🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must — Walk Tokyo’s Curry District: Kanda’s Many Styles in One Neighborhood
Kanda concentrates Tokyo’s curry history in a few walkable blocks—European-style, spice-forward, cutlet curry, and more. Start with century-old Kyoeido and keep exploring; the point is to return and learn the city through curry. 🍛
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Introduction
If you want to understand Japanese curry quickly, base yourself in Kanda. Here, long-running institutions stand next to newer spice shops, letting you taste how Tokyo shaped curry over 100+ years. Kyoeido’s famous “Sumatra curry” is a great first stop: a dark, gently bitter roux with layered spices, served separately from rice—the style that defined an era of Tokyo curry.
What to Try
Sumatra Curry at Kyoeido (Beef/Pork/Chicken)
A smooth, near-black roux with a hint of roasted flour depth—spoon some over rice, then adjust bite by bite. Notice how the bitterness, sweetness, and spice settle into balance rather than heat for heat’s sake.
Second Stop, Different Style
Kanda’s value is contrast. After Kyoeido’s classic roux, try a spice-centric shop or a cutlet curry to feel how “Tokyo curry” diverges within just a few minutes’ walk.
How to Order
Order verbally after being seated; choose your protein (beef/pork/chicken). Rice and curry are typically served separately—ladle the roux over in small pours so the balance stays vivid. If you’re unsure, say: “Beef Sumatra curry, please.” Payment is usually at the register when you leave.
Tokyo or Trip?
🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must — Learn Japan’s curry story by walking Kanda.
Curry is nationwide, but Kanda’s density and diversity are uniquely Tokyo. In one stroll you can map the spectrum—from historic European-style roux to modern spice blends—making this the best place to grasp how Japan made curry its own. Plan to come back more than once; that’s where Kanda shines.
Explore Nearby
- Katsu Curry in Tokyo 🍛
- Spice Curry at Keraku (Meguro) 🍛
- Maguro Cutlet Curry (Tsukiji) 🐟
- Tokyo Shoyu Ramen 🍜
- Tsukiji Breakfast (Chashu-Egg) 🍳
Similar Dishes
- Just One Curry in Togoshi-Ginza — Tokyo’s Local-Style Curry 🍛
- Nagoya Miso Katsu 🐖
- Turkish Rice (Nagasaki) 🍽️
External Links
- Sumatra Curry Kyoeido — Chiyoda City Tourism 🏛️
- GoTokyo — Kanda & Jimbocho: curry scene and annual curry festival 🔗
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.