Wakakusa Curry — Restaurant in Nara

【行列の先にある、香り立つスパイスの楽園】

Wakakusa Curry Honpo is more than just a quick dinner stop — it’s a well-oiled culinary machine that earns its spot among the 百名店 (“Hyakumeiten” — Japan’s Top Restaurants). The queue out front is your first clue: something good is happening inside.

Once seated at the counter, the experience unfolds smoothly. A QR code-based ordering system, paired with free Wi-Fi, makes customizing your meal effortless. I opted to halve the rice and add a soft-cooked egg — a choice I’ll repeat. The chicken curry arrived promptly, its coconut aroma rising gently with steam. Tender chicken mingled with crisp and velvety vegetables — each component treated with care, each bite a balance of texture and spice.

The ambiance is casual but confident. Every detail, from tech-savvy ordering to the warmly efficient service, signals a restaurant that knows exactly who it is. Credit card payment is a welcome plus, especially in a city where cash-only spots still dominate.

Would I return? Absolutely — this is one of those rare places that makes fast dining feel thoughtful and memorable.

【Features】 🚃 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station 📶 Free Wi-Fi 🍽️ Order: Chicken curry with coconut and vegetables 💰 Payment: ✅Cash and Credit Card 🔙 Would I visit again?...

A fabulous welcome for a winter's afternoon.

The shop is located just by the corner in Nara, a cosy sport within a cosy sport in a welcoming little city. Service here is efficient, facilitated by an online ordering system that works very well. Staff are courteous and unobtrusive, but attentive. The space is lovely. :)

The menu clearly focuses on curry, and they do that here very well in Wakakusa, which literally means "young grass". Famished, cold, I ordered a combination Wagyu and Lamb curry plate, with an added side of tonkatsu and an onsen (half boiled) egg. Literally ate an entire farm, sparing noone.

It was fabulous, everything executed extremely well. Amazing tonkatsu, crisp, tender, went so well with the creamy egg and the two curries.

The Lamb was a standout, nicely broiled till tender, but still buttery slivers of melting fat. The Wagyu curry is a milder blend, the beef minced into the curry. In the menu, it's described as suitable for small children.

Next time, I'd like to try the various vegetable curries, and maybe wash it down with a beer or sake from their wide selection.

Note: I ordered extremely spicy, and here they take that seriously :) Would be painful for the regular Japanese palate, but I enjoyed a good scalp...

If you're visiting Nara and craving a warm, flavorful meal, Wakakusa Curry is an absolute must. Tucked away in the bustling Higashimuki Shopping Street near Kintetsu Nara Station, this cozy little curry shop offers some of the best Japanese curry I’ve had in the Kansai region.

The atmosphere inside is casual and relaxed, with friendly staff and a welcoming vibe that makes it a perfect stop for both solo travelers and small groups. Although the space is compact, the service is fast and efficient, and the staff are happy to assist non-Japanese speakers with recommendations.

The prices are reasonable, typically ranging from ¥900 to ¥1,500 depending on toppings and combos. You can also customize your spice level and add extras like soft-boiled eggs, cheese, or vegetables.

Overall, Wakakusa Curry is a hidden gem in Nara—delicious, comforting, and full of flavor. I’d happily return next time I’m in the area....