A globally renowned Japanese curry.
Near the World Heritage Site of Kofuku-ji Temple and the famous Nara Park, home to many wild deer, there is a highly delicious curry restaurant.
The name of this curry restaurant is "Wagyu Suji Curry."
"Wagyu Suji" refers to the Japanese Wagyu beef tendons.
True to its name, this restaurant's specialty is a curry roux packed with the rich umami flavor of slow-cooked Wagyu tendons and trimmings.
The shop is located near the intersection of Sanjo Street, which extends eastward from JR Nara Station, and Higashimuki shopping street(東向き商店街) that stretches southward from the east exit of Kintetsu Nara Station.
This is the entrance of the shop facing Sanjo Street.
The shop is located on the second floor, so you will need to go upstairs using the staircase.
This is the menu signboard placed in front of the shop.
Perhaps due to the increasing number of foreign tourists recently, the menu includes English translations as well.
On the day of my visit, there were several groups of Western and Asian customers at the store.
Water and condiments are all complimentary.
The provided condiments are six types: Fukujinzuke, Rakkyo(Japanese scallion pickle relish), Nara-zuke, pickles, lamb raisin, and bottled curry sauce, from right to left.
These curry condiments are best enjoyed by adding each type little by little to the curry, savoring the changes in flavor and relishing the variety they bring.
"Fukujinzuke" is a condiment made by pickling seven types of vegetables such as daikon and eggplant in salt, and then seasoning them with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. It is the most popular condiment for curry in Japan.
When you add a little Fukujinzuke to a spicy curry and eat it, the sweet and savory flavors of Fukujinzuke enhance the taste of the curry.
"Rakkyo" is a pickled condiment made from the bulbs of the allium family, soaked in sweet vinegar. This, too, is a popular condiment for curry in Japan.
The sweet and sour flavor of Rakkyo complements the spiciness of curry perfectly.
"Nara-zuke" is a traditional pickled dish passed down in Nara, where vegetables like eggplant are marinated in Sake-Kasu, a byproduct of sake production.
This pickled delicacy has a rich and intense umami flavor, and when added to curry, it imparts a unique taste sensation in the mouth. Many people surprisingly find it becomes their favorite, and for me, Nara-zuke is my top choice.
Refreshing vegetable pickles enhance the refreshing flavor.
Though Lamb Raisin is an unusual addition, its rich sweetness complements curry well.
Adding just a little of this curry sauce significantly increases the spiciness of the curry.
The curry at this shop has a strong umami flavor with a mild spiciness. For those who want to enjoy a bit more heat in their curry, this curry sauce is recommended as a condiment.
However, be careful not to add too much, as it might become too spicy to eat. It's best to add it little by little!
Curry
Allow me to introduce some of the curries offered at this shop.
■Wagyu Suji Curry（和牛スジカレー:Japanese wagyu beef tendon curry & rice）
This is the signature curry of this shop.
This is a mildly spicy curry that has been slowly simmered to extract the rich umami flavor of Japanese Wagyu beef.
■Wagyu FuwaFuwa Om Curry（和牛ふわふわオムカレー:Japanese wagyu beef tendon curry & rice with omelette）
This curry topped with a fluffy omelette is the most popular dish at this shop.
The buttery-flavored omelette adds richness to the curry, creating a milder and delightful taste.
■Wagyu GoroGoro Beef Curry(和牛ごろごろビーフカレー:Japanese wagyu beef curry & rice)
This curry is recommended for those who want to savor plenty of beef.
This curry is served with curry roux and rice separately.
The beef, simmered slowly, is so tender that it can easily be cut with a spoon.
If you're a meat lover, you definitely should try it!
As it is a popular establishment, the lunch hours on weekends can get crowded. It is recommended to visit during the early opening hours.
The image of eating curry in Nara might not readily come to mind even for Japanese people. However, this shop is an authentic Japanese curry restaurant, so I highly recommend giving it a try at least once!
Shop Information and Details
■Address: 2F Kasuga Sanjo-dori Building, 28 Hashimotocho, Nara City
■Phone Number: 0742-93-4024
■No reservations available
■Business Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Closes when sold out)
■Regular Holiday: Monday
■Parking: Not available
■Smoking: Entirely non-smoking
■MAP
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