Hanbey is a chain izakaya in Tokyo with a location in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. You should absolutely go there not just for the cheap izakaya foods and drinks but also for the super pleasant Showa retro atmosphere. Everything from the decor to the music is inspired by the Showa era.

As for the food, the specialty there is kushiage (deep-fried skewers) that you dip in a savoury and slightly sweet sauce. They are ridiculously cheap at around ¥100 a piece. The yakitori is pretty good and also very cheap. The menu is pretty extensive and is particularly rich in deep-fried foods.

Shanghai is a bit in a grungy part of Kabukicho so you might be hesitant to walk in but if you're just looking for some tasty yet cheap Chinese cuisine you won't be disappointed because this is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Shinjuku according to many online reviews. The clam ("hamaguri") stir-fry is a popular option. There are so many interesting menu items aside from that. You can even have insects. Perhaps above all it's the grungy atmosphere that adds a unique appeal!

It's impossible not to include ramen in our cheap eats selection. The only problem we have is choosing which one to present because there are so many good ramen joints in Shinjuku!

Fuunji is definitely one of the best of the best. It has a deeply savoury umami-packed seafood-based ramen style that you just won't get enough of once you've tried it. You should try their "tsukemen", which are dipping noodles that come with a condensed version of the ramen broth so the taste is even more intense.

For cheap sushi, this is the place. Himawarizushi is a conveyor belt sushi bar with 28 counter seats around the kitchen. The place is iconic in Shinjuku. The sushi is fresh and cheap. You can get a set of 10 for ¥1,200 or so. Otherwise, order a la carte, and make sure to ask for the day's recommendation!

Tonkatsu are deep-fried pork cutlets, coated in bread crumbs. This place is run by a couple and serves some of the best there are in Shinjuku. You can get a lunch set for less than ¥1,000. Also try their ebi fry, which are large deep-fried shrimps.