Spice Corner Benzie: Authentic South Indian & Nepali Plates

Spice Corner Benzie (スパイスコーナーベンジー) has earned a loyal following for its uncompromising dedication to regional Indian and Nepali cuisine. Instead of a fixed menu, the restaurant alternates between serving South Indian 'meals' (a platter with multiple components) and Nepali dal bhat, with the specific recipes changing daily. This focus allows for a deep dive into specific regional flavors, from Goan vindaloo to Kerala-style fish curries.

Diners consistently praise the bold, distinct spicing and the generous amount of meat in dishes like the mutton curry, pork vindaloo, and chicken shakti. The platters come with a variety of well-made accompaniments like sambar, rasam, and various pickles (achar), offering a complete and varied tasting experience. The freshly cooked biryani, available only by reservation on select days, is a frequent highlight, as is the milky masala chai. Reviewers report paying around ¥1,600 for a two-curry plate and ¥1,980 for a three-curry set, with the reservation-only biryani costing in the mid-¥2,000s. The typical spend for lunch or dinner is ¥2,000–¥2,999.

While the food receives rave reviews, some visitors note that the service can feel awkward or terse. The menu is handwritten in Japanese, so checking the restaurant's social media for the day's offerings is recommended for non-Japanese speakers. Though isolated, a serious hygiene complaint has been mentioned by a past reviewer. Despite these points, most feel the excellent quality and generous portions offer good value.

• Getting There: Located in the Tobe district of Yokohama, a 1-minute walk (96m) from Tobe Station.
• Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome for regular meals, but the space is small and queues can form, so arriving early is advised. Reservations are required for the biryani, which can be booked by phone or Instagram DM.
• Menu: The daily menu is handwritten in Japanese. Check the restaurant's Instagram for photos of the day's dishes and announcements about biryani availability.
• Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica, iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
• Seating: 17 seats, including a counter and tables. No private rooms are available.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid public parking lots nearby.