A famous North Indian curry restaurant just a 10-second walk from Shin-Ochanomizu Station! Popular Kanda Curry Grand Prix winner “Gandhi Mahal”
Gandhi Mahal is an Indian restaurant located on the second floor of the Hosaka Building, a 10-second walk from Shin-Ochanomizu Station. Though it opened in 1999, it boasts a long history, never advertising on social media or its website, giving it a somewhat mysterious, veiled air. However, this restaurant boasts a reputation for excellence, annually competing in the finals of the Kanda Curry Grand Prix, placing among the top 20 in the popularity poll. It’s a long-established, well-known Northern Indian curry spot. Taking the elevator to the second floor, you’ll arrive directly inside the restaurant, without a door, which is a bit of a surprise at first.
Restaurant
During lunchtime, the surrounding businessmen are absorbed into the building, and the restaurant’s 50 seats quickly fill up, proving to be a hotbed of popularity. The Jimbocho/Kanda area is said to be a hotbed of curry restaurants, boasting over 400 unique and delicious curry restaurants. Known as a curry mecca, it attracts discerning gourmets. Among them, Gandhi Mahal is a regular at the Kanda Curry Grand Prix, which annually votes for the best curry restaurant in Kanda and awards the prize. It’s a renowned North Indian curry restaurant, having qualified for the event 11 years in a row. Lunchtime offers all-you-can-eat freshly baked, piping hot, delicious naan. Its light and fluffy texture means even a woman can easily eat two in one. Choose from nine different curries, and the spiciness can be adjusted to five levels.
Lunch 3-Curry Set (Spinach Chicken Curry, Vegetable Curry, Mutton Curry) ¥1,280
Rich gravy, meaty lamb, large pieces of chicken, and a subtle spice level are just right! Its authentic flavor, unchanged for 25 years, is a popular choice. During lunchtime, a drink can be added to the set menu for an additional ¥100.
Masala Tea
With rich gravy and large chunks of meat, the more you eat the tastier it becomes – this is the definitive North Indian curry!
The restaurant’s name, “Gandhi Mahal,” literally translates to “Gandhi’s House” and was chosen in honor of the great Indian figure Mahatma Gandhi. All of the chefs are Indian, and the manager, who speaks fluent Japanese, is originally from North India. Originally from Rishikesh, a holy city for Hindus, the restaurant’s vegetarian menu, featuring vegetables and beans, is also highly acclaimed. Enjoy healthy dishes rich in the aroma of spices, paired with reasonably priced Indian wines and beers. While alcohol is served, the food is halal. There are no pork or beef dishes on the menu. The manager’s recommended menu items are the two Gandhi Thali sets.
Non-Veg Thali and Vegetarian Thali
This chicken tikka is perfect as a snack. The chicken, marinated in spices and yogurt, is tender and juicy, and boneless, making it so delicious you’ll find yourself munching away endlessly. The accompanying cabbage is fresh and complements the light, Japanese-style dressing.
Chicken Tikka
Our cheese naan, lauded on review sites for its delicious flavor, is a hugely popular dish featuring the perfect combination of fluffy, baked naan and rich, flavorful cheese. The secret to its deliciousness is the use of cheese specifically developed for this naan. It’s a must-try dish at Gandhi Mahal.
Cheese Naan
The set menu, featuring three curries to choose from, offers exceptional value, even for dinner. The most popular choices are keema curry for men, vegetable curry with a strong turmeric flavor for women, and mild shrimp curry for children. The creamy, mild shrimp curry, featuring shrimp in its shell, is as popular as butter chicken. Incidentally, keema curry and the highly acclaimed cheese naan will compete in the finals of the 2023 Kanda Curry Grand Prix.
3-Curry Set (Spinach Chicken Curry, Shrimp Curry, Dhal Curry)
Gandhi Mahal is a hidden gem tucked away on the second floor of a building. With no social media presence and limited information, it’s not particularly well-known, but word of mouth has earned it a reputation among those in the know. Be sure to try the delicious curry prepared by this long-established Indian chef.
Supervisor / Recommender
- Halal Supervisor and Foreigner Food Coordinator (Cooking, Consulting, Public Relations)
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Click here for introduction
I currently work as an editor, but my previous job was as a chef, with many years of experience working in hospitals, restaurants, and the food service industry. Looking back, I think my connection to halal may have already been there.
Decades ago, I once worked in a cafeteria at an auction venue. Over 60% of the visitors were foreigners. Many Muslims were present, and the venue had a mosque-like prayer space. I remember being frequently asked questions about whether the meat was halal and what kind of meat it was. At certain times, the cafeteria would become as lively as a festival. The Indian restaurant next door would generously serve free biryani, curry, and sweet drinks to everyone who came. Over 100 people, including people wearing bright red turbans, galabeyas, and traditional attire, gathered in the cafeteria, all sitting around the same table and enjoying a truly enjoyable time. Looking back, it was iftar, the end of fasting, and I understand the significance of sharing, but at the time I was ignorant of halal and Islam, and didn't even consider how to respond. They only ate the curry made by the Indians in the restaurant. As I studied halal, I realized, "I wanted to eat Japanese food, but I couldn't." I regret not doing anything even though there was something I could have done.
If only it didn't contain pork! If only it didn't contain wheat or buckwheat! I could eat it... Food insecurity is different for each person.
That's why I think it's important to learn about the differences in culture, religion, and lifestyle that underlie it, and to create an environment where everyone can enjoy delicious meals in comfort.
The desire for delicious, safe, and secure food is universal. The times are calling for people to live in new ways that transcend borders and religions. I hope that halal can be a gateway to eliminating food insecurity, contributing even in some small way to a society where people can coexist and prosper with more liberal thinking, and to global harmony beyond.
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