The twin cheese keema from Mokubaza in Harajuku, Tokyo. Thisis one of 14 keema curry dishes patrons can choose. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
If you need a break from the busy streets of Harajuku while in the heart of Tokyo, head for a quick bite of curry at Mokubaza.
The place is small but comfortably seats 15 to 20 people. You may have to wait at peak times, and I don’t recommend going with a group larger than four people.
The menu is relatively small with the keema curry as the centerpiece. There are 14 curry options to choose from, with additional toppings at an extra charge. The menu has pictures of all 14 to help you decide which one to try.
The curries carry a nice flavor, and the egg, meat and cheese complement each other well. The seasonings and spices give the food a nice zing, but not so much that it stops being enjoyable.
Curries are available in large, regular and small servings upon request, with slight price differences from the regular size. The large comes with slightly more curry, meat and rice. The dishes are very filling, and you may have trouble finishing even a small size depending on your appetite.
Mokubaza also has an extensive drink menu. The staff can make just about any cocktail you can imagine. The drink menu is organized by alcohol type, but if you don’t drink, the menu has an alcohol-free section toward the back.
Mokubaza has an English menu and some of the staff speak English, which makes communication and ordering a bit less stressful if you can’t speak Japanese.
Mokubaza
Location: 2-28-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
Directions: Take the East Exit at Harajuku Station, cross the street and head north. Keep right at the fork and follow the road for about 10 minutes. Continue straight at the four-way intersection. Turn right at the next light. Mokubaza will be straight ahead with at the middle of a small Y-intersection.
Hours: Open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Prices: Expect to pay between 1,200 yen and 1,650 yen, or.
Dress: Casual
Information: Online: mokubaza.com; MOKUBAZA_curry on X
AloJapan.com