Sample lots of little Japanese dishes at this hidden all-you-can-eat lunch buffet in Shinjuku

Seeking to explore a wide variety of Japanese dishes? Look no further than this "hidden" gem nestled in Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku district. Kakurebo, meaning "Hidden Room," offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet featuring over 35 Japanese dishes on the 7th floor of the Adhoc Building. Surprisingly, this culinary treasure remained undiscovered by even seasoned local writers who have called the area home for over two decades.

Upon entering, a multilingual sign welcomed guests inside. The lunch buffet cost 1,800 yen (US$11.45) for adults and 600 yen for children aged 6-12 on weekdays, while weekend prices were 2,200 yen for adults and 900 yen for children. Children under six enjoyed the buffet free of charge. Rumors of potential lines during lunchtime proved unfounded, as the restaurant was surprisingly calm during our visit around 12:15 p.m.

The buffet boasted an array of Japanese-style dishes alongside cold Chinese-style vegetable sides and various other accompaniments. Hot dishes included ebi shinjo (minced shrimp and seafood dumplings), simmered root vegetables, stir-fried veggies, and stuffed cabbage. The menu also included a mix of deep-fried Western-style Japanese dishes like chicken karaage, pork skewers, and French fries, providing a satisfying balance of flavors.

For those who prefer rice, white rice and multigrain options were readily available. One standout item was pollack roe udon, which added a unique twist to the traditional dish. The overall presentation was impressive, with well-seasoned dishes that struck a perfect balance between lunch-appropriate flavors and deliciousness. While chicken-based dishes dominated the spread, there was a diverse range of preparations and styles to keep even the most discerning palate entertained.

Adding a personal touch, guests could enhance their meals with various seasonings such as salt, curry salt, matcha salt, or yukari (shiso) salt.