Located a 3-minute walk from Ikebukuro North Exit, this Chinese restaurant offers hot pot dishes. Most of the customers were Chinese, which I thought was a testament to the authenticity of the food. I enjoyed the lamb shabu-shabu for 2980 yen. I also ordered crab, shrimp, and clams separately to enjoy various flavors. The all-you-can-drink option for 2 hours at 980 yen was a good deal, as I could enjoy a 5-year-old Shaoxing wine.

I have always wanted to try Chinese cuisine, recommended by a friend who is knowledgeable about Ikebukuro gourmet. This restaurant is located 2 minutes from the north exit, with nearby parking available. The menu is filled with representative dishes from various regions of China. Due to not being able to travel to China for about 3 years because of COVID, I have been craving dishes like garlic steamed shrimp and scallops. I want to visit this restaurant at least 2-3 times a month. Thank you for the delicious meal.

I wanted to try the Ma La Yuujioku Daibou at Ikebukuro✨ It includes various hormone parts, vegetables, and duck blood. I was torn between ordering rice and beer, but I went with beer! When I see this type of bread at a real Chinese restaurant, I always end up ordering it. I call it Honey Toast (*^ω^*). The sweetness of honey is just right when eating something spicy (*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)

This is a Chinese restaurant near Ikebukuro Station North Exit. The staff are all Chinese members. There are quite a few Sichuan-style restaurants around the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station, and this restaurant is one of them. Large chairs and tables are set up with touch panels for ordering. I had stir-fried garlic sprouts and pork for lunch. The portion size was generous, the spicy flavor was good, and although soup was not included, edamame was served as a complimentary side dish. They also have lamb dishes, and the menu is extensive, making it suitable for groups of people.

Located in a unique spot sandwiched between Soapland establishments, this restaurant is staffed entirely by Chinese individuals, and many of the customers are also Chinese. As outsiders, my group of four felt a bit out of place. The menu is written in Japanese, describing the various dishes available. We started with a cold dish of honeycomb tripe, and when we ordered oysters, they came towards the end of our meal. The seasoning was intense with Sichuan peppercorns, green and red chili peppers, creating a numbingly spicy but delicious flavor. We couldn't stop eating. The staff needed to be called multiple times before attending to us, adding to the authentic local experience. The portion sizes of each dish were generous, so it's best to order as a group to try a variety of dishes. However, at the table next to us, a solo female diner ordered a lot of food and ate a little bit of each, taking the rest home as leftovers. That seemed like a good idea too. Eating and drinking a lot cost less than 5000 yen per person. I want to try more dishes here, but looking at the photos makes me crave the flavors all over again.

After relaxing at Karumaru Sauna, I visited this restaurant located on the first floor of a building near the beauty salon Carrie in the north exit. The interior is not very spacious, with about 3 table seats. There are also seats on the second floor, but I didn't confirm them. The staff consists of two Chinese women who can speak some Japanese but may struggle a bit. I started with a draft beer and grilled lamb skewers, which were seasoned with spicy spices, giving them an authentic taste that balanced out the lamb's flavor. Seafood fried rice was flavorful, but only had one large shrimp along with fish paste, egg, and green onions, making it quite simple. I will probably order it again as there were only two rice dishes on the menu. The frog hot pot was a unique experience for me, tasting similar to chicken but more refreshing with small bones. It had a spicy flavor that went well with alcohol. Personally, I think I would choose chicken over frog if given the option. The Sichuan-style pork belly stir-fry was generous in portion, lacking cabbage but having a sauce that was not overly sweet, which I liked. It felt authentic and not overly localized, perfect for those who want to enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine, as well as unique ingredients like frog, lamb, and duck at a reasonable price. The restaurant seemed popular as Uber orders kept coming in during my meal.

When I casually go to Ikebukuro for a meal, I usually end up at this restaurant, especially on Friday nights. I went after a long time and found that the menu had changed, but surprisingly, the food was generally delicious. Since the dishes are large, it's recommended for a larger group. Also, the Chinese staff members are surprisingly friendly and provide good service.

Spicy Temptation Daibao is located about 5 minutes from Ikebukuro Station West Exit "Kitaguchi". The concept of North Exit seems to have been abolished in 2019. The Friendship Restaurant was crowded and there were no empty seats, so I ended up at this restaurant. The menu was about 15 pages long with a mountain of dishes listed, covering only about a quarter of the whole menu. The Garlic Stir-Fried Pea Shoots (780 yen) were delicious and satisfying. If you want to learn ancient internet terms, this blog is recommended. Bin Bile (550 yen). I didn't order the Qingdao Building because it's small. The Beef Shank and Tripe Salad (880 yen) was a cold dish and extremely delicious. The spiciness and acidity were just right, making it easy to eat and enjoyable. The large tripe was crunchy and satisfying with each bite. The Spicy Stir-Fried Clams (1180 yen) had a mild heat and a fresh taste, almost like raw clams. It makes you want to gulp down some beer. There was a small amount of cilantro, but the dish was still amazing. The Grilled Lamb Spare Rib Skewer (1 piece for 350 yen) was incredibly large and delicious, giving a luxurious feeling. It was so good that it felt like dining with a VIP. The meat was tender with just the right amount of fat, making it a must-try dish. The Steamed Dumplings (800 yen) had a standard taste, with a chewy and comforting texture. Overall, I was unexpectedly satisfied before heading to the Friendship Restaurant. The deliciousness meter was already close to 100. It was a great restaurant. The link to the Friendship Restaurant is here → http://blog.livedoor.jp/mikkimau/archives/1077938378.html

The "Old Taibao" in Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Tokiwa Street has been rebranded as the North Exit store. I visited the Ikebukuro North Exit store, but there is also a store in Ikebukuro Nitchome. On Tabelog, both "Taibao" and "Taibao" are registered, causing confusion. Despite just a different character for "treasure," the store was registered as a new store with the name "Ma-La Temptation," adding to the confusion online. This particular store is the North Exit store of "Taibao," located along the train tracks heading north and just before entering the love hotel district. It is a popular spot for Uber Eats delivery, with many Uber Eats bicycles seen in front of the store. Inside the store, there are Chinese staff and Chinese customers, with only a few Japanese customers like myself. It's a familiar sight in Ikebukuro Chinatown. The language barrier can make communication difficult as most staff can only speak limited Japanese. I ordered the "Boiled Beef and Sichuan-style Stew" (980 yen) with "Lamb Skewers (2 pieces)" (220 yen). The boiled beef had a good level of spiciness and a simple flavor profile. The ingredients like konjac and lotus root were unique and added to the dish's charm. The dish felt like a spicy Chinese-style miso soup, despite being made with beef instead of pork. The salad that came on the side had a Korean-style Namul vibe. The lamb skewers were not particularly outstanding in terms of meat quality but had a nice balance of lean meat and fat, giving it a sweet and savory taste. The use of spices seemed to be a common theme in the cuisine. Overall, the restaurant gave off a homely and authentic vibe, blending Sichuan and Northeastern Chinese flavors. I have tried similar dishes at other Chinatown restaurants like "Zhiyin Shokudo," "Eiri," "Shiki Kaigan," and "Shiki Koka," but this place felt more down-to-earth, almost like traditional home-cooked meals. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal. (By Kyoka Shukuu, 2020.10.3) (50 reviews/3.52)

I went for lunch as I was nearby for work! Due to the impact of the coronavirus, there were no customers inside the restaurant! It was a bit disappointing! However, since this is a well-known restaurant, there were several people coming in for takeout or delivery! The lunch set included rice, a main dish, steamed bun, pickles, and a drink according to the menu, but when it arrived, only the rice and main dish were served! The steamed bun, pickles, and egg were missing! I tried to inform the staff, but there seemed to be a language barrier, so I eventually gave up! Of course, I paid the regular price. Perhaps due to the current situation, items like pickles, egg, and drink are not included for takeout orders. It was disappointing, but understandable given the circumstances! This time, I had the spicy stir-fried lamb for 980 yen! The authentic spices were very delicious, reminding me of the flavors of China. I think the taste is highly commendable! It was really delicious! I feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy such delicious authentic Chinese cuisine in Japan. Once things settle down in June, I would love to visit again.

This place is amazing. I tried the pork in sweet and sour sauce and the spicy stir-fried crayfish. The crayfish wasn't as spicy as I expected and felt a bit lacking, but the pork in sweet and sour sauce was absolutely delicious. The combination of sweet sauce and chewy fried dough is the best! The lamb skewers were also amazing and went perfectly with highballs. And the shrimp with mayonnaise was outstanding! The fluffy texture of the shrimp paired with the sweet mayonnaise sauce is a unique and delicious combination!

What? A Chinese restaurant located in a surprising area. The first and second floors are quite spacious. Is this place in China? The conversations around me are mostly in Chinese. I ordered the spicy cabbage fried rice and the special fried instant noodles. The kimchi fried rice had a strong kimchi flavor and was deliciously fluffy. I really enjoyed the stir-fried ramen, which reminded me of Asian street food. The portion sizes are incredibly large, so it seems suitable for a large group. Check out my blog for more details: https://zan3tho.com

I heard it was delicious and decided to visit for the first time! However, I felt a little uneasy because there were no other Japanese customers besides us. But! Every dish was delicious! Especially the stir-fried green beans were exquisite! The portions were large, but the seasoning went well with alcohol, and we finished everything in no time! We had a great time feeling like we were in a foreign country! Thank you for the meal!

Last Monday, I visited this place for lunch and decided that this Tuesday, I would go to Daibou for their cumin stir-fried lamb dish. I eagerly arrived on the anticipated Tuesday, holding my umbrella tightly as I braved the rain. The dish I ordered was the cumin stir-fried lamb for ¥980 (tax included). The lamb, cooked in chili oil, was vibrant red in color but surprisingly not spicy. Instead, it was a celebration of cumin flavors. A hint of cilantro was also mixed in, adding a Middle Eastern touch to the Chinese dish. The aroma of onions further enhanced the dish, providing a depth of flavor. The lunch set also included rice, soup, salad, dessert, and a seasoned egg. The egg, which was overly salty last time, had a perfect balance of saltiness this time, with hints of spices like star anise. When I realized the dessert was forgotten, the staff, who seemed to have trouble understanding Japanese, was kindly reminded by another Chinese customer nearby. This experience reminded me of traveling in China, adding to the charm of this restaurant. Unlike many places that cater to Japanese tastes, this restaurant offers authentic flavors, making it a valuable find. I will definitely return when craving spices. Thank you for the delicious meal☆

Today's lunch was decided to be a hearty Chinese meal, so I searched for a restaurant in the Ikebukuro area and found a hit. The smell of spices leaking out from the storefront gives a sense of the local atmosphere. Even though it was 12 o'clock on a weekday, there were no customers inside the restaurant, but that didn't deter me. The staff were all locals, and all the customers who came in later were Chinese. Inside the restaurant, Chinese was spoken all around. The lunch menu seems to rotate depending on the day of the week. What I had was the Sichuan-style beef stew for ¥980 (tax included). The lunch came with rice, soup, salad, dessert, and a seasoned egg. First, I was stunned by the visual presentation of the stew that was brought to me. I thought I was mentally prepared from the menu's photo, but the thick layer of chili oil on the surface was surprising! The soup poured generously into the bowl was filled with thinly sliced beef, and underneath that was plenty of salted bean sprouts and bok choy. On top of the beef, there were chopped red chili peppers. When I took a bite of the meat, it was spicy!! Despite being a lunch menu, the spiciness was no joke, living up to the restaurant's name. The main spiciness was the "spicy" kind, but as I continued eating, I also felt a subtle "numbing" spiciness. There was a ladle in the bowl, so maybe drinking the bright red soup was the real way to eat it... It was terrifying... Even though I'm a big fan of spicy food, I unfortunately have a weak stomach. However, despite the heavy use of chili peppers, I didn't feel any discomfort in my stomach after eating here. Perhaps it was due to the somewhat medicinal taste that was present. I was concerned that it might be extremely salty, but despite the visual impact, it was not too strong or too weak, just the right amount of saltiness that effectively highlighted the spices. Thanks to this, I didn't experience the usual thirstiness that often comes after eating Chinese food. On the other hand, the seasoned egg was very salty. The set salad was shredded cabbage with store-bought sesame dressing. The thick, egg-filled corn soup's sweetness was gentle and comforting against the fiery main dish. I took a breather with what seemed to be store-bought almond jelly and concluded a very satisfying lunch. After paying the bill, the staff sent me off with a sparkling smile and a "Thank you." Next time, I plan to visit on a Tuesday to try one of the restaurant's specialties, the "cumin stir-fried lamb." Thank you for the meal☆

Around 3 am, I decided to visit this restaurant until the first train started running. There were only about two other groups of customers, and as expected, Chinese was being spoken around me. Despite entering the restaurant, the staff took a while to attend to me. So, I just took a seat and eventually a female staff member came down from the second floor and brought me some roasted beans and a hot towel (I think). I ordered a bottled beer and some dishes: honeycomb tripe and beef shank salad, pan-fried dumplings, xiaolongbao, beef skewers, and spicy prawns (I forgot the exact name). The dishes were spicy from the start, but they also had a good flavor. The beef shank was a bit dry, but the honeycomb tripe was well-cooked and tender. The pan-fried dumplings seemed to have mostly chives and egg inside. The xiaolongbao was average. The beef skewers had a strong spice flavor, especially cumin, and were tender and tasty. Lastly, the spicy prawns were extremely hot with a mountain of chili peppers, but strangely addictive. I even finished the bean sprouts underneath. When I rang the bell for the staff, they came down from the second floor and asked, "What?" in a manner that fit the restaurant's atmosphere. Overall, it was a good experience, and I would like to go back to try more dishes. Thank you for the meal. P.S. Usually, after eating spicy food, I end up with stomach issues the next day, but surprisingly, I felt fine after this meal. Perhaps the balanced spiciness or quality spices prevented any discomfort.

I went around 4 pm on a Sunday. When I entered the restaurant, it was full of Chinese customers! I was surprised because I thought it would be empty. I was guided to the second floor, which was also full of Chinese people! I decided to order the herbal soup with black-bone chicken. I imagined the soup to be black, but it was actually white. The smooth and rich soup was delicious! I also ordered the pickled cabbage and glass noodle hot pot. The sour cabbage and pork hot pot is already a favorite of mine, but this one with glass noodles was sour and delicious. Perfect for the cold season! The charcoal-grilled skewers at the restaurant were also amazing with their spicy sauce. A must-try dish. The Sichuan-style stir-fried string beans were a favorite of mine since I had them in Shenzhen, China. I always order them wherever I go. Lastly, I ended the meal with scallion pancake, another favorite of mine. I was completely satisfied. I recommend ordering a la carte dishes rather than set menus here.

You can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at a reasonable price here. It's a very considerate restaurant that even offers complimentary fruit dessert if you go late at night. The dumplings are delicious. Actually, they are dumplings, but the filling with scrambled eggs and chives (probably) is unusual and very tasty.

I met with a friend's family who was visiting from Tokyo and requested to come here. Since they had children and a baby with them, a private room was preferred, so I made a reservation for one. It's great that you can reserve a table even during lunchtime for a certain number of people. It was a bit challenging to make the reservation over the phone (seems like there was no staff fluent in Japanese at the time), but it worked out. It was lunchtime, but I wanted to try a variety of dishes, so I opted for a la carte. I ordered various dishes that I had enjoyed before, skipping the details as they are in my previous review, but everything was still delicious! One new dish I tried was the congee, which I ordered for my friend's child. It was surprisingly tasty, with a rich chicken broth flavor. The portion was quite generous too. I was impressed by how delicious congee could be. Although it's a Chinese restaurant, it offers more than just Sichuan cuisine, making it easy to order even with children. It was well-received by the 5-year-old as well. The dessert, date cake, was irresistibly delicious. I couldn't resist even though I was full. It was a day with mostly non-Japanese customers, allowing me to experience the authentic Chinese atmosphere, which made me happy. I will definitely come back again! Thank you for the meal!

Stir-fried meat and vegetable set meal for 620 yen. I usually love the shrimp and egg stir-fry, but sometimes it's nice to try a different menu. So, I ordered the simple "stir-fried meat and vegetable set meal". The ingredients included thinly sliced pork, cabbage, carrots, leeks, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, and other vegetables, with a nice crunch to the vegetables. It's a simple dish, but sometimes it's nice to have something like this. Thank you for the meal.