What are the most popular Japanese curry house menu items?

Mar 27, 2024 | 6 min read

Japanese curry houses offer a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, combining the rich, comforting flavors of curry with traditional and modern Japanese culinary techniques. From crispy katsu to hearty udon, these establishments have perfected the art of serving up delicious curry dishes that appeal to locals and tourists alike. Whether you're in the mood for something meaty, vegetarian, or a dish with a seafood twist, Japanese curry houses have something to satisfy your cravings. The popularity of these dishes is not only due to their exquisite taste but also their ability to offer a comforting meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making them a hit for dine-in, takeout, and delivery services.

Katsu curry

Katsu curry holds a special place in the heart of Japanese curry cuisine, combining the crunch of breaded meat with the rich, spiciness of curry sauce. This dish is particularly popular among those who enjoy a textural contrast in their meals. The chicken katsu curry and pork katsu curry are favorites for their tender meat encased in a crispy outer layer. Seafood variations like fish katsu and salmon katsu cater to pescatarians, offering a lighter but equally satisfying option. For vegetarians, the vegetable curry serves as a delightful alternative, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the flavors of katsu curry. The dish's versatility and hearty nature make it a popular choice for both lunch and dinner, with many opting for delivery to enjoy its comforting warmth at home.

Vegetable curry

Vegetable curry in Japanese curry houses is a testament to the versatility and depth of curry cuisine, offering a plethora of options that cater to vegetarians and health-conscious diners alike. The vegetable katsu curry, with its breaded and fried vegetables, provides a crunchy texture that beautifully complements the smooth curry sauce. Tofu curry stands out for its soft texture and mild flavors, appealing to those who prefer a subtler dish. Seasonal offerings like pumpkin curry and mixed vegetable curry highlight the freshness of produce, while eggplant curry (nasu curry) offers a meaty texture without the meat. The inclusion of udon noodles in vegetable curry udon introduces a beloved chewiness, making it a comforting choice for many. These dishes are popular for their ability to offer a satisfying meal without meat, proving that vegetable curries can be as hearty and flavorful as their meaty counterparts.

Beef curry

Beef curry brings a robust flavor to the Japanese curry house menu, with tender pieces of beef simmering in a rich, spicy-sweet curry sauce. This dish is a favorite among meat lovers, offering a satisfying depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or chewy udon noodles. The beef curry udon combines the heartiness of beef curry with the comforting texture of noodles, making it a popular choice for a filling meal. Lighter options, such as beef with curry sauce, cater to those looking for the flavors of curry without the heaviness. The curry beef combo and lunch specials provide a complete meal experience, often accompanied by pickled vegetables or miso soup, making them popular for both dine-in and delivery.

Seafood curry

Seafood curry at Japanese curry houses offers a delightful blend of ocean flavors with the spicy, aromatic curry base. This dish appeals to seafood lovers, featuring a variety of seafood like fish, prawn, crab, and sometimes even lobster, all enriched by the curry's complexity. Shrimp curry and shrimp mango curry stand out for their combination of succulence and sweetness, while lobster curry and crab curry use the richness of shellfish to elevate the dish. Curry prawns and curry fish balls introduce traditional Japanese ingredients into the mix, creating a fusion that's both innovative and comforting. These seafood curries are popular for their ability to bring a taste of the sea to the rich, flavorful world of curry, making them a sought-after option for those looking to explore beyond meat-based dishes.

Chicken curry

Chicken curry in Japanese curry houses is celebrated for its rich, hearty sauce and tender chicken pieces. The classic chicken katsu curry, with its crispy chicken cutlet, is a crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Simpler versions like curry chicken with onion focus on the flavors of the curry sauce, while coconut curry chicken introduces a tropical twist with its creamy texture. Chicken curry with rice is a staple, beloved for its comforting simplicity. The inclusion of vegetables in the vegetable and chicken curry provides a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. These dishes are popular for their comforting qualities and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of diners, including those looking for a hearty meal to enjoy at home.

Pork curry

Pork curry in Japanese curry houses captures the essence of comfort food, with dishes like pork katsu curry and tonkatsu curry standing out for their crispy, breaded pork cutlets smothered in flavorful curry sauce. Curry pork with onion offers a simpler, yet equally satisfying option, with the sweetness of onions complementing the rich curry. Ginger pork introduces a zesty flavor to the traditional curry, offering a unique twist that appeals to those looking for something different. Spicy pork curry caters to diners who prefer a bit of heat in their meals. These pork curry options are popular for their ability to satisfy cravings for something hearty and flavorful, making them a go-to for both dine-in and delivery.

Curry udon

Curry udon combines the thick, chewy noodles of udon with the rich, spicy flavors of Japanese curry, creating a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Classic curry udon is a favorite for its simplicity and heartiness, while variations like beef curry udon and chicken curry udon add a meaty richness to the dish. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, tempura udon soup incorporates crispy tempura, and shrimp tempura udon soup adds a seafood twist. Spicy udon and kimchi udon offer a spicy kick, catering to those who like their meals with a bit more heat. Vegetable udon and tofu udon provide vegetarian options without compromising on flavor. These curry udon dishes are popular for their comforting warmth and versatility, making them a favorite choice for diners seeking a filling, flavorful meal.

The information presented in this article is based on a comprehensive study of Otter’s internal menu data for Japanese curry houses, and does not represent a guarantee.

Mar 27, 2024 | 6 min read

About Otter

Otter helps your restaurant business grow. Here a few of our key results:
  • Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
  • Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
  • Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
  • Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
  • Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*
* Results based on typical Otter customer performance

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. Otter does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Request a demo

Subscribe to the monthly newsletter →