8 Recommended Kanazawa Curry Shops! Introducing the characteristics of Kanazawa Curry!

On a stainless steel plate, a pitch-black curry roux.

Have you heard of “Kanazawa Curry,” characterized by a generous amount of sauce on a cutlet and cabbage?

As a popular local gourmet dish, Kanazawa Curry is frequently enjoyed by tourists as well as locals, but what sets it apart from typical curry? In this article, we’ll introduce the features of Kanazawa Curry that many people love, and particularly recommend some curry shops.

Each shop uses its own special roux and toppings, offering a variety of flavors. Please use this article as a reference to taste the local gourmet of Ishikawa, “Kanazawa Curry”!

What are the characteristics of Kanazawa Curry?

Kanazawa Curry is distinctive for its curry with a cutlet on top and shredded cabbage on the side.

Many people might feel it resembles cutlet curry because the cutlet is placed on top of the curry.

The difference from cutlet curry lies in whether there is sauce on top of the cutlet.

Kanazawa Curry features a special sauce on the cutlet, allowing for a richer flavor.

It is thicker and blacker than typical curry roux, and the reason for its darkness is “caramel.”

By adding caramel and slightly burning the roux during simmering, it creates a richer and more profound flavor.

Kanazawa Curry, served in a stainless steel dish and appealing to all ages for its cute appearance, is popular among all.

Many shops use a spork or fork, which is a small but notable detail.

Champion Curry, Nonoichi Main Store

Introducing “Champion Curry, Nonoichi Main Store,” affectionately known as ChanKare, located an 8-minute walk from Nonoichi Koudai Mae Station.

This shop is said to be the originator of Kanazawa Curry, as its founder, Mr. Yoshiwa Tanaka, created the recipe and the distinctive style of Kanazawa Curry.

The main store is located in Nonoichi City, next to Kanazawa City, but within Kanazawa City alone, there are 5 stores, including the Omi-cho Store, a 15-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, and the Takayanagi Store, a 9-minute walk from Higashi-Kanazawa Station.

Please choose a store that is easy to access.

The signature menu item is the “L-size Katsu Curry” for 720 yen (tax included).

After purchasing a meal ticket and handing it to the staff, the curry is served in less than 5 minutes, a hallmark of Kanazawa Curry’s speed of service.

The roux, smooth enough to be scooped up with a spoon or fork, is concentrated with the flavors of various ingredients.

The roux, with its moderate spiciness and sweet and spicy taste, pairs well with white rice.

The cutlet is perfectly thick and large!

Despite its size, the cutlet, with its crispy breading and minimal fat, can be easily finished.

Fukujinzuke (pickled vegetables) are also available on the table for unlimited topping.

The original fukujinzuke, with its moderate sweetness and acidity, perfectly complements the rich roux.

“Champion Curry” is said to be the birthplace of Kanazawa Curry.

With many outlets in Ishikawa Prefecture, those interested should definitely pay a visit.

Turban Curry Main Store

Introducing “Turban Curry,” located a 30-minute walk from Nomachi Station.

This shop has a particularly deep history among Kanazawa curry establishments, having been in business for nearly 50 years since its founding in 1971.

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned Western-style restaurant, this shop offers a variety of curry dishes and toppings.

There are 7 types of curry, in addition to many seasonal menus.

With over 10 types of toppings, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

In such cases, the “L Set Curry” for 1,150 yen (tax included), which allows you to enjoy loin cutlet, wieners, and hamburgers all at once, is recommended.

The curry roux is characterized by its mild acidity and spices, making it easy to eat.

In fact, the roux uses a commitment to over 20 types of spices!

You can enjoy a taste similar to spicy Indian curry and the richness of European-style curry.

The crispy cutlet on top of the thick curry roux has a satisfying bite.

The pork is sweet and matches well with the richness of the curry.

Not only can you choose the ingredients and toppings, but you can also select the amount of rice from “S” -50 yen to “LL” +200 yen (each tax included).

It’s about an 8-minute walk from Kenrokuen, so enjoy it after sightseeing!

Curry no Shimin Alba Komatsu Main Store

Introducing “Curry no Shimin Alba Komatsu Main Store,” located a 6-minute walk from Komatsu Station.

Originally a curry shop with a history of over 50 years, it was reopened under a new manager after closing in 2021.

The roux, with a 50-year history, is blended with Nagoya Cochin and young lamb broth, adding more flavor and richness to the curry.

This shop, having undergone several improvements, offers a lighter version of Kanazawa curry compared to other places.

The “Tonkatsu Curry” for 850 yen (tax included) is the shop’s most popular menu item.

A novel dish with cutlet on rice, topped with curry roux.

The rich roux has depth, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness.

You can order a larger portion for an additional 100 yen.

The cutlet is fried at a high temperature, giving it a crispy texture.

Even with the roux, it’s cooked at a high temperature to improve the texture.

In a retro atmosphere of yesteryear, you can enjoy a distinct version of Kanazawa curry.

Texas

“Texas” has become a popular spot where lines form before opening even on weekdays.

With access being difficult, a 50-minute walk from Kamimoroike Station, it’s better to go by car or taxi.

There’s one parking spot in front of the shop and another across the road.

At this restaurant, you can enjoy more than 20 types of dishes, including curry, pasta, and set meals.

It’s a famous spot frequented by locals for its delicious food.

The “Texas Curry” for 800 yen (tax included) is a satisfying menu item that comes with salad, miso soup, and a drink.

Different from other Kanazawa curries is the “cutlet” used.

While typical Kanazawa curry uses pork cutlet, here they use a cutlet wrapped with myoga and cheese in shiso and chicken breast.

The saltiness of the myoga, the refreshing taste of shiso, and the richness of the cheese are irresistible.

The curry roux here is thicker and creamier than other Kanazawa curries.

The miso soup is also uniquely Kanazawa, made with seafood broth.

The ingredients change daily, offering luxurious miso soup with crab, shellfish, shrimp, and more, which is another reason for its popularity.

Since it’s a popular spot with lines even on weekdays, if you’re interested, make sure to visit with time to spare.

Kitchen Yuki

“Kitchen Yuki,” located a 20-minute walk from Matsuto Station, is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Kanazawa curry in a Western-style diner setting.

Both the dining area and kitchen are located on the second floor, offering a spacious environment filled with numerous tables.

True to the style of old Western-style diners, it’s a space where you can relax and enjoy your time.

The “Tonkatsu Curry” for 990 yen (tax included) is known for its richness and sweet flavor.

Because the curry is mild, it’s suitable for people who do not like spicy food and children.

As a Western-style diner, the restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options.

The “Curry Bake with Tonkatsu” for 1,150 yen (tax included), which is a tonkatsu curry served on Kitchen Yuki’s signature dish, “Bake Rice,” is also popular.

Bake Rice refers to the restaurant’s original fried rice, characterized by its Japanese broth flavor and the umami of fried rice.

The combination of Japanese and Western styles in the rice, topped with rich curry, is a perfect match!

It’s a popular menu item that allows you to experience the essence of Kanazawa.

Gold Curry Main Store

Introducing “Gold Curry,” notable for its orange exterior.

Since it’s a bit far from the station, it’s better to go by car or taxi.

While Tonkatsu on curry is basic for Kanazawa curry, this place offers a wide variety of toppings.

From “Cheese Mille-feuille Katsu Curry” for 880 yen to “Noto Pork Katsu Curry” for 1,030 yen (tax included), there are various Kanazawa curries to try.

The most orthodox and popular is the “G Katsu Curry” for 800 yen (tax included).

The large cutlet is characterized by its crunchy texture and coarse breadcrumbs.

The combination of crispy breading and juicy pork is superb.

The curry roux is spicier compared to other restaurants.

It’s smooth to the touch, offering a rich and refreshing flavor that’s unique.

Another highlight of this restaurant is the limited-time offers that allow you to enjoy curry at a discount.

Regardless of weekdays or weekends, from 11:00 to 15:00 during lunchtime, G Katsu Curry is only 680 yen.

Miso soup is provided for free as a service with Gold Curry!

When you order curry, miso soup is self-service, perfect for a break from the curry.

Besides the rich menu, the challenge menus are also interesting.

There’s even a big eater menu where you can try up to 10 kilos of curry.

If you’re curious, give it a try.

Indian Curry Main Store

Introducing the “Indian Curry Main Store,” just a 5-minute walk from Mikuchi Station.

Because of its convenient access from Kanazawa Station, this shop is beloved by many.

It has a long history and offers a taste of traditional Kanazawa curry.

The signature menu item of this shop is the “Vegetable Egg Curry” for 780 yen (tax included).

Known affectionately as “Yasatama Curry,” this dish is completed by adding vegetable eggs as a topping to the curry.

A luxurious dish topped with plenty of vegetables and a soft-boiled egg on the curry.

The thickly simmered roux matches exquisitely with the mild taste of the omelet.

The “Indian Curry Vegetable Egg DX” for 1,130 yen (tax included) is a plate full of the most popular toppings, offering a generous volume.

The menu includes items from Ishikawa’s fresh seafood to deliciously fatty pork cutlets, all fried.

All the fries are crispy, making them a perfect match with the rich roux.

This shop, where you can enjoy delicious curry in a traditional setting, also offers self-service miso soup, so if you’re interested, be sure to visit.

Go Go Curry Kanazawa Main Store

Located 30 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station, “Go Go Curry Kanazawa Main Store” is the flagship store of a nationally famous curry specialty shop.

It’s said that Go Go Curry helped popularize the term “Kanazawa Curry,” making it a familiar name even to those outside Kanazawa.

The shop’s most popular and orthodox dish is the “Loin Katsu Curry” for 800 yen (tax included).

What sets this curry apart is, above all, its size!

Even the M size (regular) offers plenty of rice, curry roux, and a large cutlet, making the “S size (small)” for 750 yen (tax included) recommended for those with a smaller appetite or women.

The cutlet is crispy and very satisfying to eat.

It uses pork with less fat, making it easier and lighter to eat.

The curry roux has the rich and flavorful taste characteristic of Kanazawa curry.

Furthermore, this curry is distinctive for its stronger acidity compared to others.

The added acidity enhances the spiciness of the curry even more.

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