A Japanese Curry House is a specialized restaurant that primarily serves various types of Japanese curry dishes. The term "Japanese curry house" can refer to different restaurant chains, depending on the context. One such chain is the curry house CoCo ICHIBANYA, owned by Ichibanya Co., Ltd., a Japanese food services company. Known as CoCo ICHIBAN or CoCo ICHI, it is Japan's largest curry restaurant chain with over 1400 outlets across various countries.
The interior design of a Japanese curry house often reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics, with minimalist decor, natural materials, and warm, subdued lighting. The atmosphere is typically relaxed and casual, making it a popular choice for families and groups of friends. The service is often efficient and polite, reflecting the Japanese culture's emphasis on hospitality and respect.
Origin and history of the Japanese curry house
The inception of the Japanese curry house can be traced back to the Meiji era (1868–1912), when the British introduced curry to Japan from India. Initially, curry was a luxury cuisine for the affluent, served only in high-end yōshoku specialty restaurants. However, the dish was later adapted using ingredients from Japanese cuisine to cater to local tastes. The widespread acceptance of curry began in 1905 with the introduction of domestically produced curry powder. Various derivatives of curry rice, including curry udon and curry soba, were created by restaurants in the early 1900s.
The evolution of the Japanese curry Hhuse is also closely linked to House Foods Corporation, one of Japan's largest food manufacturers and brands. Founded in 1913 in Osaka as Urakami Shoten, the company began selling curry in 1926. House Foods is the world's largest manufacturer of Japanese curry and is renowned for its Japanese curry brands, Vermont Curry and Java Curry.
Unique characteristics of Japanese curry houses
Size
Japanese curry houses, like many other restaurants in Japan, are typically smaller in size compared to other types of restaurants found globally. This is largely due to the high population density and limited space in Japanese cities. A typical Japanese curry house might seat around 20 to 30 people, with some even smaller, accommodating only a handful of diners at a time.
Atmosphere
The interior design of a Japanese curry house often reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics, with minimalist decor, natural materials, and warm, subdued lighting. The seating arrangement can vary from western-style tables and chairs to low tables with tatami mat flooring, providing a more authentic Japanese dining experience.
Menu
Japanese curry houses primarily focus on serving various types of curry dishes, which is a staple in Japanese cuisine. The menu typically includes options like katsu curry, seafood curry, vegetable curry, and sometimes unique variations like cheese curry. The curry is often served with rice and pickles. Some curry houses also offer customization options where customers can choose the level of spiciness, amount of rice, and additional toppings.
Service
In a Japanese curry house, customers usually order at the counter and pay upfront, which is different from the traditional sit-down service where customers order from their table and pay at the end. The customization of dishes is another unique feature. Customers can choose the level of spiciness, amount of rice, and additional toppings, allowing for a personalized dining experience.
Alcohol
Japanese curry houses typically serve traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake, shochu, and Japanese beer. Sake, a rice wine, and shochu, a distilled beverage, are often served warm and paired with the spicy and hearty flavors of Japanese curry.
What items are typically on a Japanese curry house’s menu?
Appetizers
- Edamame: $5.21 ~ $9.04
- Gyoza: $6.27 ~ $12.00
- Takoyaki: $6.99 ~ $11.50
- Miso Soup: $2.54 ~ $8.00
- Seaweed Salad: $5.27 ~ $9.60
Main Dishes
- Katsu Curry: $12.75 ~ $23.75
- Chicken Curry: $11.99 ~ $20.32
- Beef Curry: $9.55 ~ $19.98
- Vegetable Curry: $9.99 ~ $19.89
- Seafood Curry: $15.95 ~ $27.55
- Yasai Curry: $10.07 ~ $19.89
Sides
- Rice: $2.05 ~ $6.69
- Pickles: $1.28 ~ $14.29
- Extra Curry Sauce: $2.00 ~ $8.97
Desserts
- Green Tea Ice Cream: $3.94 ~ $10.99
- Mochi: $3.00 ~ $8.51
- Dorayaki: $3.00 ~ $8.51
- Anmitsu: $3.00 ~ $8.51
Drinks
- Green Tea: $2.60 ~ $7.23
- Sake: $4.77 ~ $25.99
- Japanese Beer: $16.23 ~ $19.55
- Ramune: $3.00 ~ $5.59
- Oolong Tea: $3.00 ~ $6.98
Are Japanese curry houses popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Traditionally in Japan, curry is not typically consumed for breakfast. However, for lunch and dinner, Japanese curry houses are extremely popular. Lunchtime often sees a rush of office workers and students looking for a quick, hearty meal, and curry fits the bill perfectly. Dinner at a Japanese curry house is also a common choice, especially for families and groups of friends.
Are Japanese curry houses popular for food delivery?
Yes, Japanese curry houses are indeed popular for food delivery. The rise of food delivery apps has made it easier for people to enjoy a variety of cuisines from the comfort of their homes, and Japanese curry is no exception. This dish, known for its rich, hearty flavors and comforting warmth, is a favorite among many.
What are the most popular Japanese curry house chains?
One of the most prominent chains is CoCo ICHIBANYA, operated by Ichibanya Co., Ltd. This chain is based in Ichinomiya, Aichi, Japan, and as of 2019, it had 1,476 locations across thirteen countries. It is Japan's largest curry restaurant chain with over 1400 outlets across various countries.
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