been 17 years since then. The current owners, a married couple, previously worked at another coffee shop, and the sensibilities they cultivated there are incorporated throughout the shop.

Photo on the left: The warmth of wood emanating from the chairs and shelves creates a relaxing atmosphere inside the shop. There are 32 seats in total, including terrace seating.
Photo on the right: The terrace seating is very popular with customers with dogs, and in the spring, many people come here after cherry blossom viewing.

This time, we tried two of their most popular menu items: the "Hawaiian Rice Bowl" and the "Omelet Rice." You can upgrade to a medium size for an extra 30 yen, or a large size for an extra 50 yen, and apparently there are even people who can finish two large bowls!

First up is the "Hawaiian Rice Bowl." Its generously portioned presentation is sure to whet your appetite. The bowl is topped with plenty of avocado and tuna paste, creating a rich yet delicate flavor where you can taste each individual ingredient. The avocado mellows the overall taste, making it not too heavy and easy to eat. The fried onions and green onions on top add a nice accent, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors.

Furthermore, the acidity of the tomatoes on top tightens up the overall flavor. And then, unexpectedly, seaweed tsukudani makes its appearance! Served on the side of the bowl, it goes without saying that it pairs perfectly with rice. The portion of white rice is about two bowls' worth even with a regular serving, but I now understand why it's so delicious and enjoyable to the very last bite.

Hawaiian rice bowl with soup, 950 yen. Drink set available for an additional 300 yen.

Next up was the "Omelet Rice." This dish is impressive with its plate full of runny eggs. With the first bite, the fluffy eggs and generous amount of demi-glace sauce spread throughout my mouth, and I couldn't help but say, "Delicious!" Omelet rice is a classic cafe dish, and its high quality makes it something you'll want to eat again and again.

Furthermore, the deliciousness of this omurice isn't limited to just the egg. The ketchup rice inside is generously portioned and cleverly mixed with green peas and bacon, creating a surprising harmony between the sweetness of the egg and the saltiness of the rice. Plus, the omelet rice comes with a salad, making it a great value!

Omelet rice with soup and salad, 950 yen. A drink set is available for an additional 300 yen.

Each set comes with a hearty consommé soup packed with ingredients like carrots and onions, perfect for warming you up. The soup's flavor isn't overpowering, making it a perfect complement to the main dish.

Part of the menu. *Click to enlarge

I discovered "South・Cafe" in Higashi Fushimi, where you can enjoy generous portions and a variety of flavors. In addition to the two dishes I tried this time, they offer a wide range of menu items, from sandwiches and yakiniku rice bowls to pasta and desserts! The side menu includes salads and sausage platters, making me want to try many different combinations.

Please come and experience our menu, created based on our many years of experience running a cafe, and our relaxing atmosphere filled with the warmth of wood!

Store Information
[Store name] South・Cafe
[Address] 3-2-2-1F Higashi Fushimi, Nishitokyo City, Tokyo
[TEL] 045-410-2365
[Opening Hours] 11:00 AM - Last Order 8:30 PM
* Payment is by cash only.
[Holidays] Irregular holidays

* All prices mentioned in this article are inclusive of tax.

A message from the shop owner to Waseda University students

"Please try our signature 'extra-large portion'!!"