Pay homage to Japan’s top university—Tokyo University’s cafeteria with super affordable meals

Photo & Text /by Hanri Anko, excerpted from *Adults’ Tokyo Holidays* published by Popular Wind Publishing

The University of Tokyo’s Hongo Central Cafeteria

Have you ever eaten at a university or public institution’s cafeteria? It’s a really interesting experience. Since the food is meant for staff or students, the prices are generally much cheaper than at regular restaurants. In Tokyo, if you want to try the taste of student cafeteria food, head to the University of Tokyo!

First-timers might get confused about how to order. First, when you arrive, check out the food models in the display case, pick what you want to eat, and remember the menu name (because the ticket machine doesn’t have pictures). Then go to the ticket machine to buy your meal ticket, and after that, line up to wait for entry. Once inside the cafeteria, grab a tray and go to the various counters, hand over your meal ticket to the staff to receive your food.

Finally, go get your utensils, pour yourself some tea (it’s free!), find a seat, and enjoy your meal. This underground cafeteria at the University of Tokyo, known as “Hongo Central Cafeteria,” completed in Showa 51 (1976), has a huge space with 420 seats. Even if there’s a long line, you generally don’t have to worry about not finding a seat.

Lunch and dinner menus differ, and new dishes and recommended menus are introduced each season and month. Simply put, the options are divided into rice bowls, noodles, and à la carte items. The variety here is truly rich, almost overwhelming. Those who can’t decide can opt for a set meal, while those who like to mix and match can choose several à la carte items to create their own combo.

The price of every dish is really super cheap: the Central Set Meal is 490 yen, curry rice is 410 yen, miso soup is 30 yen, macaroni salad is 80 yen, boiled egg is 60 yen, grilled fish is 160 yen, and so on. Want to try multiple flavors? Go for the small portions—but be careful not to order too much!

Recommended nearby attractions: the bronze statue where Hachiko met his professor, Yasuda Auditorium, and the Red Gate

Hongo Central Cafeteria
Address: B1/B2, Front Plaza of Yasuda Auditorium, University of Tokyo Campus, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3812-7336 (University extension: 27997)
Hours: Weekdays 11:00–21:00, Saturdays/holidays from 11:00 until 14:00 (temporary closure during exams or holidays, closed during year-end and New Year holidays)
Access: 6-min walk from Oedo Line “Hongo Sanchome” Station
Must-try menu: Curry Rice (regular 430 yen, small 250 yen), Red Gate Pasta (creamy tomato flavor, 490 yen), Grilled Meat + Fried Cheese Chicken Breast (Chicken Schnitzel, 680 yen) Official website:http://www.utcoop.or.jp/d1/

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