10 Must-Try Japanese Curry Spots in Singapore for Comfort Food Lovers
Craving a hearty, stew-like dish? Japanese curry rice, one of Japan's ultimate comfort foods, is sure to hit the spot! Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, paired with crispy katsu or tender pork belly, Japanese curry rice offers a rich and comforting combination of flavours that’s hard to resist. To satisfy your cravings, we’ve curated a list of 10 must-visit spots across Singapore, from cozy coffee shops to trendy cafés and popular restaurants, where you can indulge in this delicious classic.
(1) Maruhachi Donburi & Curry
(2) Japan Rail Cafe
(3) Maji Curry
(4) Katsuya
(5) CoCo ICHIBANYA
(6) OTOKO Japanese Restaurant
(7) Monster Curry
(8) Gochi-So Shokudo
(9) Kuro Kare
(10) Japanese Curry Miyabi
(1) Maruhachi Donburi & Curry
If you are looking for a satisfying and affordable Japanese curry rice diner, Maruhachi Donburi & Curry is the place for you! They have 8 outlets across Singapore, serving restaurant-quality tonkatsu in coffee shops. It is made with fresh Japanese breadcrumbs using a Japanese technique known as panko-ing. They also use 100% cottonseed oil which contains zero trans-fat, allowing you to indulge to your heart’s content sin-free. Some must-orders on the menu include the Blackpig Katsu Curry ($13.80), Pork Fillet Katsu Curry ($10.80), and Signature Pork Katsu Don ($9.80).
(2) Japan Rail Cafe
If you're looking to enjoy curry in a unique café setting, make sure to visit Japan Rail Cafe, Singapore’s first tourism-themed café inspired by Japan. Launched by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), this café serves as both a dining spot and a hub for promoting Japanese travel. On top of savouring delicious and authentic Japanese dishes, you can also purchase Japan Rail passes and consult with knowledgeable staff for travel tips!
Look forward to dishes like Watashino Curry Rice (made with a black pepper base and a blend of various spices) and Watashino Hayashi Rice (cooked with beef, onions, and thick demi-glace sauce consisting of tomato puree and red wine). They also have Hafu Hafu Rice which allows you to customise your own set where you can choose one side and main dish.
(3) Maji Curry
Maji Curry is an award-winning restaurant famous in Japan that won the championship of the prestigious Kanda Curry Grand Prix in Tokyo in 2018, and they have opened an outlet in Singapore at Novena Square 2!
Mr. Ken Takagi, the CEO of Maji Curry, traveled the world to explore various curry styles before perfecting his recipe. The result is a rich and flavourful curry, crafted with a blend of 10 different spices and slow-cooked for 100 hours to achieve its signature taste. The menu includes Pork Cutlet Cheese Sauce Curry Rice (from $14.30), Hamburger Steak Cheese Sauce Curry Rice (from $14.30), Beef Shabu Curry Rice (from $12.50), and more.
(4) Katsuya
At Katsuya, you can enjoy a wide plethora of katsu offerings crafted by Chef Kervin Tay, who graduated from Tokyo Culinary School. Prepare to be wowed by the Ebi Katsu Curry Rice ($25), Chicken Katsu Curry Rice ($24), Kaisen Katsu Curry Rice ($31), and Hokkaido Rosu Katsu Curry Rice ($41).
(5) CoCo ICHIBANYA
CoCo ICHIBANYA is one of the largest Japanese curry chain restaurants with many outlets in Japan. Here, you can find a wide array of Japanese-style curry rice like Pork Cutlet Omelette Curry ($18.50), Creamed Chicken Omelette Curry ($16.50), Seafood Curry ($13.50), and more. You can fully customise your Japanese curry rice, from the portion size and choice of sauces (original, mild, or hashed beef) to the spice level and a wide selection of 40 toppings, allowing for a personalised dining experience.
(6) OTOKO Japanese Restaurant
Visit OTOKO Japanese Restaurant, nestled along Upper Serangoon Road, for a delicious and budget-friendly Japanese curry rice experience. Indulge in timeless favorites such as Chicken Katsu Curry ($9.90) or opt for signature dishes like the Premium Pork Katsu Curry with Scrambled Egg ($14.90). For just $2.90, enhance your meal with add-ons like the Ham and Cheese Wrap or Cheese Sausage.
OTOKO Japanese Restaurant
Location: 1187 Upper Serangoon Rd, The Midtown #01-20, Singapore 534785
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9:30pm (10:30pm for Fri-Sat)
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(7) Monster Curry
Monster Curry, a longstanding household name with multiple outlets across Singapore, is often the go-to Japanese curry joint among Singaporeans. Renowned for its signature Japanese demi-glace curry served in "monster-sized" portions, it’s perfect for sharing with friends. The menu features protein-rich Monster Combo Curry ($31.90), loaded with pork cutlet, fish cutlet, sliced pork belly, fried battered shrimp, and flame-torched cheese, as well as classics like Pork Shabu-Shabu Omelette Curry ($14.90) for those that prefer a comforting, hearty meal.
(8) Gochi-So Shokudo
Gochi-So Shokudo serves up a plethora of Japanese set meals, including the flavourful Japanese curry dishes like Iberico Pork Belly Curry Rice ($12.50) and Chicken Katsu Curry Rice ($15.50). Their rich, savoury curries are paired with tender cuts of pork or chicken and perfectly cooked rice. Committed to using high-quality ingredients, Gochi-So Shokudo ensures every dish is infused with authentic Japanese flavors for a truly satisfying meal.
(9) Kuro Kare
Kuro Kare specialises in the unique "black curry" style, known for its rich, deep flavours and distinctive dark hue. Steering away from the usual deep-fried tenderloins, their Japanese curry dishes are served with delicate cuts like Spanish Pulled Pork (from $12.90) and Thinly Sliced Australian Ribeye (from $9.90). Kuro Kare offers a modern twist on classic comfort food. Its locations within school compounds make it an affordable and popular choice among university students and staff.
(10) Japanese Curry Miyabi
Japanese Curry Miyabi is known for its hearty, mildly spiced curry, such as the Pork Curry Keema Style ($16) and Wagyu Curry Old Style ($18). The curry’s rich, velvety texture, combined with quality ingredients, brings out the authentic taste of Japan’s favourite comfort food. Unlike most restaurants, the curry dishes are only served during lunch as its evening service is a separate business.
Japanese Curry Miyabi
Location: 190 Middle Rd, #02-29 Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11:30am - 2:30pm
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Are you craving some stew-like dish like Japanese curry rice, one of the best comfort food in Japan? Well, we have specially curated a list of Japanese curry rice eateries you must visit to satisfy your craving — from coffee shops to cafes to restaurants!