Straight Up Renga-zaka from Nakano Station's South Exit: Trying Stir-Fried Morning Glory and Khao Man Gai at Thonhom, a Thai Restaurant and Izakaya

I stopped by Thonhom, a Thai restaurant and izakaya (a Japanese-style pub), which sits straight ahead after you climb Renga-zaka, a brick-paved slope, from the South Exit of Nakano Station in Tokyo. I ordered stir-fried morning glory (water spinach) and khao man gai (Thai-style chicken rice). Both were delicious, and the khao man gai was a dish with a strong, rich chicken flavor.

Stir-fried morning glory (water spinach)

Location and About the Restaurant

Thonhom (Nakano South Exit branch) is within easy walking distance of Nakano Station, so it is convenient to reach. From the South Exit of Nakano Station, climb Renga-zaka and keep going straight. According to the official website, it is a one-minute walk from the South Exit, and the site also offers a video showing the route from the station to the restaurant.

Renga-zaka, the brick-paved slope leading up from the South Exit of Nakano Station

According to the official website, the interior is colorful and homey, styled after a street food stall in tropical Thailand. Groups, get-togethers of moms, and solo diners are all welcome. There are also seats on the second floor, and reservations are recommended for large parties. The manager is reportedly from Udon Thani Province in northeastern Thailand and makes authentic Thai cuisine.

The storefront

Inside the restaurant

• Official website: https://thonhom.sakura.ne.jp/
• Video of the route from Nakano Station to the restaurant (official): https://youtu.be/5-Sh-Y_vc_k

Lunch and Dinner

According to the official website, lunch is served daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dinner runs from 5:00 p.m. to 25:00 (1:00 a.m. the next day), and until 26:00 (2:00 a.m. the next day) on Fridays and Saturdays. Last order is at 25:00 (1:00 a.m. the next day) on Saturdays and at 24:00 (midnight) on Sundays.

The menu on the official website lists khao man gai, Thai curry, Thai-style yakitori, gapao (pad kra pao, a basil stir-fry), pad thai, tom yum goong, green curry, and more. Pad thai and gapao (basil stir-fry) rice are reportedly popular.

The official website also introduces several ways to enjoy the evening.

• Courses (all with all-you-can-drink): Healthy Course ¥4,000, Isan Course ¥3,800, Chef's Recommended Original Thai Course ¥5,000
• Two-hour all-you-can-drink: from ¥1,500 (for parties of four or more; details are negotiable)
• Solo drinking set: ¥1,000 (three Thai dishes and a beer)

The restaurant also has a point card that earns service coupons at both lunch and dinner, and takeout of Thai dishes is available (order by phone).

Drinks

What I Thought After Eating

I enjoyed the stir-fried morning glory.

Khao man gai (Thai-style chicken rice)

The khao man gai was a delicious dish with a strong chicken flavor. Next time, I would like to try the reportedly popular pad thai and gapao rice.

Recommended For

• People who want Thai food for lunch near Nakano Station
• People who want a drink with Thai food on the way home from work or on a weekend night (there is also a set for solo drinkers)
• People looking for a place where groups can gather (there are second-floor seats, and reservations are recommended for large parties)

Restaurant Information

• Name: Thai Restaurant and Izakaya Thonhom, Nakano South Exit Branch
• Location: Climb Renga-zaka from the South Exit of Nakano Station and go straight (according to the official website, a one-minute walk from the South Exit)
• Phone: 03-3383-3595
• Official website: https://thonhom.sakura.ne.jp/
• Map (Google Maps): https://goo.gl/maps/hmq6AdrTMX92
• Route video (official): https://youtu.be/5-Sh-Y_vc_k
• X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/thonhomweb