DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2026.07.07
A Local Diner in Shimokitazawa Offering More Than 16 Types of Teishoku
Nearest Station
"SHOKUDO DODODO" is a popular local diner in Shimokitazawa, known for its generous, reasonably priced teishoku. The diner is always lively, attracting regulars including musicians and staff from local vintage clothing shops. A teishoku is a traditional Japanese meal consisting of rice, soup, pickles, and a main dish. At "SHOKUDO DODODO," the menu features more than 16 types of teishoku, including the popular Beef Tendon Stew Teishoku and Chicken Nanban Teishoku. The diner also offers a wide selection of otsumami—small dishes that pair well with drinks—making it an easy place to enjoy not only lunch but also daytime drinks. We visited "SHOKUDO DODODO" with the staff of Shimokitazawa vintage clothing shop "Pheasant." They often stop by for teishoku during their lunch breaks or after work, making the diner one of their favorite neighborhood spots.
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"SHOKUDO DODODO" is located in South Wave Shimokitazawa, a commercial building tucked away on a side street just a two-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station via the South Exit Shopping Street. Opened in 2023, the diner was founded by the former owner of "Sankaku," a beloved teishoku restaurant in Shimokitazawa that closed to the regret of many customers. Although it has been open for only about three years, it has already become a favorite among many regulars.
“I started playing in bands in my twenties, and Shimokitazawa has always been where I performed, spent my free time, and hung out. I've been connected to this neighborhood for more than 20 years. That's why I want this to be a neighborhood diner where local residents and regulars can feel comfortable stopping by,” says owner Akiko Kawabata.
Inside, natural light pours in through the large windows, illuminating round stools and handmade tables that Kawabata built herself, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From noon to 10 p.m., the diner attracts students, vintage clothing shop staff, and people involved in theater and music, from lunchtime through the end of the workday, reflecting the diverse culture of Shimokitazawa.
The South Exit Shopping Street near Shimokitazawa Station is lined with vintage clothing shops and is a popular destination for visitors. Introducing "SHOKUDO DODODO" are Hotaka Saito (left) and Hiroto Tanaka (right), staff members at the Shimokitazawa vintage clothing shop "Pheasant."
Walk down the side street and you'll find the sign for "SHOKUDO DODODO." The alley is also lined with distinctive restaurants and bars, giving it the eclectic atmosphere that Shimokitazawa is known for.
The glass-fronted exterior offers a view inside the diner. During busy hours, a line often forms outside.
During the day, natural light pours in through the large windows, creating a bright and casual atmosphere.
The diner has four counter seats and around 16 table seats. One wall is covered with posters related to music and theater.
Above the counter are posters for live performances by friends of the diner. Kawabata and several of the staff are also active musicians, so many people from the local music scene stop by.
Owner Akiko Kawabata is known for her signature bun hairstyle. Her cheerful and warm personality keeps many regulars coming back.
Even on the diner's regular closing days, Kawabata comes in to prepare ingredients. She says it's all to make sure every customer leaves happy.
Lunchtime lines are a daily sight at "SHOKUDO DODODO." The secret to its popularity lies in its generous, reasonably priced teishoku. A teishoku is a traditional Japanese meal consisting of rice, soup, pickles, and a main dish. At "SHOKUDO DODODO," the menu features more than 16 varieties of teishoku, including the popular Beef Tendon Stew Teishoku, Chicken Nanban Teishoku, and Hamburg Steak Teishoku, each prepared with careful attention to flavor and texture.
Another welcome feature is that one refill of rice is free, and larger servings are always welcome. “Shimokitazawa has a lot of young people, so I want everyone to leave with a full stomach. I want people who come here looking forward to a good meal to leave satisfied,” says owner Akiko Kawabata. This has been one of her guiding principles since the diner first opened.
A traditional teishoku follows the ichiju-sansai style, with rice placed at the front left, soup at the front right, and the main and side dishes arranged behind them. This is a classic style of meal presentation in Japan.
The rice served at "SHOKUDO DODODO" is sourced from "Yajima Seimai-ten," a rice shop in Shimokitazawa that Kawabata has worked with for 14 years. The shop supplies carefully selected domestically grown rice chosen by a certified rice master.
The most popular item on the menu is the Chicken Nanban Teishoku. Unlike the moist-style chicken nanban traditionally served in Miyazaki Prefecture, "SHOKUDO DODODO" prepares it with a light tempura-style batter for a crisp finish. “The coating is incredibly crispy, and it goes perfectly with the tartar sauce. If you come to "SHOKUDO DODODO," this is one dish you shouldn't miss!” says Saito of "Pheasant." Chicken Nanban Teishoku ¥1,250
A favorite among regulars, the Miso Beef Tendon Stew Teishoku is slowly simmered in the diner's signature miso-based broth. “I always end up ordering the beef tendon stew. The tender beef tendon practically melts in your mouth, and it's the kind of dish that makes you keep reaching for more rice. It's comforting and satisfying every time,” says Tanaka of "Pheasant." Miso Beef Tendon Stew Teishoku ¥1,250
Each Hamburg Steak is shaped by hand after the order is placed, then grilled to order. Soft enough to cut with chopsticks and generously sized, it is juicy thanks to the generous amount of onion mixed into the meat. Served with grated daikon and ponzu, it has a light, refreshing finish. Hamburg Steak Teishoku with Grated Daikon and Ponzu ¥1,250
Shogayaki, one of Japan's best-known home-style dishes, features pork stir-fried with a sweet and savory ginger sauce. At "SHOKUDO DODODO," the pork belly and onions are quickly stir-fried over high heat to preserve their texture. The fragrant sauce and aroma of ginger make it the perfect companion to a bowl of rice. Shogayaki Teishoku ¥1,150
“A large pork cutlet topped with plenty of demi-glace curry sauce—it's the perfect combination! Whenever I'm in the mood for a hearty meal, this is what I order,” says Saito of "Pheasant." Demi Katsu Curry Teishoku ¥1,530
The house-made demi-glace curry sauce has a light, smooth texture that never feels too rich. Despite its generous portion, it's surprisingly easy to finish.
At "SHOKUDO DODODO," you can enjoy alcoholic drinks from lunchtime onward. In addition to ordering the main dishes from the teishoku menu à la carte, the diner also offers a wide selection of otsumami—small dishes that pair well with drinks—including unique dishes such as taro and natto croquettes. True to Kawabata's love of alcohol, the drink menu features favorites such as Akaboshi beer, Hoppy, shochu, and single-serving cups of sake. You can also enjoy Hoppy in the traditional naka-soto style, mixing shochu ("naka") with Hoppy ("soto") yourself. Although "SHOKUDO DODODO" is a teishoku diner, it's also a great place to enjoy daytime drinks.
Miso Mayo Cucumber (left, ¥380) and Red Sausage (right, ¥450) are also popular with international visitors. The red sausage is served as octopus-shaped sausage, a nostalgic Japanese style. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it's a perfect match for a drink.
The Taro and Natto Croquette combines the creamy texture of taro with the distinctive flavor of natto. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, it's a unique dish you'll want to order again. Main dishes from the teishoku menu are also available à la carte. Taro and Natto Croquette ¥800
Hoppy can also be enjoyed in the traditional naka-soto style, mixing shochu ("naka") with Hoppy ("soto") yourself.
The teishoku, otsumami, and drink menus are also available in English.
“It’s not just about the food—the atmosphere inside the restaurant and the staff remind me of that cool yet warm vibe unique to Shimokitazawa that I used to long for over 10 years ago. Every time I come to ‘SHOKUDO DODODO,’ I’m reminded just how great Shimokitazawa is, and how glad I am to have opened my shop here. It’s the kind of place that makes me think, ‘I’ll do my best at work again starting tomorrow!’”
The information in this article is current as of July 7, 2026 (at the time of publication).
