BEST Curry in Shimokitazawa: 9 Recommended Restaurants

Shimokitazawa is Tokyo's curry capital, and this guide covers everything you need to know about the best curry in Shimokitazawa. From the four main curry styles you'll find in the neighborhood to nine must-try restaurants spanning Japanese curry, soup curry, Indian curry and Thai curry, we break it all down with practical details on hours, reservations and payment so you can plan your visit with ease. Whether you're a spice chaser or a comfort food lover, Shimokitazawa has a bowl with your name on it.

Shizuka Anderson, our beloved YouTube host, even tried some of the best curry houses and spiciest curries in Shimokitazawa for "scientific" purposes, of course! If you're a curry lover or curious about the nuances of different types of curries in Japan, we have a list of the best curry restaurants to try next time you're in Shimokitazawa.

The popularity of curry in this area began when a local salaryman with a slight obsession encouraged his local Shimokitazawa restaurants to make the flavorful dish. To increase public appreciation for curry, the story goes, he began hosting a curry showdown, which is now a famous local festival in November.

Let's Make Authentic Japanese Curry: Cooking Class in Tokyo from ¥14,000 per guest | 3 Hours | Tokyo | Book This Experience

Now notorious for its curry craze, the trendy neighborhood even hosts an annual Curry Festival with over 100 local eateries in participation. Shimokitazawa is a haven for curry lovers. Not only can you find Japanese curry options, but there are plenty of curry restaurants from around the globe just waiting to be discovered!

Japanese curry, known as kare in Japanese, is milder with a subtle sweetness compared to Indian and Thai curries. It's generally peeled potatoes, carrots, onions and meat (beef, chicken or pork) in a savory brown curry sauce. Depending on the recipe and time of year, even apples may be added to provide a little sweetness. The three most common ways to enjoy Japanese curry are with rice, curry udon and curry bread (kare pan). A common staple in Japanese homes, curry roux blocks can be found in grocery stores and convenience stores.

Find out more: How to Make Japanese Curry (Step-by-Step Recipe)

While there is the standard Japanese curry as mentioned above, soup curry uses a combination of spices and fresh stewed vegetables and meats to flavor the base. Rice is served on the side and dipped into the soup with a spoon. Considered the "soul food of Sapporo," soup curry has made its way to other regions of Japan and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner in

Originating in the Indian subcontinent, Indian curry has a long history in the country's cuisine and varies by region. Typically a wide array of spices such as coriander, cardamom and peppers may be mixed with yogurt like in Tikka Masala. A variety of vegetables, meats, tofu, paneer cheese and even raisins are featured in different Indian curries. It is also often served with basmati rice and can be enjoyed with a side of naan bread.

In Thailand, popular curries include green, yellow and red curries, and they'll often have a spicy kick. Varying region to region, different ingredients are featured in each type of curry. The chilies and ingredients used in the curry base give each type its respective color. Another popular type of Thai curry is Massaman curry, a thicker base featuring whole spices and peanuts that may have a milder and slightly sweet taste compared to the others.

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• English Menu: Not confirmed; menu changes monthly
• Reservation: Ticketing system (walk-in queue)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed; cash recommended
• Business Hours: Weekdays: Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Dinner 6:00 – 10:00 PM; Weekends/Holidays: Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Dinner 5:30 – 10:00 PM; Closed Tuesdays

On a quiet street just south of Shimokitazawa Station, Kyuyam-tei Shimokita-sou is a quaint curry shop with a rotating menu. Ranked the number-one curry shop in Shimokitazawa on Tabelog, their curries change every month so you may never try the same curry twice. The specialty is Osaka-style spice curry, and one can expect curries like yuzu pepper, yam, bean, dhal and spicy mutton keema, alongside a variety of rice options including jasmine, turmeric and brown rice.

Their famous mixed three-curry plate (zen-gake) is a set of three different types of curries ranging in flavor and spice levels. The chef uses fresh ingredients, vegetables and meats to create a unique curry experience. The curries are all served on the same plate with a delicious mound of turmeric rice in the middle. At the end, you're served a chicken and dashi broth to be poured over the leftovers of the zen-gake to enjoy a unique soup curry packed with flavor. Arrive early or use their ticketing system, which lets you explore the neighborhood while you wait.

Keep the hipster feast going with the best restaurants in Shimokitazawa.

• English Menu: Limited; counter staff can assist
• Reservation: Not available; walk-in only
• Credit Card: Not accepted; cash only
• Business Hours: Mon & Tue: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM; Thu – Sun: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM and 5:30 – 10:00 PM; Closed Wednesdays

Pannya Cafe Curry is a 3-minute walk from the station and run by Japanese actor Matsuo Takashi. Upon entering, you'll find a ticket machine to purchase your meal tickets and can sit at one of the twelve counter seats. You can specify your preferred spice level, choosing between medium dry and dry. The most requested dish here is the Maha Cutlet Curry, which features a unique pork cutlet. What sets it apart is the use of squid ink bread crumbs that give the cutlet a deep black color and a crispy texture. The curry sauce is uniquely Japanese, blended with soy sauce and dashi for a rich umami depth. Would you wait to try the famed squid ink cutlet?

• English Menu: Menu sheet available (fill-in order form)
• Reservation: Available (online via Autoreserve)
• Credit Card: Accepted (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners)
• Business Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM and 5:00 – 9:45 PM; Sat–Sun: 11:30 AM – 9:45 PM

Its unique name comes from the Ainu language of Hokkaido in Northern Japan. The Ainu word ponipirika means poni (sprout) and pirika (beautiful), and there are seven levels of spice to satisfy all types of curry lovers. It was also the first soup curry specialty restaurant in Shimokitazawa, opening in 2014, and remains consistently among the most popular.

Focusing on Hokkaido soup curry, each bowl is characterized by flavorful broth featuring hearty meats and Hokkaido vegetables such as lotus root, pumpkin, sweet potato and eggplant, with each vegetable prepared using a different method: grilled, fried, steamed or confit. We recommend getting the crispy chicken leg atop your curry. If you're brave, you can pay a little extra to increase the spice level. This is for real adventurous diners or spice-tolerant guests. The space is set on the second floor of a red brick building, with colorful sofa seats and a warm, artistic atmosphere typical of the neighborhood.

Exploring Japan's iconic food culture beyond curry? Check out this piece on finding Studio Ghibli food in Japan.

• English Menu: Available on request
• Reservation: Walk-in with ticketing queue; no advance booking
• Credit Card: Accepted; mobile payment apps also accepted
• Business Hours: Weekdays: Lunch 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Dinner 5:30 – 9:30 PM; Open daily; closed New Year's holidays

Rojiura Curry SAMURAI is the first location of this chain shop in Tokyo outside of Sapporo. It's famous for its packed-to-the-brim bowls of soup curry. If you're looking to fill up on hearty vegetables, this is the spot to be. The slow-cooked curries feature Hokkaido vegetables and are a hit with veggie lovers. Everything here is completely customizable. Choose your soup base (regular, mild, coconut soup or mild coconut soup), up to 20 different toppings and spice levels from 0 to 10 on the spice scale. Lastly, choose the amount of rice you want with your soup, or remove the rice entirely.

Expect a wait, particularly on weekends. The restaurant uses a numbered ticketing system so you can browse Shimokitazawa's shops while you queue. If you want to try a more unique curry flavor, select from their limited-time menu.

For more Japanese curry restaurants across the city, explore this guide to Japanese curry in Tokyo.

• English Menu: Available (partially illustrated)
• Reservation: Available online via Tabelog
• Credit Card: Accepted
• Business Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 – 9:00 PM; Sat, Sun, Holidays: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Closed Wednesdays

Opening in 2022, this Hokkaido soup curry joint prepares all curries with exclusively Hokkaido ingredients. Soup Curry & Dining Elvis incorporates Hokkaido vegetables, rice and meats, which are then prepared to marry the flavors together for a mouth-watering bowl of soup curry. Every bowl features a rainbow of colors, making it appealing to the eyes and taste buds. Try popular toppings like cheese or lamb shabu-shabu for a soup curry that's unlike any you've had before. For dinner, guests can also opt for a multi-course ELVIS Dinner Course. The restaurant is tucked on the second floor of a building in a small alley lined with vintage shops, very much in the Shimokitazawa spirit.

• English Menu: Yes, fully bilingual
• Reservation: Available
• Credit Card: Not confirmed; cash recommended
• Business Hours: Mon, Thu, Fri: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:30 – 11:00 PM; Sat, Sun, Holidays: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Magic Spice is hard to miss! The bright red restaurant is just a 4-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station and serves up a mix of curries from Indian, Indonesian, Nepalese and soup curry traditions. When you walk in, you'll be greeted by the psychedelic decor that prepares you for how you'll feel after taking a bite of the most spicy curry, not featured on the main menu. Originating in Sapporo, where it is credited as one of the originators of the soup curry style, Magic Spice brings a spice-forward approach with a fully bilingual menu and a heat scale that runs seven levels, with the upper two reserved for the truly adventurous.

Magic Spice features a wide variety of toppings like gyoza, tempura, egg, tofu or mushrooms. If you want a mind-altering, tear-producing curry, try the Aum Air level, using the equivalent of 20 peppers.

Vegetarian? This guide to vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo has you covered.

• English Menu: Available (with illustrations)
• Reservation: Available via Tabelog
• Credit Card: Not accepted; PayPay accepted
• Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM daily; no regular closing day

As the name suggests, at Nan Station you'll be served a large piece of naan bread alongside authentic Indian curry. Its reasonably priced set menu items include your choice of curry, a serving of rice and a hearty piece of naan to dip in the curry. The cheese naan goes perfectly with the Butter Chicken or Tikka Masala. The most popular variety is the honey cheese naan, also available in matcha and gorgonzola versions. The curry itself is slow-simmered for two hours until the spices and ingredients meld into a thick, paste-like richness. If you're lucky, you may get cute hand-drawn curry art.

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• English Menu: Limited; visual menu available
• Reservation: Walk-in only
• Credit Card: Not confirmed; cash recommended
• Business Hours: Approx. 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM; closed Mondays (confirm directly as hours may vary)

A small curry shop near the station doubles as a rotating art gallery space. Known for its keema curry (a minced beef curry), they're big on flavor and visuals. The recommended Tarikihonganji Curry features a striking yin and yang design, while the 4696 Curry is a dream for cheese enthusiasts, served with a generous heap of cheese atop black keema curry. Opened in 2018, the shop continues to draw curious diners and regulars in equal measure.

Browse traditional Japanese restaurants on byFood to find more dining experiences worth booking.

• English Menu: Available (partially illustrated)
• Reservation: Available online via Tabelog
• Credit Card: Accepted
• Business Hours: Approx. 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM daily (confirm on-site as stall hours may vary)

Taiya Taikaokaokao Shimokitazawa Ten is a Thai food stall located inside Mikan Shimokitazawa. Its neon lights and the pungent smell of Thai curry invite you to take a seat. The owner wanted to introduce the flavor of her roots and grandmother's cooking to Japanese people, and personally visited over 100 street food stalls across Bangkok before opening. Featuring Thai street food such as Red Tom Yum Kung soup, stir-fried crab in curry and pad Thai, guests can eat around Thailand right in Tokyo. All-you-can-drink options are available and online reservations are accepted.

Join a curry-making class at Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi

Ever wanted to learn how to make a delicious curry base? That's the foundation of this fun, beginner-friendly curry-making class in the scenic Lake Kawaguchi, where you'll choose to create your personalized curry base from over 20 spices. Then, blend your spice blend with Fujiya's 10-ingredient soup stock to make your own unique curry. Mix in your choice of mushrooms, potatoes, vegetables, chicken thigh or shrimp, then settle in for a homemade meal created by your own two hands.

Once you're full and fueled up, take a walk around the lakeside town of Fujikawaguchiko, one of Japan's famous five lakes, with enviable views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Running low on time? Omit the curry-making element of the class and make your blend of spices, leaving you with a 250g jar of spice to take home.

Shimokitazawa is arguably the best neighborhood in Tokyo to try curry restaurants. With hundreds of curry restaurants ranging from Japanese curry and soup curry from Hokkaido to Indian curry and Thai curry, there's something here for all tastes.

Can't get enough of curry in Tokyo? Read our ultimate guide to Japanese curry.

Try these Japanese curry restaurants in Tokyo for even more options across the city.

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