During my recent trip to Niigata, I came across the local specialty known as “Bus Center Curry”, which I immediately scheduled as my very first breakfast.
To be specific, this refers to the curry served at Bandai Soba, a stand-up eatery located in the Bandai City Bus Center (spelled “Shitei” instead of “City”).
It has been featured on Japanese TV programs like “Himitsu no Kenmin SHOW” and “Ametalk!”.
The typical image of a soba stand at a bus terminal is something focused more on speed and price than taste.
What’s more surprising is that their signature dish isn’t soba, but curry — a rarity that had piqued my curiosity. Could it really be that good?
After trying it myself, I found that the vivid yellow appearance came with a depth of flavor that absolutely justified its reputation.
Access and Opening Hours for Bus Center Curry (Bandai Soba)
Bandai Soba, where the famed “Bus Center Curry” is served, is located on the first floor of the Bus Center Building in the Bandai City commercial area.
It takes about 10 minutes on foot from Niigata Station. If you opt for the bus, it’s about 3 minutes riding time plus a 3-minute walk. However, considering waiting times, walking might be just as quick.
If you choose the bus, the easiest option is to take one from platforms 0 or 1 at the Bandai Exit.
It’s not very convenient to swing by quickly after visiting Niigata Station, so be sure to plan accordingly.
From Niigata Airport, you can take a limousine bus to Niigata Station and transfer from there, or take a less frequent route bus that stops directly at Bandai City.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Open year-round.
*Check ahead to confirm, just in case.
Entering the Stand-Up Eatery “Bandai Soba” at Bandai City Bus Center
After arriving at Niigata Station via limousine bus from the airport, then taking a local bus and walking, I finally reached the Bandai City Bus Center.
Just a little past the entrance on the first floor, I found Bandai Soba.
The shop was renovated in 2020, so aside from its retro signage, everything looks quite new.
To the untrained eye, this looks like just another soba stand attached to a bus terminal. Who would guess this is the home of the renowned “Bus Center Curry”?
However, you’ll spot magazine features about the curry and see original goods and souvenirs — so anyone will quickly realize that curry is the star.
Here’s the menu with prices.
The shop’s signature curry costs 480 yen for a regular size. A large is 560 yen, and a mini is 390 yen.
The portions are generous, so consider mini as a standard serving, regular as large, and large as extra-large. If you just want a normal meal, the mini curry is more than enough.
Other options include plain soba or udon for 320 yen, and kitsune versions for 360 yen — all very affordable.
First, purchase a meal ticket. Since we had more food planned shortly after, we ordered just one mini curry to share.
You can also purchase tickets here for takeout and souvenirs. You can even buy curry roux to take home — lucky locals!
Once we handed over our ticket, the mini curry was served in just 15 seconds. Despite being a local specialty, it truly lives up to its reputation for speed and affordability.
Tasting the Bus Center Curry – My Honest Thoughts
The standout feature of Bandai Soba’s curry is its vivid yellow roux. It’s thick in texture and comes topped with a generous portion of red pickles (fukujinzuke) by default.
Although it’s labeled “mini”, the portion is roughly equal to a standard serving.
The curry is made by simmering pork bone broth with carrots, onions, and pork — and wow, it’s delicious!
It starts off smooth and slightly sweet, but a pleasant spiciness follows.
The umami from the pork bone base really stands out, giving this curry a bold, unique flavor you won’t find elsewhere.
It’s easy to see how this becomes an addiction for locals.
Was the famed Bus Center Curry really that good?
Absolutely. I was thoroughly impressed.
Delicious, cheap, and fast — nothing more to ask for.
Bus Center Curry Souvenirs
The flavor left such a lasting impression that I couldn’t resist buying souvenirs at Niigata Airport.
I grabbed a retort pouch version (apparently 1.5 servings like the shop) and Bus Center Curry-flavored rice crackers.
I haven’t opened them yet because they feel too special to eat, but I’ll update once I do.
You can buy these souvenirs not only at Bandai Soba, but also at Niigata Station and Niigata Airport gift shops.
They’re available online too, so if you can’t make the trip, check the web store!
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