I was waiting for so long.
Just longing…longing for the day we could meet again.
The distance was too much. We just couldn’t meet, so I was starting to give up on you…but then I heard you’re coming to me…?!?
Today, we’ll be looking at something that grabbed the hearts of people in the Kansai area. The long-awaited Shimokitazawa Kyuyamutei Curry!! Visitors who arrive in Osaka are immediately swept in! This is something that you absolutely must try when you visit Osaka.
I just can’t believe it’s finally coming to Tokyo. The people of Tokyo greet the curry shop with open arms.
As excitement built up in my stomach, I made my way to Shimokitazawa. From the stylish retro outside of the shop, I could sense the lively atmosphere. Even the entranceway made the shop looks so picturesque.
Something about the interior reminded me of a café. Just by sitting down, you’re already surrounded by a wonderful atmosphere that makes for the perfect photograph.
And what’s on the exciting menu?
There are two varieties of daily special curry called “Honjitsu no Curry”, and one type of monthly special curry. There is also a mini pot of curry soup on the menu – a special edition roux that goes perfect with your main!
Today’s curries are; a Chinese Scarlet Eggplant and Chana Dal Spicy Mutton Keema with Bamboo shoots, and Salted King Oyster Mushroom with Green Pepper and Chili Oil Pork Keema Curry, which is garnished with new Atchara Ginger.
The monthly special was the Herb Tartar Fresh Lemon Shrimp Keema. I wonder just how many spices have gone into preparing these three dishes. Of course, they prepare the food with the utmost care every day, but here they even go as far as handwriting the menu!! I felt so special!
After receiving everything I ordered, the manager Fujita-san explained each of the dishes. For just ￥1,350, this is luxury!
t looked so cute! Just seeing pictures of this dish sparked my unrequited love…and on this day, it suddenly appeared before me – I couldn’t stop smiling! The flavours of each curry are original and this was the first time I tried shrimp curry!
I dug straight in!
Just by taking one spoonful of the daily special, the flavours danced in my mouth. The exquisite match of flavours and the perfect blend of spices – the intense flavour was just too good!
After finishing up my curry, it was time for curry soup!!! I enjoyed each mouthful again and again. I really loved it. After meeting the love of my life, I fell in love even more.
It’s not just the curry that was attention grabbing, but the kind and jovial owner Uetake-san and manager Fujita-san!
They gave me their business card that was decorated with a cute picture of a cat on it. This is the shop’s mascot cat called Taro Karohori of the Karahori shopping district!
6 years ago, curry was so widespread – there was Indian curry and then there was Western curry, which created what could be referred to as a bipolar world of curry. This is where Kyuyamutei Curry was born. Uektake-san reminisced how times were hard, but through perseverance and a competition of spice, they made it though.
Taro-kun just waltzed in at that time, giving them the business they have today – a restaurant serving up new and true flavours with nothing else like it! No wonder they are such a popular and flourishing business! It seems that so many people are coming because of Taro-san – this is a real life lucky fortune cat!!
Uetake-san then admitted with a giggle: “Taro is the real owner here. I can’t compete with him. He eats well, the high class guy!”
There we have it – the wonderful Uetake-san and Taro, along with their shared dream of warming our stomachs with their splendid curry…
Just at that moment, something golden suddenly flashed before my eyes!!
….Curryman?!?!
I know this person from Shimokitazawa – the commander of Curry; Curryman-san?! During October, it seems that he will be helping to advertise for the curry festival by visiting the shop. I’ve seen him many times at the station but this is the first time I’ve ever talked to him. He was wearing a crazy and flashy costume.
This must be fate! To commemorate, we just had to take a commemorative photo. Aaahhhh…it’s so amazing to see so many passionate curry-lovers together! lol
Having so much fun, I lost track of time. A smile was fixed on my face the entire time. Today, I enjoyed the wonderful flavours of curry and indulged in every bite, my smile shining strong. Everyone was enjoying the delicious curry. This was the best time of my live. The lucky cat even managed to beckon in Curryman. Kyuyamutei Curry, Shimokitazawa has such a way of drawing in people. Today I fell in love, and I have my heart set on returning. I hope I can…I also want to see Taro the cat again… When can I next go to Osaka? （´-`）.｡oO
Navigator&text：Rinko Murata
Photo：Kayo Sekiguchi
Edit：Miiki Sugita／Namiko Azuma
Source：She magazine
Kyuyamutei Curry, Shimokitazawa,
Address：1st floor, Naisu-biru, 5-29-9, Daizawa, Setagaya, Tokyo
Opening times：11:30～14:30 ／18:00～21:30
Fixed holidays: Tuesdays
TEL：03-6450-8986
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