Top 5 International Restaurants in Tokyo

Tokyo is synonymous with food. With over half a million foreigners living in the country’s capital, at least a few are bound to open a restaurant or two. Thankfully, they have, and they’re unbelievable. Some of these establishments are even considered among the best restaurants in Tokyo, known for their exceptional and high-quality food selection, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse cuisines. That’s why we’re here today. That’s right. This top five list is dedicated to the fiery woks and passionate hands of Tokyo’s foreign residents who have chosen to introduce us to the authentic tastes of their cultural cuisine. While a genuine top fifty would be more appropriate to the size of Tokyo, we’ll leave you to your explorative nature to uncover your own delicious hole-in-the-wall eateries.

This list could be flipped upside down on any other day of the week, so take all these with a grain of salt (or aside of fish sauce).

5. Mr. Chicken, Singaporean

The first Tokyo international restaurant on our list is Mr. Chicken. As the name implies, their specialization is… chicken! Singaporean chicken, that is.

Loved locally in Southern Central Tokyo, Gotanda, Kitashinagawa, or discovered with fondness as a food truck all around Tokyo, Mr. Chicken brings the vibe with the flavours at any of their locations. As would be expected on a hawker street in Singapore, patrons eat on tables with plastic chairs lit by folding lanterns with a tiny table-side buffet of spicy sauces and a roll of toilet paper as napkins. The Southeast Asian aura of this restaurant is here all the way, and it only assists in the tastes of numerous authentic appetizers served with chicken, with or without skin (referred to as white or brown), previously boiled in its broth a top of white rice and a side of said broth.

Mr. Chicken offers a variety of a la carte dishes, allowing customers to choose individual items according to their preferences.

From start to finish, each meal is delightful. And with a rainbow of sauces at spoons’ reach, it’s up to the customer just how far they want to ride down flavour town. We’re here for it, and we recommend you join us!

4. Monggo Moro, Indonesian

While Balinese might be what usually comes to mind when people consider eating Indonesian, Monggo Moro is one of the ethnic restaurants that specializes in the diverse tastes of the mainland.

Customers who visit Monggo Moro in Shinjuku, Central Tokyo, are greeted by layers of shelves behind glass that display the delicacies of the day. The menu covers spicy rendang meat cooked in coconut milk, chicken, catfish – all main options that are served by a side of fresh vegetables like fermented soybeans or potato cakes. Add the reward of an avocado or durian shake for dessert. Best of all, you can be guided to order all this food in English.

Enjoy your customized creation of authentic Indonesian upstairs beside a mammoth rice cooker – the source of free refills of white rice. That should keep things going for a while, yeah?

Leave with a view of Indonesian snacks for sale and behold! You’ve come all the way to Japan and got to visit Indonesia as well, in just one restaurant. That’s Tokyo for you!

3. Arco Iris, Peruvian

Just around the corner from the Consulate General of Peru, we have… Peru!

Our next pick of Tokyo international restaurants is Arco Iris, a Peruvian restaurant a short walk from Gotanda Station, delivers all that’s to be expected from its country of origin. It does so with flavours that are genuinely Peruvian. Pretty impressive for a country that’s 15,000 kilometres away.

This small shop, decorated with guinea pigs and maps of South America, is a portal to the southern hemisphere. The ceviche – to die for. Arroz con pollo – unbelievable. The Huancayo-style potatoes – golden. Did we mention the steak? Goodness. The steak is such a popular main dish at Arco Iris.

The menu is extensive, and it’s all a homerun. Come with friends or make new ones. There’s always a party happening at Arco Iris.

Wash it all down with an Inca Kola Peruvian soda, or a pick from their wine list, and stay for a football match. The staff gets passionate in there!

2. Esogie, Nigerian

While Esogie’s dishes may be formed and presented for the approving eyes of the locals, they taste otherworldly. Considering Tokyo’s distance to Africa, we could certainly say that.

African Bar and Restaurant Esogie is a narrow Nigerian bar and restaurant a handful of floors up one of the many stacked shops of Shinjuku, Central Tokyo. Its size almost demands a reservation, but its vibe is anything but elegant. In Esogie, Nigeria is the food and the vibe, creating a unique dining experience with its relaxed atmosphere. The colours, sounds, and instruments of the country are all on display. If Nigerian cuisine is new to you, let us know how these stews sound.

Some of our favourite menu items are chicken with rice-cake yam, fish esugi with cassava flour dough, and tilapia with spinach and tomato with cocoyam.

Getting the idea? It’s unique and delectable with a guaranteed good time as a semi-private night-out spot. The owner chef gives djembe lessons too if you’re interested.

1. Ban Thai, Thai

Ban Thai is a safe number one any day of the week. Sought out by Thai residents and government officials, this place is packed regularly and for good reason.

From the moment you step inside, the ambiance of Ban Thai transports you to Thailand with its traditional décor and friendly hospitality. The menu features a rich array of Thai dishes, prepared with meticulous attention to detail and using fresh, high-quality ingredients of meat, vegetables, and rice. Ban Thai uses fresh herbs to enhance the flavours of their dishes. Whether you crave the fiery spices of Tom Yum soup, the aromatic richness of Green Curry with rice, or the savoury comfort of Pad Thai noodles, each menu item at Ban Thai Thai is crafted to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. As extensive as the menu is, there’s no reason to stop at your tried and tested favourites.

Give Ban Thai a visit to see what all the fuss is about. There’s no better restaurant to try Thai food than in Asia, and there’s no better place to try Thai food in Tokyo than Ban Thai.

Double Bonus: Zakuro, Persian and Shango, Cuban

As mentioned, narrowing down these few is difficult enough. To lay a little extra on you, we can’t help but recommend international restaurants like the traditional floor-seated and Persian lamp-lit allure of Iranian delicacies at Zakuro outside of Nippori Station. The restaurant offers delicious shish kebab as one of its traditional Iranian dishes. Likewise, leaving out the authentic hearty dishes and hot sauce arrays of Shango’s Cuban tastes would be a huge mistake – located down the street from Ebara Machi Station.

If your palate calls for either of these worldly flavours, do yourself a favour and tell them we sent you.

Drooling yet? A Unique Dining Experience Awaits

Still hungry? Try our Tokyo’s Hidden Culinary Gems tour!

When in Kyoto, try our Tastes of Kyoto at Nishiki Market tour!