じょいっこ
I visited Bamboo Chhe, a new Nepali restaurant that has been trending on social media, located in Shin-Okubo. I went on the evening of the 21st, right before its opening. The restaurant is just a short walk from Shin-Okubo Station, located on the second floor of a building, accessible by elevator or stairs. Upon entering the bamboo-themed entrance, I was excited to see a showcase filled with dishes like Jujudau and BBQ. As I ventured further inside, I was surprised by the spacious and stylish interior! The window seats feature cozy sofa booths that allow for relaxing, and you can even see the Yamanote Line trains passing by—great for train enthusiasts. The Nepali staff were all friendly! Although some couldn’t speak Japanese, they made an effort to serve us well.
The menu was incredibly diverse, and while some Japanese translations were humorous, it added to the charm. They offered unique dishes not found in other restaurants, which was thrilling!
First, we toasted with a strong Kukri rum mixed with soda.
- **Mutton Soup**: Since it was a chilly night, I opted for the mutton soup. I expected it to be curry-like, but it was a robust soup instead! The spices weren't overpowering, and it had a delicious tomato base with plenty of meat. I enjoyed it by itself, but I could easily imagine it going well with white rice.
- **Raazkhani**: I had never seen Raazkhani before, so I decided to try it. They told me it was "Kyantama." It was tender without any unpleasant odor. Though a rare cut priced at 999 yen, it’s highly recommended for those who love trying unique dishes.
- **Khana Set**: This is the Nepali-style Dal Bhat. I also noticed a more expensive Bamboo Set for 1490 yen, but I opted for the more budget-friendly Khana Set. For the curry, you can choose from chicken, vegetables, mutton, or pork, and when I inquired about fish, they said I could get fish curry instead! When the covered dish was served, it looked delicious. The fish curry was made with mackerel, fried and simmered with ginger and spices, giving it a slightly Chinese flair and a sharp taste. The dal was enriched with toasted methi, adding a lovely aroma that I really liked.
- **Yomari**: I was excited to find Yomari on the menu, as it’s often hard to find. Although the skin was a bit tough, I was just happy to eat it! Inside, it was filled with sesame and jaggery. The accompanying Aloo Sadeko was flavorful and delicious.
- **Jujudau**: This rare dessert was also a treat. Served in a clay pot, it was subtly sweet and reminiscent of Japanese yogurt. I had hoped for a richer flavor, but I felt lucky to enjoy it regardless.
- **Chai**: To finish off, we had chai, which was lightly sweetened and had a simple, rustic taste. With live music in the background, we had a wonderful time, and my total came to about 2500 yen. While Shin-Okubo boasts many Nepali restaurants, none are as spacious and stylish with such great food as this one. Bamboo Chhe is sure to become a highlight in Shin-Okubo’s Nepali dining scene!