There are many narrow streets in the Monosus area. I like to go down side streets, so Yoyogi is a very interesting place, but I'm sure there are people who get lost and are at a loss. Moonbow is located at the end of several such narrow alleys.
...This may sound like a difficult location, but if you leave the Odakyu Line's Minami-Shinjuku Station, go through the alley next to the ticket gate, turn right, and go under the train tracks. (The owner says he likes places with trains nearby, so he decided to open a shop here.)
A side street off the path along the railroad tracks.
Actually, it's close to Monosas. When I go there, I go through a very narrow alley just before the train tracks. I remember that the first time I went to Moonbow, I smelled a faint smell of curry in the alley and knew I was close.
Head towards this blue door.
A beautiful blue door is the landmark. Checking the sign outside to see what curry they have today, and making sure there is a seat available, I open the door and go inside.
The first thing you hear is the voice of an FM DJ. I think it's rare to see a place that plays FM these days, but what do you think? It feels like a drive on a holiday, and you're enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere. In fact, this isn't the radio that's currently being broadcast, but a recording of the owner's favorite shows. It's played at a fairly decent volume in the small space of the nine-seat counter. Strangely, listening to the DJ at this loud volume doesn't seem too loud. In fact, it feels good.
Once you sit down on a stool, the owner will prepare water, pickles, and a fork for pickles for you. Even if it's busy and you don't get served, don't worry about having to order. The menu is simple, with only one choice of curry for the day. You don't have to order.
Once you've taken your seat, you can listen to FM radio, watch the owner at work, and relax while you wait, and your curry will come out automatically.
I still ordered a small amount of rice. The curry changes every day. 800 yen.
Well, today's curry was eggplant and minced meat. The roux was thin. It was spicy, but not too spicy that it lingers. I ate it at a steady pace, munching on pickles in between bites. The rice was yellow turmeric rice. By the way, if you have a small appetite, it's best to ask for "less rice" when you sit down. (Even if it's less, it's still a pretty good portion.)
Chai like in India. It's bubbly.
I suddenly noticed the owner pouring hot water into glasses to warm them behind the counter. He waited until the customer on the far left was about to finish eating before preparing the chai. He lifted the silver pot high into the air and poured it into the glass. When I saw this for the first time, I shouted in my mind, "This is just like India!!" (even though I've never been to India), and stared with wide eyes.
This chai comes with the set. I add a lot of sugar to the frothy chai and drink it... hmm. Soothing. It's the perfect finishing touch to a curry.
CDs that are full of 70's vibes
While relaxing with a chai tea, I looked at the shelves, which seemed to fully express the owner's tastes, and there seemed to be a lot of 70's rock. (He plays guitar in a band called "Sukima Sangyo"). The walls are lined with portraits of musicians who have come to Japan. They are cool and worth a look. There are some Japanese musicians among them. They are all genuine prints taken by a photographer who is a regular customer. (It's also impressive that they are attached directly with thumb tacks.)
There are many artist photos taken by regular photographers. Some of the old photos were taken on film. The colors of the photographic paper that have faded over time have a deep flavor. (If you want to see the photos properly, please come to the store and see them in person.)
The whole store exudes a relaxed atmosphere of being surrounded by things you love and working at your own pace. Combined with the quiet personality of the owner, the refreshing and comfortable atmosphere is sure to attract many rock-loving adults who want to spend some quiet time alone.
Moonbow turns into a bar at night. I imagine this might be the real Moonbow, and I'd like to go there at night someday.
Moonbow
Yoshida Pear Land B102, 2-30-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL:03-3299-5031
[Monday to Thursday]
11:30-14:00 (closes when sold out)
Around 22:00 to 1:00 the next morning
[Fri/Sat]
From 9pm to 2am (until it gets light)
Open for lunch, open after 10pm Sundays and holidays (Only dinner on Saturdays, no lunch)
FURIHATA Yukari