Karē
(カレ, Kare, Karē Raisu, Karē Udon, Karē-Pan, Japanese Curry)
Japanese-style curry known as karē is one of the most popular dishes in the country. It started gaining popularity in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the British introduced it to the country. During its early years, karē with rice was an expensive, gourmet dish reserved only for the wealthy.
Compared to Indian curries, karē is less spicy, sweeter, darker, and usually thicker, which is thanks to the addition of flour or roux. There are three main version of karē in Japan - karē raisu (curry over rice), karē udon (curry over noodles), and karē -pan (a pastry filled with curry).
The most popular variety, is, as expected, karē raisu, which is usually served with fukujinzuke pickles or Japanese scallions on the side. Today, karē is so popular in Japan that it can be called a true national dish.
Part of
Karē pan
Karē pan is a Japanese delicacy made by stuffing the breaded dough with curry paste and deep-frying the combination in hot oil until it becomes golden brown in color. ... Read more
Katsu karē
Katsu karē is a Japanese curry variation made with a combination of tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork or chicken cutlet) and curry sauce. The dish is sometimes ... Read more
Recipe variations
Chicken Karē Raisu
READY IN 1h 10minThe following recipe shows the classic preparation of karē raisu consisting of chicken, root vegetables, and an authentic curry sauce. The recipe is courtesy of Namiko Hirasawa Chen from the Just One Cookbook website, a one-stop shop for every home cook who wants to create authentic and modern Japanese meals. The recipe for homemade curry roux is included at the end of the recipe.
Beef Karē Raisu
READY IN 3hThe following recipe shows the classic preparation of karē raisu with beef as the main ingredient, plus root vegetables and an authentic curry sauce. The recipe is courtesy of Namiko Hirasawa Chen from the Just One Cookbook website, a one-stop shop for every home cook who wants to create authentic and modern Japanese meals.
Karē Authentic recipe
The following recipe shows the classic preparation of karē raisu consisting of chicken, root vegetables, and an authentic curry sauce. The recipe is courtesy of Namiko Hirasawa Chen from the Just One Cookbook website, a one-stop shop for every home cook who wants to create authentic and modern Japanese meals. The recipe for homemade curry roux is included at the end of the recipe.
WHERE TO EAT The best Karē in the world (according to food experts)
"Their selling point is the perfectly balanced soup curry that makes the best of the flavors of their ingredients."
"Their soup is made with bouillon and has a thick consistency. You can enjoy a rich, deep soup curry at any of their six restaurants in Sapporo, so why not drop by?"
"The broth has a distinctive light taste with full of vegetables. It should blow your mind away to a whole new level."
"Our recommendation is the ika kuro soup, made with Hokkaido squid giving it a rich, deep flavor."
"5 Recommended Soup Curry Restaurants in Sapporo: Picante - A strong medicinal-type base and chicken that is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside."
"Kick it old school and head to Wood Island Curry, a staple in the neighborhood that’s been around since the ‘80s."
"I am totally addicted to their curry!"
"What makes this dish peculiar is that it's flavor contains 36 spices. Being toppled with vegetables and filled with soup makes it very appetizing. It feels like you are having a cup of gourmet food that you will want to eat over and over again."
“All of the ingredients are natural, no preservatives. It is also known for having some of the best curry in the city.”
