The area around Waseda sure has a lot of restaurants and cafes. In fact, we can find a diverse selection of eats around Waseda that satisfies our taste buds. We sometimes crave for exotic cuisine yet a good meal typically entails a significant lightening of our wallets. Look no further, collegiettes! Located right outside Waseda campus, Thali-ya (ターリー屋) serves delectable Indian food at affordable prices!
Thali-ya is located at the first floor of the building in between Waseda campus’ North gate and Building 22. The brown sign on the building itself is easy to miss, but the perpetual queue at the door, especially in the morning, makes identifying the shop really simple.
The first impression of the restaurant is the tantalizing smell of curry that wafts up from the kitchen to the sidewalk. After entering, the sense of bustle and liveliness of the restaurant can be felt immediately. The atmosphere is very comforting and customers’ mood is relaxed with great music, making it a good place to chill with friends. You can also opt to dine at the cosy patio when the weather is favourable.
The menu is the same all day long. Dine before 11am to enjoy Thali-ya’s special half price promotion! A great breakfast option I’d say. From 11am onwards, Thali-ya generously invites you to eat as much naan as you want for the price of one. The staff are very friendly and efficient, and are always ready to take your orders more naan! (Good news for big female eaters!)
Posters on the wall show record holders who ate 9 naans at one sitting
If you’re a fan of Indian naan, Thali-ya’s Curry Cheese Naan is a simple yet delicious dish that does not disappoint. Traditionally, naan is served hot and brushed with ghee or butter. Thali-ya offers various types of curry, ranging from spicy ones to relatively sweet. Apart from chicken and mutton, there is also a choice of vegetarian curry. The selection is wide and will surely satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Also, the small bowl of sour yogurt served eases the oiliness brought from the naan.
If you prefer rice, then Keema Curry Rice & Tandoori Chicken Cutlet is an excellent option. At first glance, this dish might appear slightly overwhelming, but right after the first bite, you are down for more of this goodness. The curry is moderately spicy which complements the yellow rice perfectly.
No meal would be complete without some sweet refreshments. Thali-ya is also known for its tapioca drinks! We ordered the 2 most popular drinks: Mango Lassi and Chai Milk Tea. The tapioca pearls are definitely much better than those from convenient stores which usually lack chewiness. Personally, I highly recommend the Mango Lassi because the combination of the sour yoghurt and the slightly bittersweet mango is very suitable for the season.
If you are looking for an exotic meal without the fuss of traveling, you should definitely head to Thali-ya!
Thali-ya (ターリー屋)Opening house: Mon-Sat 8:00-21:00; Sun 11:00-21:00Location: 東京都新宿区西早稲田1-6-3 IT’S BUNMEIDOビル 1FTelephone: 03-3202-7615Website: Thali-ya
Thali-ya is a proud Platinum Pink Sponsor of Her Campus Waseda.