Tabelog ratingArabic Cafe & Deli Abu Essam (アラビックレストラン＆カフェ アブイサーム) is one of Tokyo’s few dedicated destinations for authentic Egyptian cooking, run by chef Ibrahim. The cafe has earned a loyal following for its two signature dishes: koshari, a hearty mix of rice, pasta, and lentils in a spiced tomato sauce topped with fried onions; and crispy, fluffy falafel made from fava beans, true to Egyptian tradition.
Guests consistently praise the food and the warm, friendly service from the owner and his staff. The koshari is frequently described as a must-try, and the falafel is lauded for its perfect texture. Reviewers also appreciate the generous portion sizes, the complimentary lentil soup often served at lunchtime, and the overall honest value. The availability of an English menu, along with clearly marked halal and vegan options, makes it particularly welcoming for international visitors. Other popular items include spiced chai, Arabic coffee, and desserts like basbousa and baklava.
The main drawback is the cafe's small size. With only 15 seats, it gets crowded quickly, leading to queues, especially during peak hours. The small kitchen can get overwhelmed when busy, slowing down service, and popular dishes sometimes sell out. Some diners have also noted confusion around payment rules, so it's best to come prepared.
Prices are very reasonable. Lunch is typically under ¥1,000, while dinner averages around ¥3,000–¥3,999. Reviewers recently paid about ¥950–¥1,045 for a plate of chicken koshari and around ¥300 for a two-piece falafel plate or ¥850 for a falafel sandwich. Most agree it offers excellent value for authentic food in Tokyo.
- Getting There: A 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Kagurazaka Station on the Tozai Line.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are the norm, and queues are common. Reservations are accepted but not essential.
- Payment: Cash is recommended, especially for smaller bills. QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted, but sometimes only for totals over ¥3,000. Credit cards and other electronic money are not accepted.
- Seating: 15 seats, including a 7-seat counter and tables for 8. No private rooms.
- Dietary: Halal and vegan options are available. No alcohol is served.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid parking is available nearby.
