SAMURAI.Shimokitazawa

While we were in Shima-kitazawa we happened to spot this place that seemed to be something different from the Japanese foods we had previously enjoyed. As far as I could see the curry soup bowl idea was traditional from Hokkaido. We pitched up just before evening opening on a rainy Thursday and, hav...ing read that most people have to queue, were pleased to be first in line. The staff were excellent and provided us with an English language menu in request. You chose a dish, then a base broth (2 options with coconut, 2 without), a spice level (0-10), and a size of rice accompanyment (including none). We opted for the “12 veg + meat” bowls - MrsExPunk having chicken with a creamy coconut sauce and myself the pork with the original bouillon style sauce. We both opted for spice level 3 which turned out to be perfect - FYI we are well versed in what makes a spicy yet tasty curry, Mrs ExPunk being of Anglo-Indian origins, anything much above 4 would spoil the dish IMO.) The food arrived nice and hot, the meat was tender, the differing broths were very tasty and the veg, which included peppers, onion, cabbage, okra, yam, beans, lotus root and a thin sweet potato type veg, was perfectly cooked. We washed the meal down with a beer and a plain lassi. The place had loads of atmosphere, with a mainly younger clientele. Excellent.

Visited March 2023

The atmosphere of the stop was very old school and homey. I extremely liked the decor and the bathroom had everything you needed to freshen up after the meal. I ordered the samurai curry and banana lassi and oh my god was everything perfect. It was so well balanced even with everything being in the ...curry and the rice soaks up the curry so well. The lassi was very refreshing and had a nice sweetness to it. This shop was definitely a highlight of my Japan trip and I well be returning the next time I'm in the Tokyo area. Beware, the shop only takes cash so come prepared.

Visited January 2020

OMG, I loved your place so much. Delicious, spicy food with great sauces. Prices mid-range. Pretty ok for Tokyo. I'll bring here my family next time. Arigato

Visited July 2019

We were a party of 6 staying nearby and so came here after a busy day exploring. We were not expecting too much but it ended up being our favourite place to eat whilst we were in Tokyo. The food was so delicious and healthy plus we loved the personalisation aspect of the menu - even down to picking... the type of curry you’d like! There was a queue outside when we visited but it didn’t take too long and they hand out a menu whilst you’re waiting. Despite this, it is still definitely worth the wait.

Visited April 2018

I passed this charming little curry shop a few weeks ago but it had a long line for lunch and I was too hungry to wait. Today there was just one couple before me do I decided to wait and check it out. The lunch menu was limited to a few choices with extra toppings. The waiter kindly gave me an Eng...lish menu. I chose the spicy chicken with a spice level of 3, a small portion of rice and a cheese topping. I received a beautiful plate of as delicious food with boneless chicken curry, as well as several kinds of pickles and vegetables. Spice levels tend to be low in Japan so I probably would have been able to handle the spiciest level, but three was tasty. The small rice was just enough for me. The cheese was an unnecessary topping I think and I probably wouldn’t request that again. I appreciated the jug of ice water they gave every table. Very nice lunch. I’ll come again.

Visited February 2018