Harajuku "CURRY UP": A Curry Rhapsody in the Fashionable Streets
“CURRY UP” is tucked away in the back alleys of Harajuku, like a low-key yet confident fashion icon. It was personally created by renowned Japanese designer NIGO in 2010, inspired by the legendary Harajuku curry restaurant “GHEE.” NIGO worked at “GHEE” and couldn’t forget its rich spice flavors. So, he brought in Kentaro Hashimoto, the heir to the chef from those days, determined to recreate that memory and add his own trendy magic.
The curry here doesn’t follow Indian style nor is it entirely Japanese, but rather uses a uniquely blended spice mix to create a healthy flavor that’s additive-free and wheat flour-free. The name “CURRY UP” hints at a sense of urgency—”Come and eat curry!” as if urging you to drop your bubble tea and rush into the restaurant for a feast. The interior design is also worth noting, simple yet with a touch of street style, and occasionally featuring design easter eggs by NIGO on the walls, making you feel stylish as you eat.
Signature Dishes: A Duet for Your Taste Buds
When it comes to the soul of “CURRY UP,” it’s undoubtedly their signature curry! They specialize in “Combination Curry,” allowing you to enjoy two flavors at once, fulfilling the ultimate dream of those who struggle with choices. Here are some must-order dishes:
Butter Chicken Curry × Beef Curry
This high-value combination is the restaurant’s super popular king. “Butter Chicken Curry” is smooth on the palate, with a rich buttery aroma enveloping tender chicken, and the slightly acidic tomato base prevents it from being cloying, like a gentle and charming young lady. “Beef Curry,” on the other hand, is the hardcore representative, carrying on the slightly spicy style inherited from GHEE, with beef chunks stewed until tender, and spices dancing on your tongue, as if saying, “Come on, challenge me!” Both are paired with a dish of “Sakura Daikon” (pickled cherry blossom radish), sweet and sour, perfectly neutralizing the rich flavors.
Sag Keema (Spinach Minced Chicken Curry)
This is a weekday limited star, made with domestically produced spinach and coarsely ground minced chicken, looking incredibly healthy with its green appearance. The first bite is the sweetness of spinach, followed by the tenderness of chicken, and finally, the lingering aroma of spices slowly unfolds, with moderate spiciness, making you want another bowl after finishing.
Ebi to Nasu no Curry (Shrimp and Eggplant Curry)
A seafood and land collaboration! Sweet shrimp and soft, glutinous eggplant dance together in the spiced broth, with a rich layering of textures like a party. Especially suitable for spring and summer, refreshing yet with a touch of luxury.
Historical Background: The Heritage from GHEE to CURRY UP
The story of “CURRY UP” begins with “GHEE.” This curry restaurant, which swept Harajuku from 1983 to 2005, was not only a culinary landmark but also a symbol of youth culture. NIGO worked there in those days and fell deeply in love with the unique curry flavors. After “GHEE” closed in 2005, NIGO decided to replicate that sensation. He spent two years finding the original chef to pass on the secret recipe, and finally opened “CURRY UP” in 2010.
This is not only a tribute to “GHEE” but also an experiment in injecting Harajuku’s rebellion and creativity into curry. NIGO not only supervised the process but also incorporated his streetwear philosophy into the shop, with a retro-futuristic feel in everything from the menu to the decor. Today, “CURRY UP” has expanded beyond Harajuku to Nakameguro and Hong Kong, becoming a pilgrimage site for curry lovers worldwide.
翻譯日文語音菜單於後方
Japanese voice menu translation provided at the back
뒤쪽에 일본어 음성 메뉴 번역이 제공됩니다
后面提供日文语音菜单翻译
CURRY UP
- Budget: ¥2,000–¥2,999
- Cuisine: Curry
- Phone: 03-5775-5446
- Reservations: Reservations available (takeout reservations only)
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order 8:30 PM)
- Hours and closures may vary; please confirm with the restaurant before visiting.
- Address: 2-35-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 105
- Access:
- Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line: 8-minute walk from Kitasando Station
- JR Yamanote Line: 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station
- JR Sobu Line: 12-minute walk from Sendagaya Station.
- Children: Welcome
- Payment:
- Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) accepted
- Electronic payments (transit IC cards, iD, QUICPay) accepted
- QR code payments (PayPay, d-barai, Rakuten Pay, au PAY, WeChat Pay) accepted
- Smoking: No smoking indoors; smoking area available outside
- Official website: https://humanmade.jp/collections/curry-up
店舗とのコラボレーションで、無料の音声メニューを作成いたします。ご興味のある方はぜひご連絡ください！goodxssss@gmail.com
實用日語語音
Practical Japanese Audio
실용 일본어 음성
实用日语语音
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?
人數
Number of People
인원수
人数
語音菜單 輕鬆點餐
Voice Menu, Easy Ordering
음성 메뉴, 간편 주문
语音菜单，轻松点餐
Butter Chicken Curry
Beef Curry
Keema Curry
Vegetable Curry
Beef Tendon Curry
Shrimp Red Curry
Chicken Green Curry
Vegetable Curry & Butter Chicken Curry
Vegetable Curry & Beef Curry
Vegetable Curry & Keema Curry
Vegetable Curry & Eggplant Curry
Vegetable Curry & Spinach Curry
Butter Chicken Curry & Eggplant Curry
Butter Chicken Curry & Keema Curry
Butter Chicken Curry & Beef Curry
Butter Chicken Curry & Spinach Curry
Keema Curry & Beef Curry
Keema Curry & Eggplant Curry
Keema Curry & Spinach Curry
Beef Curry & Eggplant Curry
Beef Curry & Spinach Curry
Eggplant Curry & Spinach Curry
Side Menu
Kids' Curry
Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Potato Salad & Coleslaw
Lassi (Indian Yogurt Drink)
Mango Lassi
Chai
Coffee
Mineral Water
Kingfisher Beer
Yebisu Beer
