Tabelog ratingToi Inshokuten (toi印食店) is the celebrated project of a Japanese couple who travelled through South India to master its cuisine. The result is a menu focused on 'meals'—a thali-style platter featuring a vibrant assortment of regional curries and sides. This isn't fusion; it's a faithful reconstruction of flavours from Kerala, Chettinad, and beyond, using signature ingredients like curry leaves and drumsticks that are often hard to find in Japan.
Guests consistently praise the depth and balance of the food. The multi-curry plates are the main draw, with the mutton keema, Malabar fish or prawn curry, and Kerala chicken curry earning frequent mentions. The accompaniments are just as lauded, from the fluffy medu vada (lentil doughnuts) and fragrant jasmine rice to the tangy rasam soup. Many reviewers, including those familiar with South Indian home cooking, call the experience deeply authentic and worth travelling for. The warm service from the owners is another highlight, though a few have noted that staff can be brusque when it's time to clear tables for the next guests.
The restaurant offers excellent value. A typical meal with two curries costs around ¥2,000, while a platter with four curries and all sides was recently reported at ¥2,500. Optional extras like a masala egg topping (around ¥200) or specialty pickles (¥250–¥400) allow for customization. A full meal with drinks might cost around ¥3,700. Given the quality and generous portions, most find it a worthy expense.
- Access: The restaurant is a short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
- Reservations: Bookings are not accepted. Arrive early to put your name on a list (usually available from 10:30 AM) and expect a wait of 30 to 120 minutes. They will call your phone when your table is ready.
- Payment: Payment is by cash or PayPay QR code only. Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted.
- Seating: There are 14 seats, mostly at a counter with one small table.
- Service: Staff are often English-friendly. Note that if you order two or more curries, you are entitled to one free refill of rice and rasam.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid lots nearby.
