Welcome back to Curry Quest Japan! Today, we’re diving into another staple from House Foods’ best-selling series: the Curry-Ya Chicken Curry. While it shares the same “No. 1” pedigree as its pork sibling, this version offers a slightly different spice profile and texture that is perfect for chicken lovers.
What is House “Curry-Ya” Chicken Curry?
Part of the legendary Curry-Ya lineup—Japan’s top-selling retort curry for 24 years—the Chicken Curry is crafted with a special blend of 29 spices. It is designed to deliver the rich, slow-cooked taste of a professional curry shop (Kissaten) in just minutes.
Quick Specs
- Price: Around 100–150 JPY.
- Spiciness: 3 out of 5 (Chukara / Medium Spicy).
- Note: Chicken curry often feels a bit spicier than the pork version due to the blend of spices used!
- Weight: 180g (1 serving).
- Miyako’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Reliable, aromatic, and budget-friendly).
Dietary Information: Safety Check
It is vital for many travelers to know exactly what is inside.
- Meat Type: Chicken.
- Pork-Free Check: Contains Pork components. While the main meat is chicken, the ingredients list includes lard (pork fat) and pork extract.
- Vegetarian / Vegan: Not suitable. Contains chicken meat, chicken bouillon, and pork-derived fats.
- Miyako’s Safety Note: Even though it’s called “Chicken Curry,” it is not pork-free. Travelers avoiding pork for religious or dietary reasons should be aware of the lard and pork extracts used in the base.
Ingredients, Allergens & How to Cook
Ingredients & Allergens
- Main Ingredients: Vegetables (Potato, Carrot), Chicken, Sugar mixed high-fructose corn syrup, Wheat Flour, Palm Oil, Tomato Paste, Curry Powder, Salt, Starch, Onion Powder, Yeast Extract, Garlic Paste, Miso, Garlic Powder, Chicken Bouillon.
- Allergens (Allergy Information):
- English: Wheat, Soybeans, Chicken.
- Japanese: 小麦・大豆・鶏肉.
How to Cook
This box features the “Easy & Eco” design. You can heat it in the microwave without removing the pouch from the box!
- Option 1: Microwave (Recommended)
- Open the top flap marked “OPEN” (開け口) and fold it back 180 degrees.
- Place the entire box in the microwave.
- Heat for:
- 500W: 1 min 50 sec.
- 600W: 1 min 20 sec.
- 700W: 1 min.
- Option 2: Boiling Water
- Heat the unopened pouch in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Tasting Review: Spicy & Refreshing
Compared to the hearty pork version, the Chicken Curry has a slightly brighter and more “spicy” aroma.
- Flavor: The tomato and onion base provides a nice depth, while the chicken bouillon adds a clean, savory finish.
- Texture: You will find chunks of potatoes and carrots that are soft and well-infused with the sauce. The sauce itself is smooth and pairs perfectly with white rice.
Miyako’s Serving Suggestion
For a protein boost, add a bit of grilled chicken on top. I also love melting a slice of cheese over it to add creaminess and balance the spice!
Where to Buy & Conclusion
Where to Buy
- Supermarkets: Best prices (Aeon, Life, etc.).
- Drugstores: Very convenient (Matsumotokiyoshi).
- Convenience Stores: Perfect for a late-night hotel meal.
Order on Amazon Japan (Best for Travelers!)
If you want to stock up on different flavors or don’t want to carry heavy bags back to your hotel, ordering through Amazon Japan is incredibly convenient.
- Convenience: You can have it delivered directly to your hotel front desk or a nearby convenience store (Lawson, FamilyMart, etc.) for easy pickup.
- Bulk Buy: Perfect for getting a 10-pack set to take home as souvenirs for friends and family!
Conclusion
The House Curry-Ya Chicken Curry is a fantastic choice if you prefer a slightly more aromatic and spice-forward profile than the standard pork version. It’s a gold-standard souvenir that brings the taste of a Japanese curry house right to your dining table.
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