Umineco Curry

Well-known for its catering service employed by many of Tokyo's top gig spots, curry wizards Umineco finally opened to the public with this Nishi-Eifuku shop, a good 'ol kissaten-style joint with only nine counter seats. In addition to their popular chicken and pork curries (¥900 each, including a salad), they've added a new chickpea curry (also ¥900, including a salad) to the menu and will be serving seasonal specialities as well. The owner travelled to Goa and Kerala in Southern India in search of the best recipes and a perfect combination of spices, so you can expect punchier flavours than at a run-of-the-mill curry rice joint. That's not to say that Umineco practises culinary sadism: the blends are spicy, but very nicely balanced and easy to get used to.