One of a highly regarded chain of budget-friendly south-Indian restaurants, this Koenji branch of Erick South specializes in biryani dishes, and does an excellent job of it. The staff here are friendly, the interior is pleasantly decorated, and they even have some outdoor seating.

A Hyderabad-style mutton biryani plate with raita and gravy runs Y1,727, and an optional appetizer plate plus spicy rasam soup (to eat while you're waiting for your biryani) is an extra Y500. They also serve mixed-curry meals and platters, as well as curry-biryani combos (from Y1,100). Lunch platters start at Y1,000.

Of course take-out is available, and adventurous home cooks can try their hand with one of Erick's surprisingly elaborate DIY biryani kits. The restaurant is open all afternoon on weekends, although lunch specials are limited to weekdays.