Curry House (restaurant chain)

Curry House (restaurant chain)

Curry House in Little Tokyo

Curry House was a popular restaurant chain in the United States, known for its Japanese curry dishes. The chain was established in 1983 and became a staple for those seeking authentic Japanese-style curry in a casual dining setting.

History

Curry House was founded in 1983 by House Foods America Corporation, a subsidiary of House Foods Group, a major Japanese food manufacturer. The first location opened in Los Angeles, California, and the chain quickly expanded to several locations across the state.

The concept of Curry House was to introduce the American public to Japanese-style curry, which is distinct from other types of curry found in Indian cuisine or Thai cuisine. Japanese curry is typically milder and thicker, often served with rice and a variety of toppings.

Menu

Menchi Katsu Curry with Onion Rings

The menu at Curry House featured a variety of curry dishes, including katsu curry, which is a breaded and fried cutlet served with curry sauce. Other popular items included beef curry, chicken curry, and vegetable curry. The restaurant also offered curry udon, a noodle dish with curry-flavored broth.

In addition to curry, the menu included Japanese-style pasta dishes, salads, and desserts. The chain was known for its customizable options, allowing customers to choose their level of spiciness and add various toppings such as onion rings, boiled eggs, and cheese.

Locations

At its peak, Curry House operated several locations throughout California, including in Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, and San Francisco. Each location was designed to provide a comfortable and casual dining experience, with a focus on quick service and quality food.

Curry House in Costa Mesa

The restaurants were often located in areas with a significant Japanese-American population or near Japanese supermarkets, making them a convenient choice for those familiar with Japanese cuisine.

Closure

In 2020, Curry House announced the closure of all its locations. The decision was attributed to various factors, including changing market conditions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry. The closure marked the end of an era for fans of Japanese curry in the United States.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Curry House left a lasting impact on the culinary landscape in California. It introduced many Americans to the flavors of Japanese curry and inspired other restaurants to offer similar dishes. The chain's emphasis on quality ingredients and authentic flavors set a standard for Japanese casual dining in the region.

Curry House counter in West Los Angeles

Related pages

• Japanese curry
• House Foods Group
• Japanese cuisine
• Katsu