This time, we would like to introduce the smoked curry shop "Omotesando Kunseido" in Imaike, Nagoya City.

There are many spice curry shops, but you don't often hear about "smoked curry". We've heard a lot of stories about how smoked curry was born, its appeal, and more!

Omotesando Kunseido is located in the Imaike Gas Building at the corner of the Imaike intersection on Hirokoji Street.

It is located on the first basement floor, which can be accessed directly from Imaike Station on the Higashiyama Line and Sakuradori Subway Line. A signboard of smoked curry is a landmark.

The small interior with 3 table seats and 3 counter seats has a warm brown tone.

Menus and ticket vending machines are located next to the counter.

History

Mr. Ishigaki, the current owner

Omotesando Kunseido itself opened in 2019, but in fact, the current owner Mr. Ishigaki took over and reopened in June 2021.

Originally, Mr. Ishigaki ran several ramen shops in Nagoya. He had no experience working at a curry restaurant, then why did he decide to take over Omotesando Kunseido?

Mr. Ishigaki:"There was an employee from Nepal who used to work at the ramen shop we still run today. He had worked at a curry shop before, and we were just chatting and saying, 'It would be nice to open a curry shop someday'.

At that time, I was told that they were looking for someone to take over Omotesando Kunseido. I took over the restaurant and all the recipes from the previous owner, and started the restaurant with him, who is from Nepal, as the manager. ”

– I heard that you had no experience working at a curry restaurant, but did you have any difficulties with cooking?

Mr. Ishigaki: “The recipe was handed over to me by the Nepali store manager, but it wasn’t as difficult as I thought. Nowadays, the Nepalese manager also invents and makes a curry of the day. The daily curry is not smoked, but it is quite popular.

The daily curry on this day was keema curry. Regular customers who have eaten up the smoked curry will choose this.

What is an unusual "smoked" curry?
Origin of the surprising store name

What exactly is a 'smoked' curry? It's an idea like no other.

Mr. Ishigaki: "The previous owner was a person who was particular about mixing spices. While trying various things to make delicious curry, he came up with the idea of 'smoked'.

Curry is made by smoking oil and spices. The topping eggs and duck are also smoked. ”

– The name of the shop is “Omotesando Kunseido”, but is there a shop in Omotesando?

Mr. Ishigaki: "No, we only have one store in Nagoya (laughs). When the previous owner decided on the name of the store, he definitely wanted to include the name 'Kunsei (smoked)'. But 'Omotesando' seems to come up perfectly. "Omotesando Kunseido". It's strange, but it sounds good."

It was the origin of the unexpected store name!

Omotesando Kunseido's Popular Curry Best 3

Omotesando Kunseido's spices are completely original. They always try to use freshly ground spices when cooking. It seems to be an image of "locking in the scent of freshly ground spices with oil". Finally, sprinkle with milled garam masala. “I want to use the best part of the spice aroma,” says Mr. Ishigaki. Inside the shop, the sound of the spice grinder and the rich aroma fills the air.

In addition, it seems that smoking is done for 1 to 2 hours every day. The ingredients are soaked in a liquid for smoking and then smoked with a special smoker, so it takes a lot of time and effort.

The curry made with such a lot of effort is not spicy at all, but has a sweet and gentle taste, and is popular among women and elderly customers. We asked him about Omotesando Kunseido's top three favorites!

Popular No. 1! First of all, this! "Smoked Curry Original"

Smoked curry original ¥790 (tax included)

The most popular is the classic original. When you take a bite, you can smell the faint smoky flavor. As you said, it's not spicy at all, and the mellow sweetness spreads in your mouth.

Although it has a gentle taste, you can also feel the scent of spices and smoked products. When I did, the spoon progressed and I ate it all in no time!

The topping duck and eggs are also smoked. It has a strong smoked aroma and goes well with curry!

Turmeric rice is topped with kasuri meti (herbs) and goji berries for flavor and color.

Freshly ground garam masala to flavor the fried onions. The spices are ground in a mill just before serving, so when it is brought to the table, a good aroma wafts in the air and whets the appetite.

Irresistible for meat lovers! "Aigamo Mashimashi Smoked Curry"

Aigamo mashimashi smoked curry ¥ 990 (tax included)

"This is it!" If you want to enjoy a lot of meat, please try this.

"Original cheese curry" with a rich aroma of smoked curry and cheese

Original cheese curry ¥940 (tax included)

The third most popular item is the “Original Cheese Curry”. The fragrant smoked curry and cheese mix well to create a rich flavor.

Omotesando Kunseido's curry is very mild. For those who want more spiciness, please sprinkle with “spicy spice”, a mixture of garam masala and chili peppers.

Next to the menu, there is also a notice of the business day. Omotesando Kunseido is currently open on irregular holidays. We post business days on Instagram and Tabelog, so be sure to check them out before heading out.

A new genre of curry called "smoked curry". It's no surprise that there are many female fans of the curry, which has a mild and gentle taste. If you want to try a different type of curry, please try Omotesando Kunseido.