Sama

Winter is upon us and hot comfort food is a must which explains why Sama, which only opened in October, has already established itself as one of Shimokitazawa’s essential eateries. The menu here is simple: soup curry, and lots of it. These bowls of hearty hybrid broth are generous in portion and warm you like a culinary cuddle. There are two options: chicken – which comes with a big, tender and well-seasoned chicken leg on the bone – or seafood. The curries start from ¥1,100 and come with a garden’s worth of vegetables including broccoli, carrots and baby corn (talk about stocking up on your five-a-day). The broth is the star though: it is rich, fragrant and has a great consistency. Equally great for a quick bite and a stretched-out lunch, Sama is the kind of charming place that makes you want to become a regular and you’ll soon find yourself crossing town if needed to do just that.