Curry is basically a mix of spices popularized in India. The British Empire brought Curry to Japan during the Meiji Era (1868 to 1912) from India under British Colonial rule. It was seen at the time as a Western food, probably associated with the British better than Asian Cuisine. During the Meiji times it was a luxury meal consisting of beef and imported species.
But in today’s Japan Curry usually means a stew of beef, potatoes and carrots seasoned with the spicies mix. Served with white rice it became one of the most popular dishes in Japan. Kanda usually holds the crown of king of Curry in Tokyo. So if you are in Akihabara one day don’t miss the chance to try the dish. Even on a hot day.
Kaigun: the Navy Style
From the beginning of the 19 century the Imperial Navy started to serve curry. It is a nutritious dish and easy to prepare for mass quantities. The British Navy adopted already after all. Even in present days the Self Defense forces serve it on most Fridays. Even some historians believe that the dish became popular after the Navy introduction. But some others think that it became popular at first as civilian level.
Instant Curry roux and popularization
In 1945 the first instant curry roux was introduced in Japan, spreading the dish as an easy dish to prepare with almost any vegetable throughout the Country. Making into the school’s menus by 1948 for the first time. S&B and other brands popularized the instant roux. And Curry became a dish that eaten more often by Japanese than even Sushi by 2002 (don’t miss the chance to know more about the origins of the sushi in Japan).
Don’t wait until your next time in Japan to try it. If you can get some brand of instant curry roux it is easy to make it at home. And you only need common vegetables and beef and rice!
Legend of the Katsu Curry
A popular way to enjoy this dish in Japan is with the addition of a breaded pork cutlet. The dish is so popular that legends dispute the origin of itself. One interesting theory included Baseball Hall of Fame Chiba Shigeru (1919 – 2002). The second base of the Yomiuri Giants was a frequent customer of the Ginza Swiss. A restaurant specialized in Western food in the high end neighborhood of Tokyo. Chiba, a fan of curry rice and tonkatsu (pork cutlet), used to order both dishes at the same time. One day he complained about how bothersome it was to eat them from two separate dishes. This Led to the creation of the “Chiba’s Curry” as you can find in today’s menu.