Japanese Curry Roux
It’s a specific kind of craving. Not for spice or complexity, but for warmth. For a thick, soulful gravy that coats each grain of rice, a feeling that lands somewhere between a meal and a hug. This is the quiet power of Japanese curry. It’s a dish of patience, of slow-simmered sweetness and subtle depth. Japanese curry roux is made with a blend of spices, and often includes carrots, celery, ginger, garlic, and other vegetables to build its signature flavor. Many home cooks and restaurants have their own recipe for Japanese curry roux, sometimes adding soy sauce for extra umami.
Chicken Cutlet
The chicken cutlet is a crucial element in Japanese curry rice, with chicken katsu curry rice being a popular variation enjoyed for its comforting flavors. The thick pieces of chicken katsu add a hearty bite, offering a satisfying crunch and tender, juicy meat that perfectly complements the rich, thick curry sauce. Chicken katsu curry is a beloved main dish in many Japanese restaurants, and chicken katsu is often featured as a signature topping. Its deep-fried, golden exterior provides texture contrast, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors and mouthfeel that elevates the entire dish.
The importance of the Curry Sauce – Demi Glace
Finding a good Japanese curry restaurant in Singapore isn’t about finding the most intense flavor, but the most honest one—where balanced spice levels and gentle spiciness create a distinct Japanese flavour and milder flavours compared to other curries. It’s about a feeling. Here are three places where I’ve found that feeling, each telling a slightly different story through its roux.
The use of carefully selected spices and serving the dish as hot curry are key to the authentic Japanese curry experience.
Up next, we dive into genuine reviews from diners who have savored these Japanese curry spots. Discover firsthand experiences, honest opinions, and what makes each restaurant stand out in Singapore’s vibrant curry scene.
The Standard Bearer: CoCo ICHIBANYA
A Familiar Comfort
There’s a reason CoCo ICHIBANYA is a name recognized by almost everyone. It represents a certain consistency, with the restaurant known for its reliable main dish options and a wide range of Japanese curry dishes and curries, a promise that what you order today will taste just as it did last year. Walking in feels familiar. The clean, simple booths, the laminated menus, the quiet hum of diners—it’s a place built for a simple, satisfying meal without fuss.Crafting Your Own Bowl
The real draw here is control. You are the architect of your own comfort. You choose the spice level, from a mild, sweet base to a fiery Level 10 that adds a sharp kick without overpowering the curry’s soul. There’s a full range of spice levels and spiciness available, so diners can tailor the flavour and flavours of their curry to their exact preference. You select the amount of rice. Then come the toppings. Crispy pork katsu, chicken cutlet, fried fish, or even a simple omelet. You can also add hot sauce for an extra kick.My Go-To Order
I usually find myself ordering the Pork Katsu Curry (pork fillet katsu curry is also a popular option), spice level 3, with a standard portion of rice. The katsu arrives as thick pieces of pork cutlet, with a proper crunch—the panko crust giving way to tender, juicy pork. The curry itself is smooth and balanced, with that signature sweet-savory profile. It’s not a revelatory Japanese curry, but it is deeply reliable. This is a classic main dish for Japanese curry lovers.Practical Details
- Location: Multiple outlets across Singapore (e.g., Plaza Singapura, 313@somerset).
- Price Range: $14 – $22 per person.
- What It Is: A dependable chain for a customizable and consistently good Japanese curry experience.
The Understated Contender: Maji Curry
A Japanese Curry House from Tokyo
There’s something quietly magnetic about Maji Curry at Novena. It doesn’t rely on loud signage or food-hall flash. Instead, it carries a different kind of promise—one shaped by its Tokyo pedigree, and a steady patience in the kitchen. Step inside and you’ll catch the scent of spices simmering low and slow, a deep, mellow aroma that wraps around every table.Curry with Substance—and Cheese
Maji Curry is known for its signature Cheese Lava Curry. On the plate, silky curry sauce pools around a dome of rice, still warm and breathing steam. When you break into the mound with a spoon, molten cheese flows out—a simple drama that never feels forced. The curry itself tastes round and balanced: a gentle sweetness at the front, settled by a mild, woody spice and a note of umami that lingers. On some days, I order the Beef Stew Curry—tender, almost falling-apart beef tucked in alongside the rice, soaking up the glossy sauce. Each bite is hearty, close, and satisfying in that unfussy way Japanese curry often manages. The panko-breaded pork katsu delivers the crunch you come for, but it’s the slow-cooked sauce that brings you back.Why It Matters
Maji Curry is for those days when you don’t want spectacle—just a bowl that quiets the noise, offers you warmth and comfort, and fills you the right way. No performance. Just good, honest food.Practical Details
- Location: 238 Thomson Road, #02-33 Velocity @ Novena Square, Singapore 307683
- Price Range: $16 – $23 per person.
- What It Is: A Tokyo-born Japanese curry restaurant known for its Cheese Lava Curry, hearty beef stew, and quietly comforting bowls.
The Modern Take: Monster Curry
A Plate of Grand Proportions
Monster Curry is about spectacle. It’s known for its massive plates, designed for sharing or for the truly famished. Monster Curry offers a variety of main dish options, including seafood curry, omelette curry, pork cutlet omelette curry, tonkatsu omelette curry, and even premium choices like bellota loin katsu curry, making it a destination for adventurous diners seeking unique dishes and curries. The branding is bold, the atmosphere lively. It brings a playful energy to the Japanese curry scene, turning a simple meal into an event.Heat and Toppings Galore
Like CoCo ICHIBANYA, Monster Curry puts a strong emphasis on customization, particularly its signature five levels of heat. Diners can choose from a range of spice levels and spiciness, allowing them to tailor the flavour and flavours of their curry to their preference. The “Monster” level is famously intense. Their curry has a distinct profile—a little sweeter, with a noticeable fruitiness that comes from the apples and other ingredients in their 14-spice roux. You can further customize your meal with a variety of toppings, or add hot sauce for extra heat, or enjoy a steaming plate of hot curry for an added kick.The Combo Curry Experience
I tried the Monster Combo Curry, a behemoth plate featuring thick pieces of pork katsu, chicken katsu, fried fish, pork shabu-shabu, and a cheese-topped omelet. The sheer size is impressive. The curry, even at a moderate spice level, has a distinct, lingering warmth and a unique flavour, with rich, balanced flavours that combine sweetness, mild spice, and umami. The toppings are satisfying, though the katsu can sometimes lose its crispiness under the generous serving of sauce. The melted cheese adds a creamy, savory dimension that pairs well with the sweeter curry base. Chicken katsu curry and chicken katsu curry rice are among the most popular main dish options at Monster Curry.Who Is This For?
This is Japanese curry for when you’re with friends, for when you want a fun and filling meal. It may not be the most traditional, but it delivers on its promise of a big, bold, and flavorful experience.Practical Details
- Location: Numerous outlets, including ION Orchard and VivoCity.
- Price Range: $15 – $28 per person (combo plates are higher).
- What It Is: A fun, modern chain known for huge portions and a distinctly sweet and spicy Japanese curry.
The Best Japanese curry rice?
Japanese curry rice in Singapore offers a delightful variety, catering to different tastes and occasions. Restaurants like Kuro Kare, Maji Curry, Maruhachi Donburi, and Gochi So Shokudo also offer unique Japanese curry dishes and curries, some located in places like Millenia Walk. Whether you prefer the customizable comfort of CoCo ICHIBANYA, the rich, soulful flavors of The Japanese Curry Express, or the bold, playful portions at Monster Curry, there’s something for everyone. Japanese curries stand out from other curries from Japan and around the world with their thick, mildly sweet sauces and hearty ingredients. Many of Singapore’s restaurants now offer dishes with more vegetables, lower trans fat, and even frozen curry or tips on how to store Japanese curry for added convenience. Each spot brings its own unique touch to this beloved dish, making the search for the best Japanese curry a delicious adventure.
Final Thoughts on Japanese curry rice with Great Value
Each of these places offers a different answer to the question of what makes the best Japanese curry in Singapore. There isn’t a single right one.
If you seek reliability and choice, CoCo ICHIBANYA is your safe harbor. For a moment of quiet discovery and a curry with a deeper, more savory soul, make the trip to The Japanese Curry Express. And when you want to share a meal that’s as much about fun as it is about food, Monster Curry is waiting.
For me, the bowl from The Japanese Curry Express lingers the most. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound flavors come from the simplest of places.
If you’re looking for the best restaurant review site to discover top Japanese curry spots in Singapore, this guide offers carefully curated recommendations to satisfy every craving. Whether you prefer classic flavors or modern twists, these eateries represent the best Japanese curry Singapore has to offer, ensuring a delicious and authentic dining experience.
If you’re a fan of authentic Japanese dining experiences, you might also enjoy our in-depth review of Sushi Masa by Ki-setsu, an omakase restaurant in Singapore that offers a true glimpse into Tokyo’s culinary heart. Discover the artistry behind each dish and how it complements the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine.
