Restaurant

Honkatry: Complex, Single-Plate Curry Lunches

ホンカトリー

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Photos: Tabelog

A tiny, seven-seat counter in Yushima serving intricate curry plates. A single chef assembles a bed of basmati rice with numerous small toppings, served alongside a daily curry and five house condiments for a multi-layered experience.

Price range$$$$$

Tabelog rating3.84 / 5919 ratingsExcellent — roughly the top few percent nationwideJapanese diners rate strictly — 3.5 is excellent, 4.0 exceptional.View on Tabelog

Opening hoursMon–Fri 11:00–14:30, Sat 11:00–14:00. Closed Sun & public holidays. Last orders 30 minutes before closing. May close early if sold out.

Address2-7-9 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

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Honkatry (ホンカトリー) is a one-of-a-kind, lunch-only curry counter that has become a cult favourite. The experience is a two-part ritual orchestrated by a single chef-owner. First is a meticulously arranged plate of basmati rice adorned with a variety of small, seasoned toppings. This is served with one of two daily curries and a tray of five house-made condiments, such as a shrimp-coconut furikake or green-chili pickle, designed to let you customize the flavour of every bite.

Guests consistently praise the incredible variety of textures and flavours on a single plate. Inventive combinations like whitebait, taro, and cheese or keema with fried eggplant are frequently highlighted for their complex, layered taste. The ability to transform the dish with the five condiments is a core part of the appeal, making each meal a unique exploration.

The main drawbacks are logistical. As a one-person operation with only seven seats, service can be slow, with waits of 15 to 45 minutes or more for your food after being seated. The owner is often described as taciturn or brusque, though most diners interpret this as professional focus rather than unfriendliness. Reviewers in recent years typically paid around ¥1,500 for a plate, with dishes like the whitebait, taro, and cheese plate or the keema with fried eggplant both cited at this price. Older reports mention prices around ¥1,300. Despite the wait, diners almost universally call it excellent value for the sheer quality and creativity involved.

Getting There: Honkatry is a 9-minute walk from JR Ochanomizu Station or Hongo Sancho-me Station (Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway).
Reservations: Walk-in only; reservations are not accepted. Queues are common, so it is best to arrive early, even before opening.
Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
Seating: There are just 7 seats at a single counter.
Service Notes: This is a one-person operation, so be prepared for a wait. The menu is announced verbally and there is limited English support, though the condiments are usually explained.
Parking: No parking available.

Honkatry: Complex, Single-Plate Curry Lunches

Nearby within 2km