The Origin and History of Curry Rice
Curry was introduced to Japan in the 19th century via Britain from India. Initially popularized as a military ration, it gradually spread to ordinary households. Japanese curry rice has since evolved from its original Indian-style spice curry. It is said that Japanese people eat curry about 79 times a year, which means they enjoy it at least once a week in some form.
Differences Between World Curries and Japanese Curry Rice
There are various types of curry around the world, but Japanese curry rice has undergone unique development.
- Indian Curry: Rich in spices, Indian curry varies by region, featuring dishes like creamy butter chicken and coconut milk-based South Indian curry.
- Thai Curry: Thai curry is a soup-like dish made with coconut milk, known for its three famous types: red, green, and yellow. It is characterized by a balance of spiciness and sweetness with the use of herbs and spices.
- Japanese Curry Rice: Japanese curry rice uses a roux made of flour and curry powder, resulting in a thick, mild-tasting sauce. Common ingredients include potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat, making it easy to prepare at home.
Guide to Finding Delicious Curry Shops
To find delicious curry shops, the following methods are helpful:
- Use Review Sites and Apps:
- Tabelog: Features a wealth of reviews on curry shops across Japan. Tabelog Curry Listings
- Google Maps: Check reviews and ratings by location. Google Maps – search “curry”
- Curry Database: A specialized curry review site with detailed information. Curry Database (Japanese site)
- Leverage Social Media: Search hashtags like #カレー (#curry) or #カレー巡り (#currymeguri) on Instagram or Twitter to find recommendations from locals and curry enthusiasts.
- Chain Stores:
- CoCo Ichibanya: A nationwide curry chain known for its extensive toppings and customizable spice levels. CoCo Ichibanya
- GoGo Curry: A chain based on Kanazawa curry, known for its distinctive black curry sauce and fried toppings. GoGo Curry
- Beef Bowl Chains: Chains like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya also offer delicious curry, providing a convenient way to enjoy curry. Yoshinoya, Sukiya, Matsuya
Unique Dishes Evolved from Curry Rice
There are many unique dishes derived from curry rice:
- Curry Bread: Curry wrapped in dough and deep-fried, widely available at bakeries and convenience stores.
- Curry Udon: Curry sauce diluted with dashi broth served over udon noodles, offering a perfect blend of Japanese and curry flavors, available at udon and soba restaurants.
- Curry Man: A type of steamed bun filled with curry-flavored filling, a popular snack available at convenience stores.
Conclusion
Curry rice is a dish that symbolizes Japanese food culture. Understanding its history, types, and related unique dishes can enhance your enjoyment. Tasting Japanese curry rice is a great way to experience Japan’s charm. Refer to this guide to find delicious curry shops and discover your favorite curry dish.
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