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Curry Up
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Harajuku "CURRY UP": NIGO's Spice Curry and Combo Options
「CURRY UP」 is hidden in the back alleys of Harajuku, like a low-key yet confident fashion icon. It was personally created in 2010 by the famous Japanese designer NIGO (yes, that fashion godfather NIGO!), inspired by the legendary Harajuku curry shop “GHEE”. NIGO once worked at “GHEE” and could never forget that rich spice flavor, so he brought in the original chef’s successor, Kentaro Hashimoto, vowing to recreate this memory while adding his own trendy magic.
The curry here is neither Indian-style nor entirely Japanese-style, but uses exclusively blended spices to create a flavor characterized by original spices and no additives. From the shop name “CURRY UP,” you can smell a hint of urgency—”Come eat curry quickly!”—as if urging you to drop your milk tea and rush into the shop to feast. The interior design is also worth seeing, simple with a touch of street style, and NIGO’s design easter eggs occasionally hang on the walls, making you feel like you’ve become stylish while eating.
Signature Dish: A Duet for the Taste Buds
Speaking of the soul of “CURRY UP,” it must be the signature curry! The specialty here is “Combination Curry,” allowing you to enjoy two flavors at once, satisfying the ultimate dream of those with decision paralysis. Below are several must-order dishes, naturally with English translations included:
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Butter Chicken Curry × Beef Curry
This high-value combination is the shop’s super popular favorite. The “Butter Chicken Curry” is silky smooth upon entry, with rich buttery aromas enveloping tender chicken, and a slightly acidic tomato base that keeps it from feeling heavy, like a gentle and coquettish young lady. The “Beef Curry” is the hardcore representative, carrying the slightly spicy style inherited from GHEE, with beef chunks stewed until soft and tender, and spices dancing on the tongue as if saying: “Come on, challenge me!” The two are paired with a dish of “Sakura Daikon” (pickled daikon radish), which is sweet, sour, and refreshing, perfectly neutralizing the rich flavors. -
Sag Keema (Spinach and Minced Chicken Curry)
An old post once introduced this curry made with spinach and minced chicken; the current menu lists spinach curry and minced chicken curry separately, no longer marked as a weekday special, and its vibrant green appearance looks incredibly healthy. The first taste is the sweetness of the spinach, followed by the tenderness of the chicken, and finally, the lingering notes of spices slowly bloom; the spiciness is moderate, and you’ll want another bowl after finishing. -
Ebi to Nasu no Curry (Shrimp and Eggplant Curry)
This is a combination introduced in an old post that is not listed on the current menu. Fresh, sweet shrimp and soft, glutinous eggplant dance together in the spiced broth, with a rich layering of textures like a party. It is especially suitable for enjoying in spring and summer, with a refreshing yet luxurious feel.
Historical Background: The Heritage from GHEE to CURRY UP
The story of “CURRY UP” must begin with “GHEE”. This curry shop, which was popular in Harajuku from 1983 to 2005, was not only a gourmet landmark but also a symbol of youth culture. NIGO worked there part-time back then and fell deeply in love with that unique curry taste. After “GHEE” closed in 2005, NIGO was determined to recreate that moving experience, so he spent two years finding the original chef to teach him the secret recipe, finally opening “CURRY UP” in 2010.
This is not only a tribute to “GHEE” but also an experiment that injects Harajuku’s rebellion and creativity into curry. NIGO is not only responsible for supervision but also incorporates his own fashion philosophy into the shop, with everything from the menu to the decor carrying a “the past is the future” retro-avant-garde feel.
CURRY UP Harajuku | Video Introduction
Practical Japanese for Restaurants
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Excuse me
Menu, please!
Order, please
This one, please
Thank you for the meal
Water, please
How do I eat this?
A small plate, please
May I take a photo?
Excuse me, please change the grill net.
Check, please
Where do I pay?
How much is it?
Can I use a credit card?
I will pay in cash
May I have the receipt, please?
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Butter Chicken Curry
バターチキンカレー
Beef Curry
ビーフカレー
Keema Curry
キーマカレー
Vegetable Curry
やさいのカレー
Beef Tendon Curry
牛スジカレー
Shrimp Red Curry
シュリンプレッドカレー
Chicken Green Curry
チキングリーンカレー
Vegetable Curry & Butter Chicken Curry
やさいのカレー＆バターチキンカレー
Vegetable Curry & Beef Curry
やさいのカレー＆ビーフカレー
Vegetable Curry & Keema Curry
やさいのカレー＆キーマカレー
Vegetable Curry & Eggplant Curry
やさいのカレー＆なすのカレー
Vegetable Curry & Spinach Curry
やさいのカレー＆ほうれんそうのカレー
Butter Chicken Curry & Eggplant Curry
バターチキンカレー＆なすのカレー
Butter Chicken Curry & Keema Curry
バターチキンカレー＆キーマカレー
Butter Chicken Curry & Beef Curry
バターチキンカレー＆ビーフカレー
Butter Chicken Curry & Spinach Curry
バターチキンカレー＆ほうれんそうのカレー
Keema Curry & Beef Curry
キーマカレー＆ビーフカレー
Keema Curry & Eggplant Curry
キーマカレー＆なすのカレー
Keema Curry & Spinach Curry
キーマカレー＆ほうれんそうのカレー
Beef Curry & Eggplant Curry
ビーフカレー＆なすのカレー
Beef Curry & Spinach Curry
ビーフカレー＆ほうれんそうのカレー
Eggplant Curry & Spinach Curry
なすのカレー＆ほうれんそうのカレー
Side Menu
SIDE MENU
Kids' Curry
キッズカレー
Potato Salad
ポテトサラダ
Coleslaw
コールスロー
Potato Salad & Coleslaw
ポテトサラダ＆コールスロー
Lassi (Indian Yogurt Drink)
ラッシー
Mango Lassi
マンゴーラッシー
Chai
チャイ
Coffee
コーヒー
Mineral Water
ミネラルウォーター
Kingfisher Beer
キングフィッシャー ビール
Yebisu Beer
エビスビール
CURRY UP Harajuku | Store Location
CURRY UP Harajuku | Store Information
Store Name: カリーアップ (CURRY UP Harajuku)
Address: 東京都渋谷区神宮前2-35-9 原宿リビン 105
Phone:03-5775-5446
Access: Approximately 8 minutes walk from Kitasando Station, approximately 10 minutes from Harajuku Station, and approximately 12 minutes from Sendagaya Station.
Business Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:30 to 21:00, last order 20:30; Sunday 11:30 to 20:30, last order 20:00. Official website lists general business hours until 21:00; please call to confirm for Sunday evenings.
Budget: Lunch and dinner approximately ¥1,000 to ¥1,999 per person.
Reservations: Evening reservations accepted for 2 to 14 people, starting from 16:00; please call for private bookings. No longer limited to takeout reservations.
Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay), transportation electronic payments, iD, QUICPay, and QR payments such as PayPay.
Seating and Children: Approximately 20 seats, including 6 counter seats and 14 table seats; no private rooms, children are welcome.
Smoking and Parking: Entire store is non-smoking, with a smoking area provided at the entrance; no dedicated parking lot.
Official Website:CURRY UP Store Information
Information checked: 2026-11-1.
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