Tabelog ratingAfterglow (アフターグロウ) is a cult-favourite curry shop that trades in bold, unconventional flavours. This isn't traditional Indian or Japanese curry; it's a genre of its own, with a menu of creative mashups and daily specials that ensure no two visits are the same. Expect combinations like a Kashmiri curry made with dried fish (niboshi) or a keema curry inspired by mapo tofu.
Guests consistently praise the vivid, layered spice work and the generous portions of meat, whether it's the chicken in the house 'Afterglow' curry or the lamb in the keema. The Sri Lankan plate, with its assortment of small side dishes, is another favourite. The friendly staff are often noted for explaining the Japanese-only menu in English. Desserts like blancmange also receive high marks.
The main drawback is the shop's popularity. Long queues are standard, and popular dishes can sell out before the end of the short lunch service. The space is small, the music is loud, and the decor is idiosyncratic. A minority of diners find the flavours too aggressive or the service brusque, and the shop has posted house rules, including a ban on interior photography.
Despite the wait, most find it excellent value. A typical meal costs between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,100 for the signature Afterglow curry, ¥1,650 for a lamb keema, and ¥1,600–¥1,700 for the Sri Lankan plate.
- Booking: Walk-in only; reservations are not accepted. Long queues (20–60 minutes) are common, so arrive early. Popular dishes often sell out.
- Getting There: A 1-minute walk from the "Ohori Park South" bus stop, or a 12-minute walk from Tojinmachi Station on the Fukuoka Municipal Subway Airport Line.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating: 12 seats, including counter seating and small tables. You may be asked to share a table.
- Menu: The menu is in Japanese, but staff can often provide explanations in English.
- Atmosphere: The space is small with loud music and distinctive decor. Note the posted house rules (e.g., no interior photos).
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking available.
