How to quickly find cheap restaurants after moving

Based on moving 3 times in Tokyo, here are tips for quickly finding good budget restaurants in a new neighborhood.

1. Check around the station first
- Look for chain restaurants within 5 min walk
- If Matsuya, Hidakaya, Fuji Soba, or Saizeriya are nearby, you're set

2. Search "lunch 500 yen" on Google Maps
- Check review photos for portion sizes before going
- Aim for ★3.5+ with 50+ reviews

3. Identifying good independent shops
- Shops with menus and prices displayed outside are usually safe
- "Lunch special" and "daily set" places tend to be good value
- Hidden gems are often tucked away in shopping streets

4. Pre-check on KetchUP
- Search your new area and use info from others

5. Locate the nearest Gyomu Super
- Essential for home cooking
- Frozen udon 5-pack ¥169, frozen spinach 500g ~¥225

The key is balancing chains + independent shops + home cooking.