I visited a Chinese restaurant called "Kotsuki Shinjuku" around 6 pm on a holiday in February 2023. Located on the 2nd floor of a building about a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, the restaurant had a small interior with only two other customers. I had made a reservation for the "Food and Health Course" for ¥7,000, so I ordered a "draft beer" for ¥740 to start off. The appetizer consisted of three dishes: stir-fried beef and rapeseed flowers, jellyfish, and hokke (Okhotsk atka mackerel) with pea sprouts. All three dishes were delicious, with the hokke standing out with its unique flavor. The black squid with chili sauce was interesting, as it had a spicy kick to it. I switched to a pot of Shaoxing wine for ¥1,750 after the beer, which had a smooth and rich taste. The seasonal health soup, made with Chinese yam, lotus root, sake lees, shiitake mushrooms, Thai ginger, and lamb, was a highlight of the course. The fried wontons with shrimp and butterbur sprouts were tasty, and the steamed chicken with dried vegetables had a subtle spice flavor. The mapo tofu with rice was flavorful and paired well with the Shaoxing wine. The coconut pudding with buntan and mango sauce was a refreshing dessert. Overall, the course at "Kotsuki" was a delightful experience, offering high-quality Chinese cuisine in a relaxed setting near Shinjuku Gyoen.

It seems like they are closing on 9/15, so I rushed over and arrived at 12:59 on Saturday, only to find 12 people waiting outside. I finally got a seat on the bench with a roof at 13:16. The lunch course was decent. The appetizer trio was okay, with the scallops being simple and delicious, the edamame having a Chinese-style seasoning which was tasty, and the jellyfish having a perfect crunchy texture. The chicken with leek sauce was safe and tasty. The herbal soup was amazing, with a unique sweetness different from desserts and very easy to drink. The dim sum included a corn meat bun and a Thai curry-style shumai with dill, both surprisingly delicious. The main dish of shrimp and lotus root stir-fry (with pressed barley in the rice) was outstanding, with the shrimp being bouncy and bursting with flavor. The lotus root, asparagus, wood ear mushrooms, and pumpkin were all of high quality. The dessert was almond tofu with peach sauce, similar to Caldi's almond tofu. It was good. The main store of Kotsuki is apparently in Ikenohata, and this branch is closing to move to Waseda. Although they have already rented a property in Waseda, the opening date is uncertain due to construction delays. They won't be able to focus on the construction while running this branch. Overall, it was delicious, and I look forward to visiting the Waseda location once it opens.

Shrimp and hollow heart vegetable stir-fried with fermented tofu lunch set for 1400 yen. Changing to a health-preserving hot spring for an additional 700 yen. The first cold tea served was unclear, but upon researching, it was found to be Tieguanyin tea (not the expected cooling tea). Originally from Fujian Province, I have never tasted this type of Tieguanyin tea, so it's quite intriguing. Today's seasonal soup is a medicinal soup called "Qi Yin Double Supplement," made with winter melon, Korean ginseng, lotus seeds, longan, shiitake mushrooms, and pork. When consumed, the various ingredients blend harmoniously, leaving a natural sweet taste that permeates the body. No sauce is needed due to the pleasant natural flavor. The shrimp and hollow heart vegetable stir-fry is cooked just right with a subtle seasoning, offering a crisp texture and a delightful aroma. The almond tofu served at the end is elegant and surprising. It has a yogurt-like overflowing milky taste, a hint of sweetness, and a smooth and velvety texture that lingers on the palate. In essence, it is a simple yet well-considered dish with perfectly cooked ingredients and a sense of taste that shines through.

Because it's in the neighborhood, I always made sure to go at least once a month to Mr. Furutsuki's restaurant. I heard that he will be moving on September 15th, so I immediately made a reservation. Today turned out to be my last dinner there, and I am so sad, so sad beyond words. I usually ordered the evening set menu, which was around 2000 yen, but this time I tried the special "Health Preservation Set" for the first time. From the appetizers to the mapo tofu, and even the dessert, everything was seriously, seriously, seriously delicious. It's tasty but not greasy, doesn't make you feel heavy, yet leaves you satisfied. It's truly a wonderful, wonderful restaurant with a lot of taste. Since hearing that it will be closing, I have felt even more strongly how amazing it is. It's really sad to see these honest, reasonably priced, and carefully crafted restaurants disappearing more and more while chain restaurants expand. I heard that they will be moving to Nishi-Waseda, and I definitely want to visit the new location. Thank you so much for everything up until now.

I arrived at 11:15 to wait for the 11:30 opening, and there were already 20 people in line. By the time they opened, they could only let in about 45 people, and I just made it in on the first round. Inside, you go up a narrow staircase to the second floor. While this place may be expensive at night, you can have lunch for 1500 yen. This area near Shinjuku Gyoen has many famous restaurants and is a highly competitive area. The taste is elegant and gentle on the body. After having lunch, you'll want to come back at night as well.

2021, 2023 Chinese Cuisine TOKYO Top 100 Restaurants. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed on September 15, 2023 (Friday). I went to try the dishes of this famous restaurant before it closed. I visited on Sunday around 12:30. There were 4 people waiting outside the restaurant. Inside, there were also several people waiting. I entered the restaurant 15 minutes later. There were mostly solo or duo diners. I ordered the menu I had in mind in advance: - Lunch set (B: Sichuan Mapo Tofu) 1,400 yen (with rice, vegetable soup, mini salad, pickles, and dessert) - Changed vegetable soup to Seasonal Health Soup +700 yen Total 2,100 yen The food arrived in less than 10 minutes. Sichuan Mapo Tofu is a popular menu item. It wasn't very spicy, but the umami from the minced meat and ingredients was amazing. It may seem oily, but it wasn't heavy at all. I ended up getting a second serving of rice. - Seasonal Health Soup - Heat-clearing and heat-relieving - The taste was mild and seemed good for the body, but personally, it didn't leave a strong impression. However, the chicken was tender and delicious. It's unfortunate that the restaurant closed, but they seem to be preparing for a new establishment, so I'll patiently wait. Thank you for the meal.

Ranked among the top 100 Chinese restaurants in Japan in 2023. I visited on a Friday at 12:30, and although it was full, I was able to be seated right away as there was one person paying their bill. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was calm, with typical Chinese background music playing. First, we were served with a warm towel and cold tea in wine glasses. Since it was hot that day, I ordered the chilled tantanmen. It arrived in about 10 minutes, with the chili oil served separately so you can adjust the spiciness to your liking. The dish came in a cool bowl with thin noodles, sliced cucumbers, and crushed peanuts. The broth was sesame-based, and I started by eating it as it was, gradually adding more chili oil. I thought it wouldn't be too spicy because it was cold, but it turned out to have quite a kick, especially when scooping from the bottom black part. I adjusted the amount of chili oil and enjoyed it until the end. After finishing the tantanmen, dessert was served - a delightful lychee jelly with just the right amount of sweetness. The total bill came to 1400 yen including tax, and I was told that I could use a payment method that is widely accepted. I decided to pay using PayPay, which has a campaign going on. Although I didn't win the full amount, I did get some cashback. I will definitely come back to try other menu items besides the chilled tantanmen.

Located near Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, Kogetsu Shinjuku offers a refreshing lunch experience with a view of the park's promenade from the second floor. I opted for the lunch set and ordered the A meat dish, which was incredibly tender and easy to eat. The dish was packed with plenty of vegetables. They also provide unlimited oolong tea served in a teapot, which was a nice touch. The flavors of the dishes were mild and gentle on the palate, perfect for those who prefer lighter tastes. The entrance is on the first floor, but you have to climb stairs to reach the second floor, so it may be challenging for those who have difficulty with stairs (there is no elevator).

I walked around Shinjuku Gyoen and got hungry, so I decided to have some Chinese food. I made it just in time for the last order for lunch. I ordered a set with chicken and eggplant miso stir-fry and mapo tofu. It was indeed gentle in flavor. The chicken and eggplant stir-fry went well with rice. I thought it was mapo tofu, but it turned out to be mapo tofu with mala flavor, which was not as sweet and spicy, and had a lot of oil in the tofu. It didn't have much flavor, so I sprinkled a lot of Sichuan pepper. The almond tofu that came out at the end was amazing and surprising. I think the true charm of the restaurant can be appreciated through their dinner course.

For two consecutive years, the skills of this hidden gem of a restaurant have shone brightly as a top 100 restaurant. It's a place known to those in the know, with a secret line forming. While I was curious about the cold noodles, I decided to go for the lunch set with Mapo Tofu. With each hot and flavorful bite, I realized this wasn't my usual Mapo Tofu - it was actually Mapo Tofu without meat, but with a Sichuan flair. The spiciness was just right, and the dish was so delicious that I ended up finishing every last drop. The main dish aside, the soup with enoki mushrooms, cabbage, and bean sprouts, along with the stir-fried carrots, daikon, and peanuts were so tasty that I wanted seconds (you can also get extra rice with barley). The soup warmed my stomach, and I couldn't get enough of the almond jelly dessert. As I finished my meal, I started sweating more and more, but I realized it was the power of traditional Chinese medicine in action. I can only imagine how much more my metabolism would be boosted if I tried their evening course.

I found a Chinese restaurant while walking during lunchtime and decided to drop in. The restaurant had a nice selection of dishes and a quiet atmosphere that made it comfortable. They offered three lunch sets where you could choose a main dish. They also had other options like Szechuan mapo tofu, but I forgot the names of the dishes. You could also order side dishes. I didn't try it this time, but I was curious about the seasonal nourishing soup.

The atmosphere at the Shinjuku branch of Kotsuki was great, and the staff were very friendly and provided excellent service. I ordered the Yoro course, which had a decent portion size and high quality deliciousness. I would definitely want to visit this restaurant again! I recommend everyone to give it a try!

Today, I had a meeting in Shinjuku Sanchome and decided to have lunch here for the first time in 11 years. I arrived a little after 12:30 and the restaurant was almost full, but I managed to get a table without waiting. The location here is amazing, right next to Shinjuku Gyoen where you can enjoy the view from your seat. The customers ranged from young to elderly, with a group of four elegant older women having lunch. I ordered the Szechuan Mapo Tofu (1400 yen). The rice is free refill, and you can add as much Sansho pepper to the Mapo Tofu as you like. The rice was delicious, made with barley. The Mapo Tofu lacked a bit of spiciness, so I added extra Sansho pepper. Although it didn't taste very spicy, I could feel the heat as I started sweating, so it had a decent level of spiciness. The tofu was unique, not silky but more cotton-like in texture. The soup was well-prepared with wolfberries in it. The salad was nicely chilled, with a variety of leafy greens. I had a second serving of rice. The tea was served in a teapot, a very thoughtful touch. Lastly, almond jelly dessert was served, smooth with kiwi inside, a high-quality finish. The high-quality and meticulous dishes, along with the location next to Shinjuku Gyoen, truly lived up to its reputation as a Tabelog Top 100 restaurant in 2021 and 2023!

Visited one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in Japan. The most talked-about anime of the spring 2023 season after 3-4 episodes tends to be the favorite of most anime fans, typically their "best girl." While I have other anime that I personally enjoy more, this one surprised me with its mystery elements despite appearing to be an idol show. The first episode was sensational, and it even inspired the creation of MAD videos, which have become less common in recent years. The opening theme, which transitions into the Getter Robo theme halfway through, is a perfect match. It makes you want to reclaim your fiery spirit and defeat unforgivable enemies. Now, onto "Kotsuki Shinjuku," a restaurant located near Shinjuku Gyoen Park, selected as one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants. Despite the usual trend of high-end establishments in this category, this restaurant is relatively affordable. Lunch can be enjoyed for around 1,000 yen, and with the right choices, dinner can be satisfying for around 2,000 yen. The restaurant is located near the park, offering a view of the greenery during the daytime. The exterior features a bright red facade with decorative pots for storing alcohol. Inside, tea sets are neatly arranged, creating an atmosphere where you can almost hear the sound of a erhu playing. The menu includes course options with advance reservations, but the "dinner set" set menu offers good value for money, similar to the lunch prices. There are also a few à la carte options available. Here's what I tried: - Assorted appetizers: Steamed chicken, vinegar-soaked bamboo shoots, and simmered firefly squid. The crunchy bamboo shoots and tender firefly squid were delicious. - Hong Kong-style sausage: Sliced sausage with a slightly coarse texture and a hint of spiciness. It makes for a great snack and pairs well with rice. - Dinner set: Sichuan-style mapo tofu served in a hot pot. The numbing spiciness of Sichuan peppercorns hits you immediately. The generous amount of minced meat adds a chewy texture, and the option for unlimited rice refills was a pleasant surprise. - Peach-shaped steamed bun: A cute dessert in the shape of a peach, with a fluffy dough and a light sweet red bean filling. The staff were very friendly and attentive, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It was a delightful dining experience!

I always see a long line, so when I called while nearby, they said there was no wait and I hurried over. It was my first time trying medicinal Chinese cuisine, and I enjoyed the gentle flavors. For lunch, you can upgrade from vegetable soup to the famous medicinal soup for an additional 800 yen, so I think it's a good place to start. I managed to make a reservation for dinner and vowed to visit again.

I made a big mistake by forgetting the materials for a training session at a client's place, but luckily my grandmother came to the rescue and delivered them to me. To show my gratitude, I treated her to a medicinal Chinese lunch at "Kotsuki." We ordered the lunch set for 1400 yen, which included stir-fried pork and shepherd's purse, stir-fried shrimp and kailan with fermented tofu, and jasmine tea with kiwi jelly. The pork and fragrant shepherd's purse were delicious, and the crunchy lotus roots were soothing. The shrimp prepared by my grandmother was also tender and tasty. The kailan was vibrant green and well-cooked. The jasmine tea and kiwi jelly were refreshing and delightful. It was a happy and fulfilling meal at a cozy restaurant. Thank you for the delicious food.

Established in 2007 (Heisei 19), "Kotsuki Shinjuku" is a Chinese restaurant located in Shinjuku Gyoen. This restaurant offers elegant and delicious Chinese cuisine using medicinal herbs, making it a valuable dining spot. I made a reservation for the "Spring Health Course" in advance and visited the restaurant. The course included: three types of appetizers, boiled fresh fish with daidai soy sauce, seasonal health soup (black dates, jujube, tangerine peel, ginger, soybeans, chicken), green vegetable steamed buns, deep-fried pork with sesame seed sauce, mapo tofu with rice, and dessert. When it comes to medicinal cuisine, I had a vague impression of bland flavors, but the dishes at this restaurant completely dispelled any doubts. Personally, the health soup left a lasting impression on me. Each sip felt like a warm cleanse for both the heart and stomach, leaving a comforting warmth inside. I also loved the mapo tofu, which had a subtle touch of spiciness from Sichuan pepper and rich flavor from the minced meat. It was so delicious that I wanted to devour it all in one go. Every dish was delicious, and the variety of wines, health wines, and Shaoxing wines was impressive. The staff's attentive service also added to the pleasant dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone interested.

Located near Shinjuku Gyoen Station and right next to the Gyoen, so the location is good. I used it for a business dinner, and both the pace of the food and the service were quite good. There was no particularly memorable dish, but the food was fresh with slightly different ingredients and seasoning compared to the usual Chinese cuisine. I would like to visit again when the course menu changes.

This time, the restaurant is "Kogetsu Shinjuku". Located near Shinjuku Gyoenmae, the concept is to enjoy healthy Chinese cuisine that is good for both body and mind. The location is just a short walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, right next to Shinjuku Gyoen. It was around 1 pm. The entrance is a bit hard to find, but you can spot it by the red wall and walk towards the back where there are stairs. The interior is cozy and has an open atmosphere with natural light coming in from Shinjuku Gyoen next door. The customers were mostly elderly. Perhaps due to the focus on health-conscious dining. I ordered the "Sichuan Mala Tofu" with a seasonal health soup instead of the regular vegetable soup. Kogetsu changes the main meat and fish dishes weekly. Among them, the Sichuan Mala Tofu seems to be a regular menu item. Now, waiting while sipping on some Chinese tea, the Sichuan Mala Tofu arrives. It looks delicious. Let's dig in. Report ~~~ - This week's lunch set: 1400 yen - Health soup change: 700 yen I quickly put the Mala Tofu on the rice and take a bite... Wow! Spicy! Delicious! The spicy and oily Mala Tofu is full of flavor, not too strong or too weak, with a lingering coolness at the end. The sweetness of the minced meat complements the spiciness well. It's not just about being spicy, it also warms you up from the inside. The health soup is quite light, with a subtle vegetable broth flavor and a gentle herbal aroma. It doesn't have intense flavors in the ingredients, so I dip it in the separate strong sauce provided. Kogetsu's specialty is this soup. It's delicious and good for the body, so it's a must-try. In the elegant space with elegant dishes, I shamelessly wolfed down the rice. Sorry. It was so delicious. Thank you for the meal. Epilogue ~~~ It had been a few years since my last visit, but Kogetsu still serves the best Mala Tofu I've ever had. Authentic spiciness and aroma with just the right amount of indulgence. Also, the fact that the spices are not directly mixed in makes it very easy to eat (easy to mix with rice), which is my favorite point. I always end up ordering the Mala Tofu, but next time I want to try something else. I will definitely come back. Thank you for the delicious meal.

Lunch was enjoyed at this restaurant, where the dishes were beautifully presented and the more you ate, the more you were drawn into the exotic charm of Chinese cuisine. The rice was delicious in a unique way, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was relaxed, with some customers even enjoying tea and chatting after their meal. Personally, the almond tofu was too delicious to resist. It was so delicate and tasty that I wanted to eat a mountain of it...

A Chinese medicinal cuisine restaurant facing Shinjuku Gyoen. The carefully prepared dishes, the clean and calm atmosphere of the restaurant, and the bright windows overlooking the Gyoen are all impressive. While the famous dish here is the delicious mapo tofu, other dishes like stir-fries are also excellent. The "Lunch Set" (1400 yen, tax included) offers three options, and on this day, two of us ordered options A and C. - Lunch A: "Beef and broccoli soy sauce stir-fry" - Lunch C: "Shrimp and cauliflower salt stir-fry" Each set comes with vegetable soup, barley rice, salad, pickles, and almond tofu. Impressions of the menu: - Beef and broccoli soy sauce stir-fry: A light soy sauce flavor with tender and high-quality beef. The vegetables are also thick and crunchy, providing a delightful texture. - Shrimp and cauliflower salt stir-fry: A slightly salty flavor with plump shrimp and a perfect balance of seasoning. - Vegetable soup: A flavorful vegetable broth that warms the body. - Almond tofu: A small serving with a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. Overall impression: The dishes showcase the quality of the ingredients and the skillful preparation, resulting in a delightful dining experience. The simplicity and attention to detail in the cooking process bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. The restaurant's dishes are a favorite, and the desire to return for more is strong.