Best Curry Rice In Tokyo

Japanese curry is not like Indian or Southeast Asian curry - it’s an entire genre in its own right. At its worst, it’s thick, one-note, and too salty, like it came straight out of a store-bought curry roux mix. But at its best, it’s a gloriously flavourful, umami-packed sauce with gently spicy depths — all without setting your mouth on fire. There are probably as many variations as there are stars in the sky!

[The most popular “1 Day’s Worth of Vegetables” curry, with two stewed chicken drumsticks alongside - image © Florentyna Leow]

Curry is universally loved by Japanese people, and it’s also one of the most comforting, inexpensive meals around. Tokyo has thousands of curry restaurants, and we’d be hard-pressed to list all of them — you could spend several months eating curry for every meal and still not even get through half the city!

These are just a few of our favourite curry restaurants. They’re reasonably priced, delicious, and easily accessible. Give them a try on days when only a hot curry will hit the spot!

• Mokubaza (Harajuku; budget)
  Mokubaza’s keema curry is the heavenly holy trinity of stewed meat, melted cheese and egg yolk. It’s a great way to fill up while exploring Harajuku or Shibuya.
• Mi no Ringo (Harajuku; budget)
  Mi no Ringo’s keema curry is saucy, soul-warming, and spicy - a perfect lunch break on a chilly autumn day in Harajuku.
• Mandara (Jimbocho; budget)
  Jimbocho is famous for two things: bookstores and curry. After book shopping in Jimbocho, fortify yourself with some fabulous keema and chicken curry at underground Indian restaurant Mandara.
• Chantoya Coconut Curry (Jimbocho; budget/ moderate)
  Chantoya Coconut Curry in Jimbocho looks like your average gorgeous Tokyo cafe, but it serves some fabulous coconut curries. If you’re in a hurry or just want to eat at home instead, they have a take-out window and delivery options.
• Karē wa Nomimono (Akihabara; budget)
  Curry rice isn’t pretty, but it is soulful and immensely satisfying. Karē wa Nomimono in Akihabara serves voluminous plates of curry rice that’s pure comfort food on every level.
• Hinoya (Akihabara; budget)
  For a gut-busting, deeply flavourful plate of curry rice, look no further than Hinoya in Akihabara. A single meal might smash your calorie count for the day with toppings like cheese, deep-fried pork, and buttered corn — but it’s so good that you just won’t care!
• Joto Curry (Akihabara; budget)
  Japanese-style curry rarely gets better than Joto Curry. Head over to the Akihabara outpost of this beloved Osakan curry chain for a hearty plate of curry that’s sure to blow you away.

Best Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations

• Best Restaurants in Tokyo
• Best Sushi in Tokyo
• Best Kaiseki/Kappo/Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo
• Best Izakaya in Tokyo
• Best Ramen in Tokyo
• Best Soba in Tokyo
• Best Udon in Tokyo
• Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo
• Best Teppanyaki in Tokyo
• Best Tempura in Tokyo
• Best Wagyu in Tokyo
• Best Unagi in Tokyo
• Best Yakitori in Tokyo
• Best Pizza in Tokyo
• Best Curry Rice in Tokyo
• Best Soup Curry in Tokyo
• Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo
• Best Vegan/Vegetarian in Tokyo

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Tokyo map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

---