When you hear the term “curry house,” it generally refers to a restaurant that specializes in curry dishes. Depending on where you are in the world, this can mean very different things. In the United Kingdom, a curry house is typically an establishment serving South Asian cuisine, while in the United States and Japan, it often refers to restaurants serving Japanese-style curry.
Understanding these distinctions helps you know exactly what to expect when you walk through the door. Whether you are looking for a spicy vindaloo or a mild, comforting Japanese katsu curry, this guide will help you navigate the world of curry houses with confidence. We will explore the most common types of curry houses, what to order, and how to identify a high-quality establishment.
The Two Main Types of Curry Houses
While many cultures have their own versions of curry, two specific styles dominate the global restaurant scene. Knowing the difference between them is the first step in finding the meal you want.
Japanese Curry Houses
Japanese curry houses, such as the famous CoCo Ichibanya chain, serve a style of curry that is quite different from Indian varieties. The sauce is typically thicker, darker, and sweeter. It is often described as a cross between a traditional stew and a thick gravy.
In these restaurants, the focus is on customization. You can usually choose your spice level, the amount of rice, and a wide variety of toppings. Common toppings include breaded pork cutlets (tonkatsu), fried seafood, or soft-boiled eggs.
Indian and South Asian Curry Houses
In countries like the UK, a curry house is almost always an Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi restaurant. These establishments offer a vast menu of dishes that vary in heat, texture, and base ingredients. The sauces are often oil-based or cream-based rather than thickened with flour.
These restaurants emphasize aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom. They offer a range of breads like naan or paratha to accompany the meal, along with various rice dishes like pilau or biryani.
What to Expect on a Japanese Curry House Menu
If you visit a Japanese-style curry house, the menu is usually straightforward but highly customizable. Most diners follow a specific process when ordering their meal.
- Choose Your Base: You start by picking a base curry, which might be vegetable, beef, or chicken-based.
- Select a Topping: The most popular choice is “Katsu,” which is a breaded and fried meat cutlet. Other options include cheese, spinach, or fermented soybeans (natto).
- Pick Your Heat Level: Japanese curry heat levels usually range from “Mild” to “Level 10.” Be aware that even a mid-level spice in a Japanese curry house can be quite hot.
- Adjust Rice Portions: Most places allow you to increase or decrease the amount of rice to suit your appetite.
Japanese curry is often served with a side of bright red pickled radish known as fukujinzuke. This provides a crunchy, sweet contrast to the savory sauce.
Popular Dishes at South Asian Curry Houses
Indian-style curry houses offer a much broader spectrum of flavors. If you are new to this type of cuisine, it helps to understand the standard dishes found on most menus.
Chicken Tikka Masala: This is often the most popular dish. It features roasted chunks of chicken in a creamy, orange-colored tomato sauce. It is mild and approachable for beginners.
Korma: This is a very mild, nut-based curry usually made with coconut milk or cream. It is sweet and savory, making it an excellent choice for those who do not like spicy food.
Jalfrezi: This is a stir-fried curry with green chilies, bell peppers, and onions. It is usually medium to hot in spice level and has a thicker, less saucy consistency.
Vindaloo: Known for being one of the hottest items on the menu, vindaloo includes vinegar and plenty of red chilies. It is best reserved for those who have a high tolerance for heat.
How to Identify a Quality Curry House
Finding a reliable curry house doesn’t have to be a matter of trial and error. There are several signs that indicate a restaurant takes its craft seriously and serves authentic food.
First, look at the menu size. While some traditional curry houses have long menus, a smaller menu often indicates that the kitchen focuses on making a few dishes exceptionally well. Freshness is key in curry preparation, and a smaller menu often means higher turnover of ingredients.
Second, observe the aromatics. When you walk into a high-quality curry house, the smell of toasted spices should be immediate but not overwhelming. If the restaurant smells like fresh garlic, ginger, and cumin, it is a good sign that they are cooking from scratch.
Finally, check the condiments. A good Indian curry house will often serve fresh chutneys (like mango or mint) and pickles. In a Japanese curry house, the presence of fresh fukujinzuke or rakkyo (pickled onions) on the table suggests an attention to traditional detail.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
To make the most of your dining experience, keep these practical tips in mind. They apply to almost any type of curry house you might visit.
- Ask About Spice Levels: Spice scales are subjective. What one restaurant calls “medium,” another might call “extra hot.” Ask the server how their scale compares to other local spots.
- Share Dishes: Curry is traditionally a communal meal. If you are dining with others, order several different types of curry and share them to experience a variety of flavors.
- Don’t Forget the Sides: The sides are just as important as the main dish. Naan bread or rice is essential for soaking up the sauce, and side dishes like onion bhajis or gyoza can round out the meal.
- Check for Lunch Specials: Many curry houses offer discounted sets during lunch hours, which often include a drink, a side salad, and a smaller portion of curry.
Bringing the Curry House Experience Home
If you cannot find a curry house nearby, you can easily replicate the experience at home. For Japanese curry, look for “curry roux” blocks in the international aisle of your grocery store. These blocks contain the flour, fat, and spices needed to create that signature thick sauce.
For Indian-style curry, you can start with a high-quality curry paste. Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic, add the paste, and then incorporate your protein and vegetables. While it may not have the depth of a restaurant curry that has simmered for hours, it provides a quick and satisfying alternative.
Conclusion
A visit to a curry house offers a world of flavor, whether you prefer the thick, savory comfort of Japanese curry or the complex, aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. By understanding the different styles and knowing what to look for on the menu, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying dining experience every time.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on Food & Drink to learn more about international cuisines and cooking techniques. You may also be interested in our guides on Society & Everyday Knowledge for more answers to common lifestyle questions.