Santosham

※ Guests are requested to note that Santosham only takes reservations for dinner. ——— Meaning “happiness” in Malayalam, the chef’s native language, Santosham truly lives up to its name. A no-frills, second-floor South Indian restaurant in Ochanomizu, it attracts its fair share of Indian fans looking for an authentic taste of home, and newfound Japanese converts. While Indian food cuisine in Japan is predominantly North Indian, Santosham serves cuisine from Kerala, a state on the southernmost tip of India. South Indian cuisine uses different combinations of spices than its North Indian counterpart, resulting in a flavor profile that is distinctly different from most other restaurants that can be found in Tokyo. Every bite of Santosham’s fare is loaded with flavor, from the creamy chicken stew to the supremely fragrant biryani. That’s not to say the chef doesn’t put his own touch of creativity into the dishes he makes, though: for example, most visitors to Santosham skip the traditional mango lassi in favor of the seasonal fruit lassi, which can feature interesting combinations like pomegranate kernels and toppings of crushed pistachio. Halal options (on request only) also contribute to the restaurant’s popularity. Michelin Guide: 2023 - Bib Gourmand