Tokyo Akihabara Dining: Discovering “カレーノトリコ” – A Spice Lover’s Paradise

Tokyo Akihabara Dining: Discovering “カレーノトリコ”(Kare no Toriko) – A Spice Lover’s Paradise

In the bustling heart of Tokyo’s Kanda district lies a hidden gem cherished by curry enthusiasts: “カレーノトリコ.” This famous curry restaurant offers two distinct types of curry—Indian-style curry and dry curry. The signature dish, “Double Curry,” which allows diners to enjoy both flavors simultaneously, is particularly beloved by customers.

The Tempting Double Curry

The core menu features a refreshing Indian-style curry and a unique blend of Indian and dry curry known as the “Double Curry.” The Indian-style curry comes with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, Indian beans, vegetables, shrimp, and beef tendon (available for an additional charge). Additional toppings like cream cheese, cilantro, and tomato basil sauce further enhance the dish.

Crafted with Care: An Exceptional Experience

Patrons are seated and await their meal, which is meticulously prepared by owner-chef Shuhei Tanabe. Unlike typical curries, where sauce is simply poured over rice, each curry at “カレーノトリコ” is carefully customized to the customer’s preferences. Even during peak hours, the chef never compromises on quality.

A Star in the Curry World

Among the popular choices is the “Double Curry,” which I enjoyed with chicken and an extra serving of tomato basil sauce. The chicken is not boiled but rather fried and grilled, then soaked in the curry, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a juicy, tender meat that harmonizes perfectly with the curry.

The Indian-style curry offers a distinctive soup-like consistency, where vegetables and spices blend seamlessly to create a refreshing and mild taste. The dry curry, on the other hand, is rich with meaty flavors, where the sauce and meat intertwine, gradually releasing a subtle sweetness. Each dish stands out on its own, yet the overall taste is balanced, leaving diners feeling satisfied and relaxed.

Innovative Fusion by a Renowned Chef

Shuhei Tanabe, who honed his skills at the renowned “Bondy” and “Ethiopia” restaurants in Jimbocho, brings his extensive experience to his own innovative creations. The dry curry is inspired by the brothers who ran “Cafe Haiti” in Shinjuku. Thus, the curries at “カレーノトリコ” are not only a blend of multiple famous restaurants’ essences but also infused with Tanabe’s unique creativity.

Pushing the Limits of Spice

First-time visitors can choose up to 10 levels of spiciness. While the base level is mild, the 10th level is equivalent to a medium spice. If you can handle this level, you can challenge the 20th level next time, and then the 30th level. I opted for the 10th level, and it was the perfect choice.

Refreshing Homemade Lemonade

In addition to the curry, the homemade lemonade here is also highly praised. Many customers enjoy adding various toppings to their curry, and even the lemons are a treat to savor.

Location and Important Notes

“カレーノトリコ” is conveniently located near Iwamotocho Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line and Akihabara Station on the JR Line, about a 4-minute walk away. This curry specialty shop exudes a nostalgic Western-style ambiance, with the recommended dish being the Double Curry, priced at 1,700 yen. The restaurant has several rules, such as only allowing groups to enter once everyone has arrived, prohibiting cutting in line, smoking, and loud conversations. Please adhere to these rules to maintain a pleasant dining environment.

For non-Japanese-speaking visitors, a voice-guided menu with translations and Japanese pronunciations is available. Simply click on the Japanese text to hear the pronunciation, ensuring a stress-free dining experience.