More About Japan 
Jimbocho, the curry mecca of Tokyo, is just incredible.
As someone who loves curry, especially European-style curry, I find Jimbocho irresistible. This Tokyo neighborhood is renowned for its amazing curry spots, making it a paradise for curry enthusiasts.
Since my first visit to Bondy Jimbocho Main Branch, I’ve made it a habit to stop by Jimbocho whenever I’m in Tokyo.
This time, I visited another highly-rated establishment: “Gavial”, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation.
Just writing about it makes me crave it all over again. If you’re a curry lover, this is a must-visit spot.
Established in 1982: Gavial, a Renowned European Curry Restaurant in Jimbocho
Located just steps away from Jimbocho Station on the Toei Mita, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon lines, Gavial is an iconic spot for European-style curry.
With its cozy entrance, you head up to the second floor, bypassing the bustling udon joint Hanamaru on the way.
I visited during the weekday lunch hour, around 12:00 PM. Although the place was full, I was lucky to get a seat without having to wait. Customers came steadily, but the turnover seemed quick enough.
The interior offers about 20–30 seats, a mix of counter and table seating.
The prices might seem steep for curry, but they are typical for long-established European curry spots like Bondy or Gavial. Trusting that it would be worth it, I ordered the Beef Curry (spicy) for ¥1,500.
(as of 2014)
Creamy and Rich: A Curry to Remember
In just 5–10 minutes, my order arrived: a luxurious beef curry paired with the classic side of steamed potatoes.
The thick, velvety curry sauce was studded with large chunks of tender beef.
The rice was topped with grated cheese (or butter?)—a perfect match for the curry.
The potatoes, served right away, can be enjoyed on their own or paired with the curry.
The condiments included well-crafted pickles like fukujinzuke and rakkyo—nothing like the artificially colored versions found in budget curry joints.
I carefully poured the curry onto the rice and took my first bite. Oh, so creamy!
The buttery richness and aromatic spices filled my mouth with pure delight. Absolutely my kind of curry.
The spiciness came in just after swallowing, leaving a pleasant, lingering warmth.
The beef was tender enough to fall apart with a bite, perfectly complementing the rice. This curry truly stands out for its completeness and flavor. It was divine.
Final Thoughts
I’d heard about Jimbocho’s reputation as a curry hub, but experiencing both Bondy and Gavial confirmed its culinary excellence. What a remarkable neighborhood.
Back in Fukuoka, European-style curry spots are rare—most places lean toward Asian-inspired curries. If anyone knows of a great spot, please let me know!
By the way, Gavial’s curry is available online for delivery. While the lower price might suggest slight differences from the in-store experience, it’s worth a try for those far from Tokyo.
(Confession: I’m on the verge of ordering it myself…)
