Curry no Toriko: Kanda’s Must-Try Two-Curry Combo

For the most popular ‘Dual-Combo Curry,’ I chose chicken and added tomato basil sauce. The chicken is not boiled; it is fried and roasted before being placed into the curry to soak, allowing the flavors to gradually infuse into the curry while keeping the meat moist and juicy. This preparation method achieves a perfect balance between the curry and the chicken.

The Indian-style curry presents a unique soup curry flavor, where vegetables and spices blend perfectly for a fresh and gentle taste. The dry curry carries a rich meaty aroma, with the sauce and meat texture fused together, providing a deep flavor that gradually releases a sweetness. Although each dish has its own characteristics, the overall taste is harmonious, making one feel comfortable and relaxed.

Innovation and Fusion from a Renowned Chef

Shuhei Tanabe accumulated extensive experience at the famous Jimbocho restaurants Bondy and Ethiopia, and he has integrated these experiences into his own innovations. The dry curry was inspired by the fellow apprentice chefs at Cafe Haiti in Shinjuku. Therefore, the curry here is not only a crystallization of the essence of multiple famous restaurants but also incorporates Tanabe’s unique creativity.

The spice level is graded from 0 (sweet) to 10. The shop suggests that first-time visitors start with medium or slightly spicy. The impact of the spices does not hit you all at once; instead, it slowly accumulates in the mouth and throat, with the heat becoming clearly noticeable toward the end of the meal. Many people describe it as ‘being hooked by the spices from the first bite, and wanting to order it again after finishing.’ When ordering, you can choose one free topping, and there are additional options like natto, soft-boiled egg, cilantro, and various sauces, allowing everyone to customize their plate slightly.

In addition to the curry, the homemade lemonade here is also highly acclaimed. Many customers enjoy adding rich toppings to their delicious curry, and even the lemon can be eaten in large bites.

Location and Notes

Curry no Toriko is located at 東京都千代田区神田鍛冶町3-5, 一八ビル1F. It is about a 2-minute walk from Kanda Station on the Ginza Line and about a 3-minute walk from JR Kanda Station. This curry specialty shop is filled with the atmosphere of a nostalgic Western-style restaurant, and the recommended menu item is the Dual-Combo Curry. There are several rules in the shop, such as groups must arrive together before entering, no cutting in line, no smoking, and no talking or doing other things while eating; please be sure to follow these to maintain a good dining environment.

Combining Indian-style soup curry with dry curry, it carves out its own path in Kanda, a fierce battleground for curry, with clear layers of spices and a reasonable price. Sitting down and looking at that plate of combo curry, one side smooth and the other thick, paired with a bite of white rice, the scent of spices slowly spreads—this is the most direct charm of Curry no Toriko. If you are looking for a spice curry shop in Tokyo with a distinct style that will not disappoint, this is a choice worth adding to your list.