Nippon Curry

Best Japanese Curry in Berkeley so farPork Katsu crispy and Karaage juicyFast service

I was happy to see that Nippon Curry has expanded to this minimalist off-campus eatery because it is the ideal post-class meal if you don't feel like grabbing a slice at Blondie's. I'm not a student though I was one in a galaxy far, far away. I just happen to see it from the crosswalk and felt emboldened to try it given my positive experience at the Marina location (review: https://yelp.to/HrL7uYzeQa).There was only one other customer when I entered, and he had his head on the counter (photo: https://yelp.to/vuMfB9agpM). I was praying it had nothing to do with the food. Just kidding. I decided to order the $17 Karaage Curry because I was in the mood for fried chicken thigh meat. You get three hefty chunks here ladled with their curry sauce made with a beef roux (photo: https://yelp.to/xgibQEdMOP). It covered the rice though interestingly not the plate.I sat at the window counter, the most unobtrusive, anti-social seat in the place. I just figured I shouldn't be hanging with the cool kids who happened to be trickling in while I was eating. Anyway, the combination of the crunchy karaage, tender thigh meat, and mildly spicy curry really worked well together here. Even with both Muracci's (review: https://yelp.to/5Gb0F21w23) and Champion's (review: https://yelp.to/zdbzNZr5fC) down Telegraph, I'll probably come back.FOOD - 4 stars...well executed homestyle curry with tasty karaageAMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...quite sparse lookingSERVICE - 3.5 stars...not that much interactionTOTAL - 4 stars...always up for trying another curry optionRELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's my collection of places I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CbVh8u

Nippon Curry happened to be right next door to where I was getting my drink, so it was very conveniently located, and with the cold weather, warm curry sounded perfect. I ordered the Plain Curry Rice. I somehow thought that the curry being made with beef meant it would have beef inside, but when it came out, it was just the curry with rice. Nonetheless, I thought the flavor of the curry was very good and it had a hint of spiciness. I also thought the pickles were delicious. There are a few stools to sit which made it very convenient. I also thought the prices overall were pretty fair for the portion size you were getting.

The breading of the pork katsu was fresh and crispy, although the meat inside was a little tough. The curry was definitely the best part of the plate--it's smoky and perfectly seasoned. I would've preferred the curry to katsu ratio to be higher, given how much rice there was. Pickled veggies add a nice flavor contrast. Not sure why they serve on paper plates. They also have disposable utensils (their small plastic spoons are very nice). Limited seating put the cashier and register directly in front of me, and it was a bit awkward to eat there.

After seeing the Nippon Curry sign in Berkeley, I decided to visit the restaurant the next time I was in the area. Sonner than later I visited the restaurant during lunch on Sunday. I walked in and saw only a party of two already seated. It wasn't busy and I was fine with that. I instantly saw the kiosk for self-ordering. I was originally looking for Chicken Katsu Curry and ended up ordering the Pork Katsu Curry. I asked the cashier about this and it sounded like Chicken Katsu Curry may make an appearance on the menu in the future. Along with my entree, I chose a Shisho + Apply Yuzu drink. I dined in for my meal.While I was waiting for my order, the cashier chatted with me about current events in the area over the weekend and the weather. I appreciated this as she was able to balance having a chat with a customer, preparing orders to go, and also helping other customers. Thank you!It took a couple of minutes for my entree to come and I was happy with what I received. The color of the curry was amazing and I could instantly see the seasoning I craved in Japanese-style curry in general! I didn't expect a paper plate to be used to serve my meal but I should have seen it coming when I grabbed disposable utensils prior. The quality of my meal brought me back to my first visit to Nippon Curry at the San Francisco location. I savored every bite and enjoyed my meal to the fullest. I honestly don't think I left any curry behind on my plate! The drink I ordered paired well with the savory curry as its sweetness provided a great contrast in flavors. I left the restaurant with my tummy & hunger satisfied. I will definitely be coming back to this Nippon Curry location!Cheers,@gerosan_adv

I went to Nippon Curry during their $5 Curry Plate Dine-In promo with Doordash and I was really impressed!! After having their curry at the SF location, I can confirm this spot is just as delicious. The portion is really good and makes for the perfect convenient, quick, yet satisfying pick me up, especially late at night. The seating is bar style so it can be a bit crowded around 7PM, definitely more of a place for togo or a quick bite. I'd really recommend the pork katsu curry, the katsu portion was huge and the curry was so rich and flavorful!

Quick, tasty, and hearty. That would sum up my experience at Nippon Curry. I came during my lunch hour and ordered a pork katsu curry for dine-in. It was ready in under 3 minutes and had a great ratio for the curry, meat, and rice. The pickles were a nice palate cleanser for each bite.There's not a ton of seating and it's all at a forward facing bar, so maybe not the best place for a group. The inside is extremely minimalistic and white, so no bells and whistles to distract from the food. I just plugged in my earbuds, had a nice meal, and left. You bus the table and serve yourself water so it's a pretty simple experience.

Soft opening starting May 22nd! For the soft opening, there is a reduced price for lots of the curries -- for the pork and chicken karrage it was $12 instead of $16. No dine in currently but it will be added later.The flavor of the chicken karrage is great! Not too hard, very crunchy but soft at the same time, and the curry sauce adds spices but not enough to overwhelm the texture. The pork Katsu is crisped to perfection and the sides of pickles add lots.Definitely a good spot to try out and to support!

Good curry! Interior is very clean, ample seating available. I ordered through Snackpass and food came quickly.I got the Pork Katsu Curry with regular rice. I really enjoy curry - I tend towards Indian and Thai curry, so I've wanted to try Japanese curry for awhile - but this was pretty much what you'd expect. It's good curry, but nothing mind blowing. I thought the flavor profile is pretty similar to the S&B boxed curry, although the texture was definitely thicker than anything I've made. Please note that this could entirely just be my personal flavor preference.I wish they would switch to reusable cutlery and plates/bowls. It feels very wasteful to be using paper plates and giving out single-use cutlery for every customer, even dine-in.Service was very friendly!! Overall a hearty meal with good value, if you enjoy Japanese curry it's worth a try - just not sure I'd go out of my way to stop by again.

The curry sauce is yummy and it's a well thoughtout to-go container to keep Katsu from getting soggy.However, just IMO, they could elevate the curry by having strips of braised beef, and also a base savory flavor for the Katsu. That would make them worth 5 stars.