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What is “Wase-Meshi”?
”Wase-Meshi” is a popular term referring to the affordable and beloved meals around Waseda University, cherished by both students and local residents.
The area surrounding Waseda is packed with wallet-friendly eateries, and the variety of menus, generous portions, and reasonable prices make “Wase-meshi” popular not only with students but also with professionals and tourists.
For my blog, I’ll focus on eateries in the Waseda area, specifically around:
- Takadanobaba Station (JR Yamanote Line, Seibu Shinjuku Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
- Nishi-Waseda Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
- Waseda Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Toden Arakawa Line)
- Omokagebashi Station (Toden Arakawa Line)
Why is “Wase-Meshi” So Beloved?
The appeal of “Wase-Meshi” lies in its convenience and cost-performance.
Many eateries in the Waseda area specifically target students and young people, offering filling menus at reasonable prices.
The Waseda neighborhood boasts not only long-standing, beloved eateries known for their reliable flavors but also trendy new spots introducing fresh twists on classic dishes.
he area is also recognized as one of Tokyo’s premier ramen hotspots, making it a destination for ramen lovers across the city.
Glossary of Wase-Meshi Terms
①油田 (Yuden)
While “油田” typically refers to an oil field for petroleum extraction, for Waseda university students, it represents restaurants known for greasy, filling dishes.
Among the most famous “油田” spots for Waseda students are “Waseda No Bento-ya,” “Kitchen Otoboke,” and “Kitchen Nangoku” (formerly “Kitchen Nankai”).
The 2024 edition of the information magazine for Waseda students, “Milestone Express”, featured “Sanpin Shokudo” in place of “Kitchen Nangoku”.
These spots are legends of Wase-Meshi, providing rich, energy-packed meals that are perfect for students looking to refuel.
②給油 (Kyu-yu)
Normally used to mean “refueling” machinery with fuel, “給油” in Wase-Meshi slang means eating a rich, oily meal at a “油田” restaurant to recharge.
For students, “refueling” here means filling up on comfort food that provides both calories and satisfaction
Display System for Recommendations
This blog will feature recommended spots by this blog administrator (Purple-Turtle), a Waseda university graduate, with ratings based on the following four criteria, each rated up to a maximum of 5 stars:
- Affordability: Based on meal price, with 5 stars for meals under ¥500, 4 stars for up to ¥1000, and so on.
- Cost Performance: Administrator’s unique take on value-for-money beyond the base price.
- Volume: A critical factor for students and young people, where greater portions earn higher stars.
- Yuden Level: Reflects the greasiness and richness of the food, with more stars indicating a higher level of satisfying “oil” in true “Yuden” style.
Summary
”Wase-Meshi” is a vibrant part of Waseda University culture, symbolizing the appeal of the area and enriching student life.
There are countless places to explore beyond those highlighted here.
If you have the chance to visit the Waseda area, I hope you’ll try some of the recommended spots from this blog—or even discover new ones—and experience the unique charm of Wase-meshi for yourself!
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