Tabelog ratingKyu Yamu Tei Shimokita sou (旧ヤム邸 シモキタ荘) has earned a devoted following for its unique take on curry. Instead of a fixed menu, the offering changes monthly, centered on a signature plate of three different keema curries. The combinations are inventive, blending Indian spices with Japanese ingredients like seasonal vegetables, fruit, and dashi. The experience culminates in a novel final step: you pour a small pot of 'Yamu soup'—a fragrant dashi broth—over the remaining rice and curry, transforming the dish into a soothing ochazuke-style soup.
Diners consistently praise the complexity and balance of the curries, with each of the three keemas (often a mix of chicken, pork, and beef) offering a distinct flavour profile. The bright, colourful plating and the cozy, retro atmosphere of the small house-like restaurant are also highlights. International visitors often note the friendly staff and the availability of English menus or explanations, making the experience very accessible.
The restaurant's popularity means queues are common, especially at peak hours. A few diners find certain flavour combinations, like pineapple in curry, a bit too unusual, or the spice level potent. The standard rice portion can also feel small relative to the generous amount of curry; ordering a large portion is recommended for bigger appetites.
Despite the wait, reviewers agree it offers excellent value. The three-curry plate, or zen-gake, was recently reported to cost between ¥1,450 and ¥1,600, while a two-curry plate (ai-gake) was around ¥1,250–¥1,450. A large rice portion adds about ¥100–¥150. Typical lunch or dinner spend is between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 7-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, served by the Odakyu and Keio Inokashira lines. It is on the ground floor of the Nice Building.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted; it is walk-in only. Expect to queue, but the restaurant uses an electronic ticketing system (AirWait) that allows you to leave and be notified by QR code when your table is ready.
- Seating: The space is intimate, with only 12 seats, including counter spots and small tables. It's welcoming to solo diners.
- Payments: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex), electronic money (including transport IC cards like Suica), and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but paid coin parking is available nearby.
