An iconic Japanese comfort dish is getting the holiday spotlight this month as several restaurants join forces to celebrate Japanese curry.
Organized by the All Japan Curry Manufacturers Association, a group that works to promote Japanese curry around the world, the “Let Japanese Curry Melt Your Heart” promotion runs through Dec. 31 and will include Japanese and Japanese-fusion restaurants as well a pizza shop and even a crepe café serving creative versions of the comfort food, which is known for being less spicy and sweeter than Indian or Thai curry while still having the thick, stew-like consistency.
“In Japan, curry is cherished as one of the nation’s most beloved comfort foods — right alongside sushi and ramen. As Japanese food culture continues to flourish in Los Angeles, we believe Japanese curry will also be warmly embraced here and become a dish loved by many,” Takuya Fujiwara, a spokesperson for the promotion, said in a statement.
Here is a list of the participating restaurants and the curry dish they are serving.
Fatty Mart
Curry dish: Tonkatsu Japanese Curry
Where: 12210 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles
Information: www.fattymart.com
French Touch
The Hummingbird | Ceviche House
Curry dish: Japanese Curry Ravioli
Where: 1600 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles
Information: thehummingbirdla.com
Several local restaurants will be serving creative Japanese Curry dishes during December. This is the Japanese Shrimp Katsu Curry at Kagura in Gardena. (Photo courtesy All Japan Curry Manufacturers Association)
Kagura
Curry dishes: Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry, Japanese Shrimp Katsu Curry
Where: 1740 Artesia Blvd., Gardena
Information: www.kagurausa.com
Kagura
Curry dishes: Japanese Hamburger Steak Curry, Japanese Omurice Curry
Where: 221 N. Atlantic Blvd., Unit 101, Monterey Park
Information: www.kagurausa.com
Kagura
Curry dishes: Japanese Karaage Curry, Japanese Spinach Curry
Where: 1652 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance
Information: www.kagurausa.com
Lenzini’s Pizza
Curry dishes: Japanese Curry Pizza, Japanese Curry Calzone
Where: 12740 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Information: www.lenzini1.com
Several local restaurants will be serving creative Japanese Curry dishes during December. This is the Japanese Curry Udon Noodles from Little Fatty in Los Angeles. (Photo courtesy All Japan Curry Manufacturers Association)
Little Fatty
Curry dish: Japanese Curry Udon Noodles
Where: 3809 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles
Information: littlefattyla.com
Several local restaurants will be serving creative Japanese Curry dishes during December. This is the Japanese Curry Japanese Curry Beef Pie RYLA in Hermosa Beach. (Photo courtesy All Japan Curry Manufacturers Association)
RYLA
Curry dish: Japanese Curry Beef Pie
Where: 1220 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach
Information: eatryla.com
AloJapan.com