Murugi, Shibuya: The Tokyo Curry Legend to Love.
In the bustling district of Shibuya, Tokyo, where trends and gourmet food intertwine, there is a small shop hidden in the Dogenzaka Hyakken-ten shopping street called ‘Murugi.’ Despite its unassuming appearance, this is an old-established curry restaurant that opened in 1951, boasting a history of over 70 years, making it a living legend in Shibuya, and even in Tokyo’s curry scene. If you come to Tokyo, why not visit Murugi to experience its unique curry charm? There is no elaborate menu here, just simple yet unforgettable curry, paired with the iconic ‘mountain of rice,’ guaranteed to make you never forget it.
Stepping into Murugi, you will immediately be attracted to its retro atmosphere. The exterior of the shop features an old-fashioned design made of red brick, with a yellow sign that reads ‘Indian cuisine Established in 1951,’ exuding a strong Showa era atmosphere. The interior is dominated by dark wood tones, with soft lighting, resembling a Kissa-ten (traditional Japanese café) from an old movie. This sense of nostalgia makes you want to order a cup of coffee and savor it slowly, but don’t forget that this is a curry specialty shop! There are about 32 seats, including four-person tables and two-person tables. The space is not large, but it is always full, especially during lunchtime, when you often have to line up to get in. It is recommended to arrive before the 11:30 am opening, otherwise you will have to wait patiently for a while.
Murugi’s most famous dish is undoubtedly its signature ‘Tamago-iri Murugi Curry’ (Egg-in Murugi Curry). The characteristic of this curry is, first of all, the towering mountain of rice, like Mount Fuji, said to be inspired by the Himalayas, with a shape so exaggerated that you can’t help but want to take a picture. Below the rice is a rich, dark brown curry sauce, topped with a half-boiled egg, making for a perfect visual. The moment you take a bite, the strong aroma of sautéed onions fills your senses, along with the sauce carefully blended with 13 kinds of spices, spicy with a hint of fruity sweetness and a faint bitterness, the layers of flavor are so rich that you can’t help but be amazed. This flavor is neither as intense as traditional Indian curry nor as mild as Japanese European-style curry, but rather a unique ‘Murugi style’ that makes you unable to stop eating once you start.
The origin of this curry is also a fascinating story. The founder went to Burma (now Myanmar) before the war and learned the local curry recipe there. After returning to Japan, he modified this exotic flavor to suit Japanese tastes and opened the restaurant in Shibuya in 1951. At that time, curry was not as popular in Japan as it is now, so being able to eat such unique and exquisite curry was definitely a novelty. It is said that even the gourmet Shotaro Ikenami praised the flavor here and mentioned Murugi in his essays, showing how great its charm is. Today, this traditional flavor, which has been maintained for more than 70 years, is still inherited by the family, using domestic ingredients (except for spices), and each pot of sauce is handmade, full of heart-warming dedication.
In addition to ‘Tamago-iri Murugi Curry,’ the restaurant also offers ‘Murugi Curry’ (without egg) and ‘Hayashi Curry’ (sweet curry), priced between 1000 and 1400 yen, making it a relatively cost-effective dining option in the Shibuya area. For those who want to add variety, you can try extra toppings such as cheese or spice adjustments, and even a generous ‘Ohmori’ (large portion, +350 yen). However, be aware that the rice portion is already substantial, and although the shape is cute, the quantity is not to be underestimated. If you can’t finish it, you can ask the staff to adjust the portion, providing thoughtful and friendly service. Pickled radish (Fukujinzuke) and red pickled ginger (Beni shoga) are standard side dishes, especially the Fukujinzuke with a strong ginger flavor, which perfectly complements the rich taste of the curry, making it the finishing touch.
However, it should be noted that Murugi has special business hours, only open from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, completely closed during dinner hours, making it a ‘lunch-only’ phantom restaurant. In addition, it is closed on Fridays and national holidays, so you need to seize the opportunity if you want to eat here. You might as well come here during lunchtime to try the flavors and experience this completely different gourmet style. The restaurant is less than a 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station, with convenient transportation, yet hidden in an alley, offering a bit of exploratory fun.
Whether you are a curry lover or simply want to experience the charm of an old Tokyo restaurant, this place is definitely worth a visit. Come with an empty stomach and curiosity, and let this ‘mountain of rice’ lead you to conquer the peak of taste!
Japanese voice menu translation provided at the back
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Murugi Information
- Budget: ¥1,000–¥1,999
- Type: Curry, Indian Curry
- Phone: 03-3461-8809
- Reservations: Not available
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 11:30 AM–3:00 PM; Tuesday, Friday, National holidays: Closed; May close during special periods such as New Year’s holidays
- Address: 2-19-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access:
- 4-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line ‘Shibuya Station’ West Exit
- 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line & Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line ‘Shibuya Station’
- 7-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line & Saikyo Line ‘Shibuya Station’ Hachiko Exit
- 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line ‘Shibuya Station’
- 9-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line ‘Shibuya Station’
- Children: Welcome (But please be mindful of other customers due to the restaurant’s long history)
- Payment:
- Credit cards: Not accepted
- Electronic payment: Not accepted
- QR code payment: Available (PayPay)
- Smoking: No smoking
- Official website: https://murugi.co.jp/
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Voice Menu, Easy Ordering
All images are from the store's official website. Prices are based on on-site rates.
Murgh Curry with Egg
玉子入りムルギーカリー
Murgh Curry
ムルギーカリー
Gado-gado Salad
ガドガドサラダ
Salad with spicy peanut sauce and original sauce.
Topping
トッピング
Cheese
チーズ
Extra Egg
玉子増し
Sweet
甘口
Homemade Chutney
自家製チャツネ
Dry/Spicy
辛口
Very Spicy
大辛
Curry Sauce Refill
おかわりルー
Large Portion
大盛
Soft Drink
ソフトドリンク
Yogurt Drink
ヨーグルトドリンク
Hot Tea
ホットティー
Iced Coffee
アイスコーヒー
Iced Tea
アイスティー
Coca-Cola
コカ・コーラ
Ginger Ale
ジンジャーエール
Chai
チャイ
Hot
ホット
Ice
アイス
Beer
ビール
Yebisu Beer
エビス
Carlsberg Beer
カールスバーグ
All-Free (Non-alcoholic Beer)
オールフリー
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