Japanese Curry

A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Curry

Japanese curry is one of the most popular comfort foods in Japan. It’s usually thick, rich, and mild, and is often served with rice.

From classic curry rice to katsu curry, soup curry, and spice curry, there are many different styles to discover.

Japanese curry is different from the curries you may know from other countries🍛

What Makes Japanese Curry Different? 🍛

Japanese curry is usually thicker and richer than many Indian or Southeast Asian curries.
The classic Japanese-style curry is often made with a curry roux, which gives it a smooth and thick texture.

Traditional curry roux commonly contains wheat flour, and the curry is often mild in flavour. It’s usually served with rice and eaten with a spoon.

Classic Japanese curry is different from spice curry and dry curry, which use different cooking styles and ingredients.

Popular Types of Japanese Curry 🍛

Curry Rice（カレーライス）

The classic Japanese curry served with rice. It’s one of the most common and familiar ways to eat Japanese curry.

Katsu Curry（カツカレー）

Japanese curry served with a crispy pork cutlet on top. The combination of rich curry, rice, and crispy tonkatsu is especially popular.

Soup Curry（スープカレー）

A soup-like curry with a light, spicy broth. It’s especially popular in Hokkaido and is often served with vegetables and meat.

Dry Curry（ドライカレー）

A drier style of curry with much less sauce. It can be made with minced meat, vegetables, and curry spices.

Spice Curry（スパイスカレー）

A modern style of Japanese curry made with individual spices rather than a traditional curry roux. Many shops create their own original combinations.

Curry Udon（カレーうどん）

Udon noodles served in a rich curry broth. It’s warm, comforting, and especially popular in winter.

Common Curry Toppings 🍛

Japanese curry can be enjoyed with many different toppings. Common choices include tonkatsu, chicken, sausage, cheese, egg, vegetables, and seafood.

At many curry restaurants, especially curry chains, you can also choose the amount of rice and the spice level, and then add the toppings you like.

This makes it easy to customise your curry to your taste!🍛

Fuku-jinzuke & Rakkyo 🍛

Fuku-jinzuke is a sweet and crunchy Japanese pickle that is often served with curry.
It commonly contains vegetables such as daikon radish and adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the curry.

Rakkyo is a different vegetable. These small bulbs have a crisp texture and a sweet and sour flavour, and they’re also commonly served with Japanese curry.

Fuku-jinzuke and rakkyo are two different curry side dishes, and they’re often served with curry or placed on the table! 😊

Regional Japanese Curry 🇯🇵

Popular Japanese Curry Chains 🇯🇵

Japan has several well-known curry chains where you can enjoy Japanese-style curry with different toppings and spice levels.

• CoCo Ichibanya
• Go Go Curry
• Hinoya Curry
• C&C Curry

Dietary Information

Japanese curry is not automatically gluten-free. Traditional curry roux commonly contains wheat flour, so check the ingredients if you need to avoid gluten.

Curry can also contain pork, beef, dairy, or eggs depending on the curry and toppings. If you’re vegetarian or need halal food, check the ingredients and restaurant information carefully.

Always check the ingredients if you have allergies or specific dietary requirements.

Supermarket & Retort Curry

You don’t have to visit a restaurant to enjoy Japanese curry. Supermarkets and convenience stores sell many ready-to-eat curry products.

Retort curry is packaged curry that can be heated and eaten at home. It comes in many flavours and is an easy option if you want to try Japanese curry!

Want to Explore Japanese Curry in Tokyo? 🍛

If you’re visiting Tokyo, there are many different curry shops to discover. I’ve tried many curry restaurants in Tokyo and have my own favourites!

Check out my personal recommendations for the best Japanese curry in Tokyo!🍛

Best Japanese Curry in Tokyo →

Taste a Japanese curry and find your favourite style! 🍛