Do you know yoshoku? When Japan opened to the West, the relatively austere native cuisine blended with fried, gravy-drenched excess. The result? One of our favorite cuisines.
The crown jewel of the relatively recent phenomenon is Japanese curry, which took a circuitous route from India to England, then back to Asia to become the cuddly comfort food it is today. Best served with a pork or chicken katsu cutlet, or simply with vegetables over sticky rice, it’s something that we crave. And we believe you’ll fall hard for it as soon as you take a bite at any of these restaurants.
Genki Izakaya
At this anime-lovers’ fantasy (they’ve got a Spirited Away cocktail you have to see to believe), curry comes two ways. Get it over rice with pickled daikon on the side or mixed with springy udon noodles. Either way, it comes with a crispy piece of tonkatsu. 9508 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Hanabi Ramen
Noodle bowls are the name of the game here, and that shows in the presence of curry udon. The lightly spicy noodles come in six varieties, including one with potato croquettes and one with thinly sliced sukiyaki beef. There are rice bowls, too, and you can add an egg to make it even more special. 3024 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Karé Bar
This bright, welcoming restaurant’s raison d’être is curry. In fact, there are eight different permutations of Japanese curry from which to choose. Katsus include chicken, pork, fish, and shrimp, but there are also versions featuring a mélange of grilled seafood, a hamburger steak, or a simple vegetarian curry topped with tofu. 13912 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly
Marufuji Japanese Market
Want a homestyle curry? This brand-new market in Tysons is already getting a reputation as one of the best places in NoVA for Japanese comfort food. Grab a curry bowl that features tender beef, onions, potatoes, and carrots — then add a matcha cream puff to complete the picture. 8520 Leesburg Pk., Vienna
Umai Ramen
There’s basic beef curry, but this Thai-owned fusion restaurant is an MVP when it comes to curry rice. Get it with pork or chicken katsu, karaage, fried shrimp, or veggies. Even better? You can hydrate with a Ramune. 482 Elden St., Herndon; 1500 Cornerside Blvd., Ste. C, Vienna
Feature image of Karé Bar by Alice Levitt
