[Nagoya] Curry Bread Made by Traditional Bento Shop, Matsuura Bakey

In August 2022, Matsuura Bakeryopened* in Nakamura Ward, Nagoya City. It is a shop specializing in curry bread, but it is operated by the long-established ekiben shop "Matsuura Shoten", which has been in business for over 100 years. Since its founding in 1926, Matsuura Shoten has been manufacturing and selling ekiben (lunchbox sold in station) and catered lunches.

For this reason, Matsuura Bakery's curry bread makes full use of the taste of side dishes and craftsmanship cultivated at Matsuura Shoten.

Why did Matsuura Shoten, which continues to be loved in Nagoya, launch a curry bread specialty store?
We will introduce the background of the creation of the one and only curry bread, the commitment to taste, and the recommended breads.

* In June 2022, the Meitetsu store (first store) will open on the first basement floor of the Meitetsu department store.

The noren illustration shows the cross section of the Keema Curry Bread with Dashi Rolled Eggs
​

Inside Matsuura Bakery Main Store

Keema Curry is Back!
Opening the Curry Bread Specialty Store

Fourth generation Matsuura's keema curry bread

Matsuura Bakery was born because it was greatly affected by the pandemic of COVID-19. Due to a sharp decrease in the number of railroad passengers, sales of ekiben (bento box sold in the station) decreased by 95% compared to the previous year (at 2020 Golden Week). One of the projects proposed within the company to boost business in other fields was the curry bread business.

The Keema Curry Bento, which was originally sold, was well received within the company because it was delicious, so we came up with the idea of using it elsewhere.

The shop is renovating the building that was the rice milling place used for Matsuura Shoten's ekiben.

Searching for dough that goes well with curry

This is how the curry bread business started. For the dough, they visited local bread manufacturing companies and bakeries and ask them if they can make it for us. While trying various shops, they found that the dough of the Higashi Ward bakery “Terra Terre” was perfect for curry.

They immediately asked for cooperation, but was refused because mass production was difficult. However, after many visits and tenacious negotiations, we were finally able to get the fabric made.

The dough of "Terra Terre" is made from domestic wheat, milk and butter, so it is characterized by its delicious taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Excellent compatibility with mild keema curry.

And finally, a curry bread that makes use of Matsuura Shoten's keema curry was born.

The One-of-a-kind Taste
that only a Bento Shop can Offer

Matsuura Bakery's curry bread is characterized by its cute round shape, which is due to the fact that they are particular about the ingredients and how they are fried.

The point is to turn it upside down. Curry bread releases steam during frying, so if you do not move it while it is in the oil, only one side will swell. By turning it over frequently, the heat spreads evenly and it becomes a beautiful round shape.

When you take it out of the oil, it's perfectly round like a ball!

Keema curry, which can be said to be the main character of curry bread, uses minced chicken meat that is included in Matsuura Shoten's representative station lunch "Tenkatori Gohan". The original ratio of chicken breast, thigh, and skin is combined to create a balance that is moist and delicious even when cold.

Furthermore, the secret ingredients used in the curry are honey and Hatcho miso! By making the curry mellow, we have created a flavor that can be eaten by a wide range of people, from children to the elderly.

Also, the ingredients that go with the curry are unique to an bento shop.

The dashimaki tamago (egg roll with dashi broth) is baked one by one on a copper plate by a professional. By baking on a copper plate with high thermal conductivity, the eggs become fluffy and juicy when rolled. The dashimaki tamago put in the curry bread is different from the catered one, and has less moisture. This will prevent the dough from tearing due to moisture during frying.

The ingredients are carefully wrapped one by one by hand.

Gently add the bread crumbs and proceed to the frying process.

In addition, although the potato salad and other items used in station lunches are adapted, special ingredients are prepared considering the taste and appearance of the curry bread.

It's a curry bread with a special feeling, filled with the commitment of a long-established store that has been around for over 100 years.

It's a MUST Try!
4 Recommended Breads from Matsuura Bakery

Matsuura Bakery sells 6 types of curry bread. In addition to the five standard types of keema curry, dashimaki tamago, zakukoro (ham and cheese), potato salad, and red bean buns, there are original curry breads available for a limited time only. At the time of the interview (February), it was "Shrimp Tarkeema Curry Bread" with fried black tiger shrimp and tartar.

Here are some products that you should try.

Fourth generation Matsuura's keema curry bread

A simple product that tastes keema curry. The mellowness and depth of flavor stand out more than the spice of curry. The buttery aroma and faint sweetness of the springy dough are in perfect harmony with the curry, giving you the luxurious feeling of eating a la carte dish!

Keema Curry Bread with Dashi Rolled Egg

Curry bread with dashimaki tamago, which has an outstanding impact on the cross section. When you bite into the sweet egg, the soup stock comes out, and it matches perfectly with the curry! With its unique appearance and addictive taste, it may change the concept of curry bread.

Curry Bread with Ham & Cheese

Curry bread with croutons and a crunchy texture. The thick-sliced ham is cut at the corners to prevent the dough from tearing during frying. By using cheese that does not dare to melt, you can feel the richness and flavor of the cheese, and the taste is more harmonious.

Anpan with shiratama dumplings

Along with curry bread, anpan has been a regular menu item since the store opened. It is a product that was born from the experience of cooking red bean paste using the know-how that has been making simmered dishes.

Dainagon adzuki beans from Hokkaido are carefully cooked and have a sweet and gentle taste. The chewy shiratama dumplings add just the right amount of flavor and texture.

Recommended as a Souvenir or as a Treat for Yourself!
Higher-grade Discerning Curry Bread

Matsuura Bakery's curry bread is a one-of-a-kind curry bread filled with the long-established commitment. If you can't decide which one to eat, we recommend the "Set of 3 Curry Pans", which includes Keema Curry Pan, Dashi Rolled Egg, and Zakukoro.

In addition to the main store in Nakamura Ward, Nagoya City, there is also a store in the basement of the Meitetsu Department Store Main Store, so you can casually stop by on your way home from work or while shopping.

How about buying one as a souvenir from Nagoya, as a gift for your loved ones or friends, or as a treat for yourself?