Tabelog ratingA compact shop in Shinohashi, Tsuki to Kame (月と亀) has earned a devoted following for its unique take on South Indian food: a Japanese-style "meals" set, or 'mils'. The experience is built around a ritual of tasting and mixing, allowing the flavors to evolve with each bite.
The set centers on ten-grain rice with a papad, surrounded by a collection of small plates. The main curry is selectable, but the star is the house specialty: a sardine meatball curry (鰯のつみれ), praised for its soft texture and deep fish umami. Other popular choices include a pork vindaloo with a bright vinegar note and a milder, coconut-based chicken curry. Guests consistently praise the plentiful side dishes—rasam, vegetable curry, achaar, and poriyal—and the homely, careful cooking, which uses domestic vegetables and no MSG.
The main drawback is the restaurant's size. With just five counter seats and a few tables upstairs, queues are inevitable and the kitchen often sells out before the official 2:30 PM closing time. Service can be brusque during busy periods, and solo diners are often seated more quickly than pairs or groups. While flavorful, the spice level is generally mild, which may underwhelm those seeking fiery heat. Portions are modest, so big eaters should consider ordering an extra side or a larger portion of rice.
Despite the queues, reviewers find it offers excellent value. A typical lunch costs between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999. Recent diners paid around ¥1,150 for the sardine meatball curry set and ¥1,100–¥1,300 for the chicken curry set. Extra small bowls are available for ¥300–¥480, making it easy to sample more without a large expense.
- Getting There: Located a 1-minute walk from Exit A-1 of Morishita Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as queues form before opening and dishes can sell out.
- Seating: The restaurant is very small. Solo diners are often seated faster than groups, who may be split up.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Menu: The menu is in Japanese, but hand-drawn illustrations help with ordering.
- Dietary: Non-smoking establishment.
