In a corner of the underground mall "Hiltopia" at the Shinjuku Hilton Hotel, the scent of curry signals the arrival of lunchtime. I couldn't help but stop, and there I saw the words "Lunch Buffet (1,200 yen including tax)". Five types of curry with naan, rice, salad, and coffee included for this price! But I thought, I'll definitely get sleepy in the afternoon and won't be able to work. So, I opted for the "Economy Lunch (990 yen including tax)" where you can choose one curry from four types. I chose the "Mutton Curry". The mutton had no strong flavor, and the curry was mildly spicy. I could enjoy it without worries. The demitasse coffee after the meal was also rich and delicious. [Date and Time of Visit] Friday (Sunny)/12:55 PM [Queue] None [Service Time] Approximately 5 minutes

There is an Indian restaurant with a buffet that offers chicken curry, as well as daily specials like egg curry and vegetable curry. The great thing is that they provide separate sauces to adjust the spiciness, and you can eat unlimited naan. As a fan of chapati, they brought some out for me when I requested it.

*Waiting time* No waiting before 12:30 on Mondays. *Order & Price* Vegetable curry, naan, salad, coffee for 990 yen. *Atmosphere* Very unique atmosphere. *Service* Accepts PayPay. Served by foreign staff. *Impression* The vegetable curry is mildly spicy and easy to eat, with plenty of edamame and cauliflower. The naan is oily and satisfying, freshly baked in a pot which makes it delicious. *Expectations* It's great to have a good value lunch in the basement of Hilton with good staying power.

Ashoka Shinjuku, a long-established curry restaurant that has been in business for almost 55 years, is loved by many for its unique flavors and atmosphere. Located in the basement of the West Shinjuku Hilton Hotel, the restaurant exudes the aroma of incense and features a dancing Ganesha statue outside. The lunch menu offers a special curry set for 1320 yen, with the option to upgrade to dal curry at no extra cost. The highlight of the meal is the freshly baked naan bread, which is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, reminiscent of high-quality buttered toast. While the curry dishes are more standard, the naan bread alone makes the visit worthwhile. Overall, Ashoka Shinjuku is a must-visit for curry lovers looking for a unique dining experience.

Monday, 13°C, sunny. I visited the Hilton next to the Belsalle Shinjuku building for my tax return. I decided to have lunch at a high-level hotel for a change, so I arrived at 11:30 when they opened. Before the opening, an Indian staff member was singing outside the restaurant. I entered and ordered the lunch buffet for ¥1,200. I chose 4 out of the 5 options available - chicken, beans, pumpkin, and vegetables. The rice was self-serve, and the salad was brought with dressing already added. As I was eating, more customers started to come in - one by one, then two, then three. Among the 4 options, the chicken dish ranged from 1.5 spiciness to 0.5 spiciness for the vegetables. Towards the end of the meal, I started sweating on my neck and forehead. The young person next to me kept praising the food and got 3 refills, saying "This is the last one!" Thank you for the meal. I also had coffee afterwards, and considering it's the Hilton and only ¥1,200, I can definitely come back here more often.

Economy Lunch (Mutton) (990 yen) ✔️ Comes with rice or naan, salad, and coffee after the meal. I visited at 3:37 and was not aware of it, but this is an established Indian restaurant. It is located in the restaurant area on the B1 floor of the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku Nishiguchi. I visited at 12:14 on a weekday. The restaurant was full inside, no waiting outside. If there had been a wait outside, I would have received a complimentary mango lassi. I had visited at the same time the other day and there were 3-4 people waiting outside, but I had to give up due to time constraints. It seems quite crowded during lunchtime. I entered at 12:17. Curry arrived at 12:20. Menu: - Lunch buffet where you can try all 5 types of curry (1,200 yen) is overwhelmingly a good deal. - Economy Lunch where you can choose from chicken, mutton, vegetables, and beans. - There are also higher sets with kebabs and multiple curries. As I had to quickly return to work during my lunch break, I opted for the Economy Lunch instead of the buffet. The gravy was of a thin type. The oil layer was not too thick, and the mutton curry with a thin gravy was delicious. I chose a slightly spicy medium-hot level, which was just right for me. If it's not spicy enough, you can adjust it with cayenne pepper on the table. There were only a few pieces of meat (mutton), which was a bit disappointing, but the tasty gravy made up for it. I was told that you can also eat dinner menu items during lunchtime. They are prepared in advance as there are overseas guests from the Hilton who might visit. I wanted to try the Rogan Josh (lamb), so I would like to go again if the timing is right. If today's mutton was replaced with lamb, it seems delicious. I enjoyed my meal. Thank you.

The other day, when I went to Shinjuku, I had lunch at an Indian restaurant called "Ashoka". When I hear "Ashoka", I remember the old prestigious high-end Indian restaurant that used to be in Ginza, and this seems to be a branch of that restaurant. Personally, my first experience at a genuine Indian restaurant was at Ashoka in Ginza, where I had dinner with Indian friends visiting Japan. It was where I first tasted Naan, Samosa, Pilau, Lassi, and more, and also where I had Christmas meals, took my parents visiting Tokyo for the first time to experience Indian cuisine. Anyway, this restaurant is located in the basement of the Hilton Hotel in Nishi-Shinjuku, close to Nishi-Shinjuku Station and Tochomae Station, and within walking distance from Shinjuku Station. Being underground, it is slightly dim inside and out, but it exudes a sense of high-class elegance as expected from a long-established restaurant. The lunch menu includes a set menu for ¥990, but the main option is the ¥1,200 buffet, which everyone in the restaurant seemed to order. The buffet includes five types of curry, Naan, and rice, all-you-can-eat, with salad and coffee included, but refills are not allowed. There are no side dishes or desserts, which may make it feel a bit lacking, but it's understandable given the location. The curries include egg, pumpkin, vegetables, lentils, and chicken, all with a moderate level of spiciness, but you can adjust it with the chili paste available on the table. Since it's a buffet, the spices are kept mild, but there is no excessive saltiness or watery consistency, giving the impression of well-prepared dishes. The egg and lentil curries were delicious, while the pumpkin was a bit lacking in flavor. The Naan is served freshly baked and cut at the table, which I liked, but there were service issues such as adding leftovers from other tables without asking and removing the basket when Naan ran out, making it difficult to ask for more. The Naan itself was crispy and well-baked, which I enjoyed. The rice is served in a jar and is slightly soft, made with Japanese rice. The coffee is served in a demitasse size, which was a bit small. In terms of taste, it passes, but due to the somewhat lacking content for the price and the service issues, I would rate it slightly lower. When it comes to the lunch buffet, it's better to consider this restaurant as a different establishment with the same name as the one in Ginza.

Located in the underground commercial facility "Hilltopia" at the Hilton Tokyo, this Indian restaurant was established in 1968 and is considered a pioneer in Indian cuisine in Tokyo. The interior is decorated with Indian folk crafts, creating a nice atmosphere. The restaurant only has table seating and is a bit small. The lunch menu includes set options, but the main attraction is the all-you-can-eat buffet for 1,200 yen. Most customers opt for the buffet, and after 12 o'clock, the restaurant quickly fills up. I tried the following: - Lunch Buffet (1,200 yen) - Chicken Curry: A classic chicken curry with a North Indian flair. It's not as thick as curry from Indian-Nepalese curry shops, but it's still a bit creamy and rich. The generous amount of meat adds depth and flavor, making it a simple yet delicious curry. It's mildly spicy, making it suitable for everyone and pairs well with naan. - Egg Chicken Curry: Similar to the previous curry but with a whole boiled egg added. It has a different flavor profile with a coconut-infused seasoning. Best enjoyed with rice or naan. - Keema: A vegetarian option made with soybeans, resembling a typical keema curry but lacking richness due to the use of soybeans. It may taste bland without knowing the background. - Tadaka Dal Palak: A curry made with lentils and finely chopped greens, offering a light and flavorful option for vegetarians. The lentils add a nice depth to the dish, making it a good choice to mix with rice or chicken. - Vegetable Curry: A curry packed with radish, carrots, edamame, and other vegetables. It has a mild spice level and a good amount of vegetables, making it a healthy choice but may lack in flavor compared to other options. Despite the slightly higher price, the generous amount of vegetables makes it a good deal. Overall, Ashoka in Nishi-Shinjuku is a great choice if you want to indulge in Indian curry and get your money's worth.

There is a shop in the basement of Hilton Shinjuku. Lunch was good. The interior was small and crowded. I chose the buffet without hesitation. Personally, I thought the chicken curry and okra curry were delicious with just the right amount of spiciness, but the egg curry was creamy and impressive. I was happy that I could get a refill of naan. The hot naan was thin and I liked it!

Hilton Tokyo's underground restaurant is said to be a long-established store with over 50 years of history. I visited for the curry lunch buffet on a weekday. Around noon, there were a few customers already there and about 5 or 6 more came in later. Besides the buffet, there were other lunch options available. I opted for the buffet, which included four types of curry, rice, steamed buns, naan, salad, and coffee. The curry, rice, and steamed buns were self-service. The staff would come around to offer more naan. It seemed like you couldn't get refills on the salad or coffee. The curries included chicken, egg, beans, and vegetables. They all had a simple and rustic flavor, reminiscent of the curries I've had in India. I particularly enjoyed the chicken curry and egg curry. The naan was thin and also had a simple flavor. The steamed buns were something I hadn't eaten much before, but they had a hint of acidity. (November 2021)

One of the pioneers of Indian restaurants in Japan, Ginza Ashoka. Unfortunately, the main store in Ginza has closed down, but the shop in Shinjuku is still going strong. It is located in the basement of Hilton Shinjuku in the dining area called "Hiltopia." You can easily spot it by the Indian Airlines sign at the entrance. During lunchtime, they mainly offer a buffet. Most people probably opt for this. The price is 1,100 yen and includes 5 types of curry, rice, naan, salad, and coffee. They also have Economy Lunch, Special Lunch, and Ashoka Lunch, but I decided to go for the lunch buffet without much thought. After ordering, they provide plastic gloves for infection prevention and you head to the curry corner. The curries available are "Chicken Curry," "Chicken Keema," "Egg Curry," "Lentil Curry," and "Vegetable Curry." I couldn't resist trying all of them. The rice is served from a rice cooker, and the naan is brought hot from the kitchen. Be careful as the naan is really hot. In terms of taste, the most balanced curry was the Chicken Curry, followed by the Vegetable Curry. Trying all 5 allows you to appreciate the differences in taste. Of course, the Egg Curry was delicious too! Finished off with a cup of coffee. It's a bit tricky to find, but it gets quite crowded during lunchtime so be prepared.

A long-established curry restaurant located in the basement of Hilton. On weekdays, the buffet is cheap at 1,100 yen. It includes salad, 5 types of curry, naan, rice, and coffee. The egg curry with boiled eggs in it is not commonly seen in Japan, but it seems to be popular in India. The curry is on the thinner side. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is calm, and there weren't many people there at the time. I had a leisurely lunch as I wasn't in a hurry with work.

According to the restaurant's PR, King Ashoka advocated for peace, helped the poor, and loved Buddhism. The restaurant was established in 1968 and has a history of over 50 years. It has overcome challenges like the oil shock, Lehman shock, East Japan earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic. There is hand sanitizer at the entrance, and all staff, including chefs, wear masks. They disinfect the area after customers leave. I visited on a sunny and warm weekday due to work at the Shinjuku International Building. I chose this Indian restaurant in the basement. Customers come in consistently. I ordered the Economy Lunch (I think it was 950 yen including tax) and chose the mutton curry. The rice was regular Japanese white rice as described by the restaurant, with a side salad. The mutton was just right and had a good spice level, quite delicious. It came with a demitasse cup of coffee. They also provide hand wipes. It's far from my usual area, so I may not go back soon, but I was satisfied.

Located in the commercial facility "Hiltopia" in the basement of Hilton Tokyo, this Indian restaurant was established in 1968 and is considered a pioneer of Indian cuisine in Tokyo. The restaurant is decorated with Indian folk crafts, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The seating is limited to tables, and the restaurant is a bit small, but due to the impact of COVID-19, there were fewer customers, making it a comfortable environment. The lunch menu includes set meals, but the main attraction is the all-you-can-eat option for 1,100 yen. Most customers opt for the all-you-can-eat option. I tried the Lunch Buffet (1,100 yen) which includes five types of curry, naan, rice, and salad, with coffee served after the meal. The curries are displayed in insulated pots at the buffet area. The salad is pre-portioned in small dishes, and fresh naan is served upon request. - Chicken Curry: A standard chicken curry with moderate spiciness. It contains only chicken as the main ingredient and has a moderate thickness without the sticky texture found in Nepalese curries. The high quality of the restaurant elevates the taste to a different level. - Chicken Vindaloo: This curry features a higher amount of cloves, resulting in a slightly milder spiciness compared to traditional Vindaloo. It includes potatoes and has a well-balanced flavor that appeals to Japanese taste preferences. - Egg Curry: Eggs simmered in curry sauce without any additional ingredients. It has a light cardamom aroma and is not very spicy, making it a good choice for egg lovers. - Yogurt Vegetable Tempura Curry (Dari Pakora): A unique curry with a yellow base made from yogurt, featuring small brown tempura pieces floating on top. The tempura is made from a paste of beans and vegetables, resembling an Indian-style tempura. While the tempura lacks the expected flavor, the curry offers a unique vegetarian option with a variety of Indian curry flavors. - Vegetable Curry: A curry packed with green beans, carrots, broccoli, edamame, and other vegetables, providing a flavorful and rich vegetable experience. Despite the abundance of vegetables, the curry's spices eliminate any grassy taste, resulting in a delicious and complex flavor profile. - Naan: A fluffy and fragrant naan that is different from the sweet and fluffy naans found in Nepalese curry restaurants. It has a natural fluffiness and a crispy texture, making it a delicious accompaniment to the curries. - Rice: Served as self-service with Japanese rice, it pairs well with the North Indian-style curries, but also complements the chicken curry dishes. - Salad: Consists of shredded cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and corn, dressed with French dressing. - Coffee: A demitasse cup of regular drip coffee served after the meal. Considering that a typical curry lunch in Nishi-Shinjuku costs around 1,000 yen for two types of curry, being able to enjoy five different high-quality curries at this price point offers great value. With a range of flavors from familiar to unique options, customers can enjoy a variety of curries and find their favorites.

Buffet style yogurt curry with a mild taste, including vegetable curry, keema curry, egg curry, and chicken butter curry, along with salad, rice, and naan. The naan is always served fresh and the butter flavor is exquisite. The spiciness of the curry can be adjusted with a separate spicy sauce, ranging from mild to extremely spicy. All you can eat buffet for 1100 yen!

Located in the underground shopping area of the Shinjuku Hilton Hotel, there is a pioneer in spreading North Indian cuisine in Japan called Achoka. The restaurant only has tables and a tandoor oven is set up near the entrance. Established in 1968 in Roppongi, Achoka became well-known in Ginza as well, but both locations had to close due to the aging of the buildings. Currently, this branch is the only one left. In Japan, there is a common belief that Indian food should be eaten with naan bread, but in reality, most Indians eat chapati instead of naan. The introduction of naan by Achoka in Japan led to the misconception that Indian food should be paired with naan. The reason why naan is not as popular in India is due to economic factors and the preference for whole wheat chapati over refined flour naan. In Japan, however, naan's taste and volume fit well with the Japanese palate. The lunch at Achoka is served buffet-style, and I ordered a curry and tandoori set. The curry was made with a lot of vegetables, giving it a rich flavor. The mutton curry I chose was not too sweet and had a refreshing taste with a good balance of spices. The buffet lunch is a good deal as you can have unlimited servings of 4-5 curries and naan. Overall, the mutton curry at Achoka was the most refreshing and had a good aftertaste compared to other North Indian restaurants I have visited recently.

I visited the restaurant located in the basement of Shinjuku Hilton. The background music was Indian pop. I ordered the "Economy Lunch" which was lamb with naan bread, as I can communicate in basic Japanese. The food was served in about 3 minutes. The naan bread was buttery and the lamb was tender. The demitasse coffee was a bit weak.

Overwhelmingly cost-effective. At Hilton's basement, you can enjoy 5 types of curry, rice, and naan with unlimited refills for only 1200 yen! Comes with salad and coffee too! The curry is authentic and easy to eat, and the service is great! Thank you for the meal!

This is a lunch buffet curry. There are 5 types of curry, salad, naan, mango lassi, and coffee. Very satisfying. The best recommendation was the chicken curry. The naan was also delicious, freshly baked.

It is convenient to have a lunch buffet nearby for 1100 yen when you want to eat curry at noon.