Today, I’m in Koenji. Hidden within this neighborhood, where unique cultures blend together, are exciting restaurants that really stir up your appetite. In the back alleys of Koenji, what I’m craving right now is the uncompromising heat of the “real deal.” (Oh no… I’ve been swept up by Koenji’s energy and I’m craving something intense. I won’t be satisfied with a place that’s just for show. Where can I find a spot that lets me feel the breeze from the mainland…?) Found it. The name, carved in red letters on a green sign. “Toyomi-en.” (This color scheme, this atmosphere. No doubt about it. This is the “real deal.”) As I step inside, lively Chinese chatter fills the air. The staff are likely from the region. This unpretentious energy is proof of a great restaurant. “Excuse me, a bottle of Tsingtao beer, please. Also, dumplings, Sichuan mapo tofu, and XO sauce seafood fried noodles.” First, the bottle of Tsingtao beer arrives. I stop the glass the server was about to set down with one hand and grab the bottle myself. (…This is it for today. I’m going with this style.) I down it in one gulp. “Whew…! This is it, this is the stuff.” (A light bitterness and a clean finish. The coldness hitting my throat straight from the bottle signals the start of the battle. Just then, as if to say, “Here I am,” the first dish arrived.) First up: dumplings. “…So, so chewy.” (It’s the wrapper. This thickness and elasticity are proof of authenticity. With every bite, the natural sweetness of the wrapper and the meat juices burst out. The pleasure of washing it down with beer is irresistible. ) Next, a crimson sea is brought to the table. It’s the arrival of Sichuan Mapo Tofu. “...H-hot!” (But that’s exactly what I want! After the piercing heat, the numbing sensation of Sichuan pepper attacks without mercy. The deep richness of the doubanjiang. Chugging the bottled beer, I throw myself into this heated battle. It’s numbing, but I can’t stop.) The finale to this fierce battle is the XO sauce seafood yakisoba. “...M-m-m, delicious.” (The rich umami of the seafood envelops the Sichuanan flames. The deep aroma of the XO sauce clings to the plump shrimp and squid, and my hands move faster as I slurp up the noodles. This wave-like assault of umami. The richness of the yakisoba gently grounds the heat of the Mapo.) Gyoza, mapo tofu, and yakisoba. This perfect lineup. On this night in Koenji, I have now fully made the heat of the mainland my own. (I love it here at Toyoien. Beyond that green signboard lay the finest “rich flavors” Koenji has to offer.) I savor the last bite, wipe the sweat from my brow, and leave the restaurant. “Thank you for the meal.” (Koenji, Toyo-en. Numbing heat and comforting chewiness. I’ll let the night breeze cool my pleasant flush as I wander a little longer through the night in Koenji.)

+3

It was average. The food wasn't bad and neither was the service, nor was it expensive. However, it was not as tasty as the better Chinese places I go to, and I eat a lot of Chinese food. It was average in flavor and quality. I would say it is perhaps watered down in flavor for the Japanese customers. I got Sechuan deep fried chili and chicken, which I usually get anywhere I go. It was bland and there wasn't much edible chili in it. There was almost no Sechuan pepper in it. There was a nice portion size, and the chicken was fried chicken, but it wasn't the Chinese flavor I seek and love. We also got some radish mochi fried cake patties, and those were also just average. The outside wasn't all that crisp and the flavor was bland. I don't think I would choose this place again myself, but for people who like big portions that are not too flavorful, this is probably a dream come true.

+1

A Chinese restaurant with a rich menu and relatively cheap prices. The recommended menu items offer the best value for money. This time, I ordered too much. A set, a stir-fry, and ramen with plenty of liver. I've almost never seen this liver ramen before. It doesn't smell! It's usually empty around 8 PM when I often go.

+3

It's summer! It's Chinese food! It's Toyomien! So I went there✨ (Hey! That's just momentum) First, start with beer. Ordered a Tsingtao beer! They brought a glass but I won't use it lol. Salute straight from the bottle🍻 This is it! Beer that somehow goes well with Chinese food lol. Edamame🫛 nice👍 Century egg (can't eat it though) looks good. Chinjao rosu is good. Sweet and sour pork🍍 is good, good🙌 (I like pineapple🍍). Gyoza is chewy style👍 If I had room in my stomach, I would have eaten mapo tofu and shrimp chili too lol. The interior also feels like a Chinese restaurant, and I had a fun time drinking. Thank you for the meal😊 I will come again. Local memo: - Best value for money maybe lol. - Daytime set meals are under 1000 yen and will fill you up.

+3

I had the mapo tofu set meal. In addition to tofu, it seems to contain chunks of minced meat, green onions, zha cai, and wood ear mushrooms? The texture is interesting and the piping hot sauce is delicious. The side dishes of egg soup, zha cai, and almond tofu were also super delicious. Many people at the surrounding tables were ordering the weekly set menu, so I'd like to try that next time. The restaurant was also clean and nice.