Kyoto is famous for its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and serene gardens—but it’s also a city of evolving culinary delights. One of the most exciting trends in Kyoto’s food scene is spice curry.
You may think, why curry in Kyoto? Well, they put a Kyoto spin on spice curry, so it’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience a fiery twist on a beloved classic.
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What is Spice Curry?
While traditional Japanese curry is known for its thick, mild, and slightly sweet sauce made with a simple roux and ingredients like onions, carrots, and potatoes, spice curry takes a bold turn. This vibrant version incorporates a dynamic blend of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili—often drawing inspiration from Indian, Thai, and Southeast Asian cuisines. The result? A dish with layers of heat and aromatic intensity that delivers a truly robust flavor profile.
Do you want to know Kyoto’s lesser known restaurants? Check our articles on Food & Beverage
Key features
Traditional Japanese curry and “spice curry” differ mainly in their flavor profiles and ingredients:
Traditional Japanese Curry (Left):
Thick, mild, and slightly sweet—made with a roux and simple ingredients like onions, carrots, potatoes, and meat.Spice Curry (Right):
Bolder and spicier—with a mix of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili for a robust, layered flavor. This intricate flavor comes from Umami, typically extracted from broth (Dashi), which makes the spice curry so special.
Both styles have their own appeal; traditional Japanese curry is comforting and familiar, while spice curry caters to those who crave a punch of spice and deeper, more varied flavor notes.
Where to Enjoy Spice Curry in Kyoto
From small specialty shops tucked away in bustling neighborhoods to trendy modern bistros, the best spice curry spots combine local ingredients with global flavors. These hidden gems are perfect for a culinary adventure during your Kyoto visit.
As a native Japanese living in Kyoto for over 20 years, I’ll take you through my top 8 spice curry shops that never go wrong.
Established in July 2017 as an offshoot of its main Osaka restaurant, Khaos Spice Diner provides a relaxed atmosphere with reggae music, offering patrons a unique dining experience in Kyoto.
Specializes in spicy curry dishes, offering a variety of options that showcase a blend of spices and flavors. Their Khaos Kheymer, Gai Yang (Thai-style Grilled Chicken), and potato salad are must-try.
Address: Kus, 101, 408 Shimomaruyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8006
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-15:00 17:00-21:00, Sat 11:30-21:00, Sun 11:3-20:00
Phone: 075-212-1120
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
Tucked away on Teramachi Street, Teramachi Daijobu isn’t your average curry joint. Their signature Daijobu Mapo Curry? Think Kyoto’s freshest veggies got into a delicious brawl with bold Chinese flavors, all served up in a single, surprisingly harmonious bowl. It’s a vibe – and a curry – all its own.
Address: 249 Shikibucho, Nakagyo-Ku Fuji Hall 2F No7, Kyoto 604-8061
Hours: 12:00-16:00 18:00-22:00
Phone: 075-254-710
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
In Kyoto’s Gion, Koisus (a playful reversal of “sushi oke”) offers spice curry served in sushi buckets. Each bucket holds two curry varieties, five types of pickles, and comes with Kyoto-style soup stock to enjoy it as a soup curry.
Wanna see around with our local guide? Check our Gion tour!
Address:3 Chome-292 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0801
Hours: 11:00-21:30
Phone: 075-551-2254
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
What makes this shop special is their wild game meat curry, a unique item on their menu. They also feature a Kyoto-style broth curry with Japanese flavors. Uniquely, they also serve curry for breakfast.
Address: Shimogyo Ward, Teramachi Street, Bukkoji Shimoru, Ebisunocho 546
Hours: 7:30-11:00 11:30-21:00
Closed: Tuesday
Phone: 075-741-7554
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
Mujara, a name inspired by Mizuki Shigeru’s art book, houses a truly one-of-a-kind curry store. Their “Psychedelic” curry, as described by the owner, transforms a simple plate into a small, cosmic arena.
Address: 1F Itsuwa Mansion, 832 Bomon-cho, Omiya Nishiiru, Takatsuji-dori, Shimogyo-ku
Hours: 11:30-15:00
Closed: Sunday
Phone: 080-9161-1191
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
A mere five-minute wander from Nijo Station, the doorstep of UNESCO’s Nijo Castle, you’ll discover a curry with unexpected sophistication. Imagine: the tang of Balsamic vinegar waltzing with creamy richness and a savory broth, all in one bowl. As if that weren’t intriguing enough, it’s crowned with a delicate Ebisen – a shrimp-kissed rice cracker.
For those who seeking Nijo Castle tour, check this our walking tour!
Address: 249 Shikibucho, Nakagyo-Ku Fuji Hall 2F No7, Kyoto 604-8061
Hours: 11:00-15:00 18:00-22:00
Closed: Wednesday
Phone: 075-254-710
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
Located in the Shijo Karasuma area of Kyoto, India Gate is a restaurant specializing in biryani with a distinctive Japanese approach. Their signature dish is a unique biryani that blends Indian spices with Japanese flavors, notably using a sea bream broth (tai-dashi) in some of their preparations, such as the popular tai-dashi chicken biryani.
Address: 271 Tenjinyamacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8221
Hours: 11:30-15:00 17:00-21:00
Closed: Wednesday and Thursday
Phone: 075-708-2414
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
Sohonke Kinse, Kyoto’s over 250-year-old pickle institution, also runs a soup curry restaurant. Their tomato-based broth, enriched with dashi and 15+ spices, features local Kyoto beef, pork, or chicken, all served in a donabe with Shiga’s Koshihikari rice. A must-try in Kyoto’s Kawaramachi.
Address:607-3 Uraderacho, Nakagyo-Ku 2F, Kyoto 604-8041
Hours: 11:30-15:00 17:30-20:30
Phone: 075-212-5515
Price: 1,000-2,000 JPY/person
Add a Little Spice into Your Kyoto Itinerary
From its fiery blend of spices to its modern twist on a classic dish, spice curry reflects the innovative spirit of Kyoto’s food scene. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, indulging in this unique flavor profile is a great way to spend time like a local.
At Kyoto Insight, we believe that the best way to enjoy a city’s true flavor is by experiencing it firsthand with a local guide. Our free walking tours don’t just cover the historic landmarks—they also share local culinary innovations like spice curry.
By joining our tour, you’ll learn the history and culture behind Kyoto’s evolving food scene, ensuring you don’t miss out on the city’s true potential.
FAQ Section
What is spice curry?
It’s a spicier, bolder version of Japanese curry that incorporates a mix of aromatic spices for extra heat and complexity.How does it differ from traditional Japanese curry?
Traditional curry is thick, mild, and slightly sweet, whereas spice curry offers a robust, fiery flavor with additional spices like cumin and chili.Which culinary traditions inspire spice curry in Japan?
It takes cues from Indian, Thai, and Southeast Asian cuisines, blending their spice profiles into the Japanese curry base.Where can I try spice curry in Kyoto?
You can find it at specialty restaurants and fusion eateries across the city, many of which are popular stops on our local food tours.Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes—many establishments allow you to customize the heat to suit your taste, from mild to extra spicy.What are some key spices used in spice curry?
Expect a blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili, sometimes enhanced with curry leaves and other aromatics.Is spice curry a recent trend in Japan?
While Japanese curry has a long history, the spiced-up version has become more popular in recent years as diners seek bolder flavors.How is spice curry typically served?
It’s usually served with rice and often comes with side dishes like pickles or a salad to balance the heat.Is spice curry suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Many restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan versions—just be sure to ask about ingredients when ordering.Why should I try spice curry on my Kyoto trip?
Beyond its bold taste, spice curry reflects the dynamic evolution of Japan’s culinary scene. As a local tour company, we know that trying these innovative dishes is a great way to experience Kyoto’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
