Tajima: Helsinki gets a new Japanese curry spot

Tajima comes from the same owner-chef as Murasaki – a place we rate as one of the city’s best lunch spots – and early word on the newcomer has been encouraging. Among those already singing its praises is author and food writer Heikki Valkama, author of several books on Japanese cuisine.

Helsinki isn’t short on Japanese restaurants, but places specialising specifically in Japanese curry are rare. Unlike many other Asian curries, the Japanese version is typically milder, slightly sweet and comfortingly thick, most often served with a crispy fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu). Alternatives usually include chicken (tori katsu) or prawns, in which case the dish becomes ebi tempura curry.

Alongside curry, Tajima’s menu also features udon noodles and donburi – Japanese rice bowls topped with meat, seafood or vegetables.

Tajima operates on a self-service basis and is open for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday, with ordering handled via an automated kiosk. Simple, focused and very much about the food.

Tajima, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 23, 00100 Helsinki

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