Welcome back to Curry Quest Japan! Today, we’re diving into a fantastic staple from House Foods’ best-selling series: the Curry-Ya Chicken Curry. While it shares the same “No. 1” pedigree as the standard pork version, this chicken-based curry holds a special value for international travelers looking for specific dietary options.
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
For many international travelers, checking ingredients is the most important step. This product is an excellent option for those avoiding pork.
- Meat Type: Chicken.
- Pork-Free Check: Pork-Free. This product contains NO pork meat, NO pork extract, and NO lard.
- Vegetarian / Vegan: Not suitable. It contains chicken meat and chicken bouillon.
- Miyako’s Safety Note: Finding pork-free retort curry in Japanese supermarkets can be a challenge, as many use lard or pork extract for depth. House Curry-Ya Chicken Curry is a wonderful, accessible exception! If you avoid pork for religious or personal reasons, you can confidently add this to your shopping list.
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. (Note: No pork allergens listed!)
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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