Tabelog ratingHOTEL HIRAKUBO (HOTEL HIRAKUBO) offers a taste of authentic Sri Lanka in Hiroshima, centred on its 'rice-and-curry' plates. Rather than a single dish, you receive a platter with Keyri Samba rice, two or three main curries, and around six accompaniments like paripp (lentil curry) and pol sambol (coconut relish). The experience is interactive: you taste each component, then mix them together to create new flavour combinations throughout the meal. The menu changes daily, often featuring less common preparations like fish amburtiyal, organ meats, or pork spare ribs.
Guests consistently praise the authenticity and complexity of the curries, noting their finely layered spice rather than simple heat. The three-curry plate, for which reviewers recently paid ¥2,700, is a popular choice, with chicken, chicken liver, and fish curries earning specific mentions. The light, fragrant rice and classic sides are also highlights. For dessert, the watarappan (a coconut custard, ~¥400–¥500) and the sweet Sri Lankan milk tea, or kiri tee (~¥400), are well-regarded. The friendly, talkative owner contributes to a welcoming atmosphere that brings many customers back.
The main caveats are practical: the restaurant is small, with only about 11 seats, so it can fill up quickly, especially at lunchtime. A few diners have found the lunch menu slightly pricey or the spice level intense on certain days. Most, however, consider it good value for the quality and rarity of these flavours in Hiroshima. A typical lunch costs ¥1,000–¥1,999, while dinner is around ¥2,000–¥2,999.
- Booking: Walk-ins are welcome, but booking is recommended, especially for groups at lunch. Reservations can be made by phone or via Instagram DM.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a short walk from Hijiyama Bashi station.
- Payment: Cash and PayPay are accepted. Credit cards and other forms of electronic money are not.
- Seating: There are 5 counter seats and 6 table seats.
- Language: Staff are welcoming to international visitors, though the menu is primarily in Japanese.
- Parking: No on-site parking is available, but there are paid public car parks nearby.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
