Restaurant

Spice Bar Mon Curry: South Indian–style curry plates

Spice Bar モンカリー

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Photos: Tabelog

A small, focused curry shop in Kitashinjuku serving precise South Indian–style plates. Go for the signature pork vindaloo, a standout dish of tender meat and layered, vinegary spice.

Tabelog rating3.84 / 5416 ratingsExcellent — roughly the top few percent nationwideJapanese diners rate strictly — 3.5 is excellent, 4.0 exceptional.View on Tabelog

Opening hoursMon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30); closed Wed, Sun. Hours may vary; check the restaurant's social media before visiting.

Address1-3-15 Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Nohara Building 1F

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Spice Bar Mon Curry is a one-man operation in Kitashinjuku dedicated to a singular vision of South Indian–style curry. The main draw is the ‘Mon-Curry’ plate, a composed meal built around a main curry, basmati rice, and a selection of small, vibrant sides like achar and dal that are designed to be mixed as you eat.

The star of the show, praised in nearly every review, is the pork vindaloo. It features large, fork-tender chunks of Iwate-brand pork shoulder in a sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sharp vinegar and a complex, layered spice blend. The coconut-based chicken curry is another popular choice, noted for its own distinct heat. Guests consistently highlight the quality of the individual components, from the perfectly cooked basmati rice to punchy sides like egg achar (たまごのアチャール) and a sharp rassam soup.

Because it's a popular spot run by a single chef, there are some practical points to be aware of. The limited lunch service means queues are common, especially on weekends, and popular dishes can sell out. A few reviewers have found the owner's service style to be brisk or brusque, as his focus is squarely on the food. The high quality and generous portions, however, lead most to consider it excellent value for money.

Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying ¥1,400 for the pork vindaloo plate and ¥1,200 for the chicken. Add-on mini curries like vegetable dal cost around ¥250, with sides like egg achar at ¥200. A typical lunch with a few extras can cost between ¥1,800 and ¥2,400.

Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the south exit of Okubo Station on the JR Sobu Line.
Reservations: Not accepted. This is a walk-in only restaurant, and queuing is common.
Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
Hours: Primarily a lunch service. Check the restaurant's official Instagram account for the latest hours and any unexpected closures, as mains can sell out.
Seating: 16 seats, including 6 at the counter and tables for small groups.
Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid parking is available nearby.

Spice Bar Mon Curry: South Indian–style curry plates

Nearby within 2km