5 Must-Try Curry Restaurants in the Heart of Japan
This article introduces five of Tokyo’s best curry restaurants, each offering unique flavors and experiences. Curry Kailas in Shibuya is a family-run establishment known for authentic flavors and customizable spice levels. Indian Curry Marunouchi, with roots in Osaka, serves a sweet and spicy curry based on a long-standing recipe. Rice Curry Manten in Jimbocho provides an affordable eat-and-go experience with open kitchen counter seating. ALBA Akihabara specializes in Kanazawa Curry, featuring a European-inspired roux and unique serving style. Lastly, Ito Shokudo near Ikebukuro, founded in 1930, is famous for its large portions, particularly its massive cutlet curry. These diverse establishments cater to various tastes and preferences, showcasing Tokyo’s rich curry scene.
Curry Kailas (カリー カイラス)
Kailas is a small, family-run Japanese curry restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo. Known for its authentic flavors, it offers five curry variants with customizable spice levels. The restaurant’s signature dish is katsu curry, featuring crispy tonkatsu cutlets. Kailas provides free side dishes and reasonable prices, making it a popular spot for curry lovers in the area.
Indian Curry Marunouchi (インデアンカレー 丸の内店)
“Indian Curry” in Osaka, with a popular Tokyo branch, offers a sweet and spicy curry with optional egg topping. The restaurant, founded in 1947, also serves dishes like “Indian Spaghetti” and “Hayashi Rice.” The founder aimed to bring flavorful food during post-war economic hardship. The curry recipe has remained largely unchanged, focusing on a balance of spices, vegetables, and quality meat.
Rice Curry Manten (ライスカレー まんてん)
Rice Curry Manten is a highly regarded curry restaurant in Jimbocho, Tokyo. It offers a simple eat-and-go experience with counter seating around an open kitchen. The restaurant serves various curry dishes with deep-fried toppings, all priced under 1,000 yen. Customers can enjoy watching their meals being prepared while dining in a quiet atmosphere.
ALBA Akihabara (カレーの市民アルバ 秋葉原本店)
ALBA Akihabara is a renowned curry restaurant originating from Kanazawa in 1971. It specializes in Kanazawa Curry, featuring a European-inspired roux made with stewed beef and vegetables. Served in a unique style with shredded cabbage, ALBA Curry offers various toppings and is known for its distinct spice blend and rich flavor.
Ito Shokudo (伊東食堂)
Ito Shokudo, a popular Tokyo restaurant founded in 1930, offers traditional fixed menus and izakaya-style dining. Located near Ikebukuro, it’s known for large portions, especially its extra-large cutlet curry weighing about 2 kg. The restaurant attracts both locals and office workers with its extensive menu and comfort food.
