Eating out every day to conquer the top 100 curry shops. Today, I visited Punch Mahal in Jimbocho, a curry shop known for its unique curries made by a master who has traveled to various Asian countries. They also serve noodles. I arrived at the shop just before 1 p.m. on a weekday. Luckily, I managed to get the last seat inside without waiting in line. The entrance is located a few steps down, not quite underground. I sat at the counter on the right as soon as I entered. Looking at the menu, I noticed they offer curry noodles, something I've never tried before. But for my first time, I decided to go with the classic Chicken Curry for 1,000 yen, made with chicken thigh meat and cabbage in a smooth curry sauce. I also added some melting cheese as a topping. While extra rice is free, I opted for a regular portion. You can choose the spiciness level from 0 to 5, and since levels 1 and 2 were recommended, I went with level 2, which turned out to be quite spicy. The shop is run by just one master, so you need to serve yourself water. In no time, my curry, rice, and melting cheese were served on a tray. The curry has a soup-like consistency. I tried the curry alone first—it was indeed slightly spicy with a refreshing taste from the tomatoes and vegetables on top. The flavor became even smoother with the addition of cheese. I enjoyed breaking down the rice and eating it with the curry little by little. The curry seemed like a blend of various Asian dishes rather than an authentic taste from a specific region. It was quite intriguing. I look forward to trying the noodles next time.

Please follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo_messi Located about a 7-minute walk from Jimbocho Station, "Punch Mahal" stands beyond temptations like "Maruka" and "Tsukesoba Kanda Katsumoto" along the way from the station. Despite its small appearance, the sign packs a punch. Though it was lunchtime and a bit away from the station, we were able to smoothly get a table. This time, we tried the "Chicken Curry" and the "Homemade Yogurt Lassi." Note that this restaurant has many rules, so it's recommended to study them before going. First, don't call the staff when you enter – they will come to you when they are available. Then you can place your order. It might also be good to decide on the spice level and rice quantity beforehand. After ordering, help yourself to the self-service water and wait quietly. Let's start with the "Chicken Curry." In the thin soup, cabbage and chunky chicken pieces emerge. Grated ginger and achar are delicately placed on top of the rice. Now, take a bite with the rice. "Delicious!" The flavor is so good that it escapes your mouth unintentionally. The umami of the chicken seeps into the soup, blending with the rich aroma of spices and the acidity of tomatoes. Seriously, this is addictive. Eating it with grated ginger adds a fresh aroma, enhancing the curry's taste. What was also intriguing was the "Homemade Yogurt Lassi." Different from the lassis we've had before, this one is made using seeds of Indian origin, resulting in a yogurt that is almost solid but still liquid. A lassi with a strong milk presence. It doesn't serve as a palate cleanser, but it's incredibly delicious. I believe any issues are simply due to the owner's capacity, so if you prepare in advance, it should be within your expectations. If you love curry, this is a fantastic place that you should definitely visit.

After finishing my rehabilitation today, I suddenly felt like having some spicy curry. I decided to visit Punch Mahal, a place I was curious about. The owner greeted me with, "Today we only have Keema curry or Dry curry." True to its popularity, indeed. The Keema curry was said to be level 3 in spiciness in the reviews, but I was surprised by the amount of minced meat! Almost 90% of the dish was minced meat, not an exaggeration (laughs). The complex use of spices made me smile with the pleasantly numbing spiciness and flavor. It's been a while since I've devoured a meal like a cat in heaven! I'm happy to have found an Indian curry that suits my taste!!! Lately, I've been lucky with discovering new restaurants, and I'm delighted. This place is a definite go-to when in the mood for curry! It was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

The chicken curry was exactly 1000 yen. It was spiciness level 2. I was aiming for the vegetable curry, but it was sold out, so I ended up with the chicken curry. It had quite a lot of vegetables in it. I thought 1000 yen for this quality was quite a good deal. It was delicious. I would like to visit again.

I came here after seeing this restaurant ranking high nationwide because I wanted to eat soup curry. By the way, it's not Indian curry at all, but soup curry. The oregano-infused rice is refreshing and enhances the compatibility between the curry and rice. The chopped onion achar and ginger on the side add variety to the taste. The curry ingredients are all large and luxurious. The shredded cheese topping was surprisingly shocking, haha. It would have been better if it was at least unrecognizable. Sometimes when the ingredients are large, there may be insufficient curry or the balance may be off, but they serve the curry in a bowl so you can enjoy the rice and curry until the end! Really satisfied. There is a wide one-way street in front of the restaurant with a parking space that costs 300 yen for 60 minutes, so I came by car and it was very smooth. If the owner had a bit more human touch, I would definitely come back, but they seemed intimidating, so I'll only come back when I feel like having curry in Kanda again.

I went to Punch Mahal in Jimbocho as part of the Kanda Curry Grand Prix stamp rally. I visited during the evening hours and was able to enter without waiting in line. I ordered the Dry Curry (1000 yen) with spice level 2 (second from the bottom). The owner, who is known for being a bit blunt, was not particularly busy that day, so there were no issues. Although he may seem a bit curt, he does interact with customers properly. However, it was a bit disappointing that he immediately headed to the kitchen after taking our order, so we couldn't even request extra toppings like more tomatoes. The Dry Curry was nicely presented and the owner, who doesn't like his food being photographed, surprisingly pays attention to presentation (laughs). The taste was also good. The dry curry, with reduced moisture for enhanced flavor, paired well with the tomatoes. The spices were robust, and the pickled onions and grated ginger added a nice touch. I finished the meal feeling satisfied. As I went to pay and get a stamp, I realized that this restaurant wasn't actually participating in the Curry Grand Prix this year! I had assumed they were, based on their participation last year. However, after reading the owner's blog from last year's event, where he expressed frustration with the lack of manners and morals among some participants, it's understandable why they chose not to participate this year. I agree with the owner's stance on customers ordering curry just to get a stamp rather than to enjoy the food. Perhaps they should add a rule that customers must finish their curry to receive a stamp.

I tried the Indian curry with chicken wings and fried eggplant. I was also interested in the Indian-style curry chicken and keema, but I chose the Indian curry this time. I selected the spiciest level, which is level 5, within the free range of spiciness. The curry that came out was piping hot! It came with okra, fried eggplant, and three pieces of chicken wings. The thick curry goes well with rice. I first ate it as it is, then mixed in ginger and onion achar halfway through. Mixing it in changed the impression and made it even more enjoyable. Despite burning my mouth, I managed to finish it deliciously. I had heard that the owner of the restaurant had a strong personality, but everything was fine and I didn't feel nervous. However, they were yelling at the delivery person...lol

Visited on Tuesday at 12:40 PM, no waiting to enter, the restaurant was 80% full, ordered 5 servings of Indian curry, normal size, spiciness level 15. Shared seating is common. You wait to be asked for your order. You order the amount of rice and spiciness level at the same time. For groups of 2 or more, plates are stacked for group payment. The ingredients were eggplant, chicken wings, and okra, with a punchy and spicy flavor since we chose level 15 spiciness. It was delicious.

It's been a while since my last visit. This is a well-loved soup curry restaurant. Today is Saturday. I arrived at the restaurant at 11:29, aiming for the opening time. There were about 8 people waiting in line ahead of me. When the time came, I entered the restaurant and sat at the counter. I was very satisfied with the "Chicken Men" I had last time. I opened the menu thinking of having it again. Oh, it seems to have changed a bit. Previously, there was no additional charge for a large serving of rice with "curry" or a free mini rice with an order of "men," but now both require an additional +50 yen. For those who don't want a large serving, this might actually feel fair. While looking at the menu, I changed my mind. +50 yen is cheap, but it's a bit annoying that the total becomes 1,050 yen. I don't have small change today, so I'll have to receive change. I prefer to keep communication with the owner to a minimum. Don't place an order on your own. Wait for the owner to come and take your order in order. It's my turn. "What would you like to order?" "I'll have the Chicken Curry, regular rice, spice level 5, please." Clearly communicate what you need. Actually, a customer who seemed like a beginner was asked for their order before me, and when they confidently said, "I'll have the Indian Curry, regular," the owner pushed back with, "Regular rice? Spice level for the curry? Which one?" When they answered, "Both," they were further pressed with, "Please specify the spice level with a number." It seems like a high hurdle for beginners, but for a veteran like me who has been here many times, it's not a big deal. Just follow the rules of the restaurant and order politely. Hmm, it's a bit tiring... After taking orders from about 10 customers who entered the restaurant at the same time as the opening, the owner went to cook. It seems tough since it's a one-person operation. It can get quite chaotic when beginners come in at times like this. The owner, who is focused on cooking, doesn't respond promptly, so if you try to place an order by saying, "Excuse me, can I order?" you should be prepared for a rather cold response. I've seen customers who felt offended and left without ordering. It's a shame. It's a really delicious restaurant, so I truly hope people can overcome these hardships and try the food. Now, while thinking about these things and waiting, the "Chicken Curry" is served in about 20 minutes after ordering. It looks incredibly delicious. I like to pour all the soup curry from the bowl onto the rice. I make a small hollow in the center of the rice, then pour the curry in all at once. I eat. Wow! It's so delicious. The flavor of the chicken broth is strong, and the deliciousness overpowers the spiciness. The umami of the diced tomatoes adds to it. It's a perfectly calculated curry. Once I start eating, I can't stop. Even if a fire or earthquake were to happen now, I would finish eating before running away, haha. Finished eating. It's 12:03. I finished eating in just 10 minutes and left. The bill was exactly 1,000 yen. Thank you for the meal! I'll come back again!

In search of curry in Jimbocho, we found this restaurant. Luckily, we got a table for three at the busiest time on Saturday at 12:30. The cafe-like exterior and Indian-themed interior were comforting. The tables may be shared, as there were many solo diners. The famously quirky manager was a bit intimidating when asked about the curry, but ordering normally seemed fine. Curries are all priced at 1000 yen including tax, which is reasonable for this area. They offer two types of curry: rice and noodles, with customizable spice levels. I opted for the noodles. The menu described it as a combination of vegetable curry and Thai noodles, and the soft noodles paired well with the curry. The curry soup was delicious! I like spicy food, and even though I chose level 3, it was spicy yet allowed the curry's flavor to shine through. The light soup was addictive. The surprise was the lassi, which might be the best I've had. It had a slight sweetness, akin to premium yogurt from a farm. It was more like yogurt than a drink. Another taste to get hooked on. A place worth revisiting.

I'm in Tokyo on a business trip! For lunch on this day, I went to "Punch Mahal." It's about a 5-minute walk from Jimbocho Station on the Tokyo Metro, A4 exit. I arrived around 10:45 am on a weekday and got a table. The restaurant opened at 11 am! The basic menu includes Chicken Curry, Keema Curry, Vegetable Curry, Indian Curry, and Dry Curry. The curry here seems to be on the thinner side. They also have noodle options. I chose the Keema Curry with medium spiciness level 2. It was a curry with plenty of minced chicken, nice and smooth! It was my first time trying this type of Keema curry. The curry had plenty of vegetables like tomatoes. The slightly spicy kick added to the chicken's flavor, along with the acidity of the tomatoes, made it delicious! The lassi was really rich! It was more like a solid than a liquid to drink (laughs), but it was so tasty! Thank you for the meal!

I visited on a weekday night. I arrived at 6:20 PM. I was prepared for a line, but luckily there were seats available at the counter. The Indian curry and vegetable curry were sold out. The chicken curry was also sold out when I ordered. If you have a specific curry in mind, it's better to come early. The chicken curry (1000 yen) was made with chicken thigh meat and cabbage. Rice portion is free for a large serving, but I had a regular portion. The amount of curry was a lot, so I recommend getting a large serving. It's quite watery, almost like soup curry. It's spicy, full of ingredients, and very delicious. The acidity from the tomatoes makes it suitable for hot days. The spiciness level ranges from 0 to 10 for free, and for an extra 50 yen, you can choose up to level 15. I chose level 3, which was quite spicy. By my standards, it's very spicy, leaning towards extremely hot. I couldn't stop sweating for a while. It's amazing to be able to enjoy such a feast for 1000 yen at night. I guess it's possible due to the single staff operation pricing. Thank you for the meal.

As the title suggests, this restaurant in Jinbocho is a unique spice curry shop run by a quirky owner. The owner, who has traveled around various Asian countries, has created a "curry with a distinctive personality that doesn't fit into any category - Indian, Thai, Western, Japanese, none of the above." There have been many comments about difficulties in customer service, so I had been avoiding it until now, but I decided to give it a try on this particular day. By the way, just like udon shops and Yoshida Curry, it is essential to learn the rules of the shop in advance (you may feel uncomfortable if you don't follow the rules), as it is a one-person operation and the owner has a unique personality. I learned the rules on social media before heading to the restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, I sat at the seat designated by the owner, and when asked for my order, I immediately ordered the "Chicken Curry" (1,000 yen) with extra serving (free) and spiciness level 2 (medium spicy). It is said that if you sit wherever you want or hesitate in your response, the owner's mood will immediately sour, but thanks to my prior learning, I was able to smoothly navigate the situation. I was nervous until I entered the shop, but the owner's rock-like appearance was a bit surprising, but there was nothing particularly concerning about the service. Well, it may be brusque and lacking in hospitality, but compared to udon shops, it was much better or decent (I don't know about Yoshida Curry since I haven't been there). After a while, the curry arrived, which was a watery type, almost like soup curry. It contained bite-sized chunks of chicken thigh, along with vegetables such as cabbage, tomato, and mizuna. The rice was cumin rice, with a side of achar and grated ginger. The curry had a fragrance of spices, a noticeable spiciness, and added umami and the acidity of tomatoes, creating a slightly rounded flavor profile. It truly had a complex taste that I may not have experienced before. Personally, the spiciness level 2 was just right for me. The extra serving wasn't that large, so it was just right as well. Moreover, adding a bit of achar and grated ginger to the curry enhanced the flavor, which was quite nice. The curry itself was delicious, and the service from the owner, which I was worried about, was not an issue as long as I followed the rules, so I might consider going back again. Although the atmosphere inside the restaurant was tense and the only sound echoing was the occasional voice of the owner, it made me wonder if it's enjoyable to eat in such an environment. Thank you for the meal.

I came back again. I wanted to eat the Keema that I missed last time. Today, feeling heavy, I ordered spiciness level 4 for a refreshing taste. I followed the restaurant's rules as usual and placed my order. The background music today is great, with psychedelic jazzy guitar. Now the Keema has arrived, snap a picture. I'm not scared anymore. Is the Keema here made with minced chicken? It's finely ground and blends well with the curry, delicious. I always struggle with whether to pour the soup over the rice or dunk the rice into the soup here. I've tried both but end up dunking the rice into the soup in the end. The spiciness level 4 with a strong spice kick makes my head gently sweat. The acidity of the tomatoes balances it out nicely. Refreshing with edamame, cilantro, and achaar. Finished it in no time. Another satisfying meal today~.

Dry curry (level 2 spiciness) ¥1,000, lassi ¥250. I arrived at 13:30, and I wanted to eat chicken curry but they were sold out except for the dry curry. The level 2 spiciness was too spicy for me, so next time I'll either add cheese or go for level 0 spiciness. The lassi was extremely rich. Even though it's a drink, it has a thick texture. Self-service for water cups.

Due to the pandemic, I hadn't visited for about 2 years. I struggled between choosing chicken or keema, but ultimately stayed true to the basics and went with chicken. It had been a while, so I opted for a mild spice level of 311. There was one customer ahead of me. As expected, I waited at the entrance until instructed, then proceeded to the counter. The nervous excitement of being back after so long was nice. I got water, sat down, and patiently waited to be asked for my order. Without even opening the menu, I sat there until the usual curt voice confirmed my order. Yay, it's been so long since I've had chicken! After a while, a group of three arrived, making me nervous. Would they follow the etiquette? The three men obediently followed instructions, and the atmosphere remained calm as we placed our orders. Phew, I was relieved. When I opened the menu, I saw a note saying it was okay to take photos of the food. The waiter seemed a bit more mellow. After a few minutes of waiting, I finally met the chicken I hadn't had in so long. Mustering my courage, I took my first bite and snapped a picture. No one scolded me; the shaba sauce was delicious. The perfect balance of spices and coconut, with a hint of acidity from the raw cabbage, chicken, and tomatoes. The spice level 3 felt a bit lacking, so I added some achaar for a slight flavor change. The ginger was fantastic. Before I knew it, I had finished every last bite. I neatly cleared my dishes and paid the bill, successfully surviving the experience. Phew, it was quite an emotionally intense visit, but the taste was outstanding. Personally, I feel a sincere dedication in the curry made by the older brother at Jimbocho Ichiban. Even when working alone, he has the determination to serve many customers. When I think about that, along with the spicy atmosphere of the restaurant, it truly is a top-notch place. I dream of the day when I can casually chat with the older brother about curry or rock music. I will definitely visit again.

Rock is dead. It has become like a religion, said John Lennon. That's Punch Mahal. A rock curry restaurant run by a master who is a Hanshin Tigers fan, a rock 'n' roll guitarist, and a traveler. In order to not die and to continue being rock, it is said to have strict rules. But without rules, it's not rock. Rock 'n' roll is different from jazz. Having rules is normal. If it's too free, it's not rock. And it's not about bass or drums. This place is like a guitarist♪ Rules: Take photos only of your own food, groups of two or more should share plates, pay in cash on the tray, get your own water, wait for the staff to take your order, sit where assigned, group payments should be combined. It's a one-man operation by the guitarist owner, so be especially considerate♪ People online seem to be very sensitive, as threads are created about it. Today is June 9th, Rock Day, so they were playing Robert Plant's album. Ordered: Indian curry, large portion, 2nd spiciest, chicken wings and eggplant Indian-style curry. Arrived on a rainy Friday at 13:15, no wait. Only chicken curry available for the next order. Paid 1000 yen, left the tray, and exited. The curry was a bit off-putting. Thanks for the meal~☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

I am someone who is fairly well-versed in various genres, but I can confidently say that I can eat curry four times a week. So, I decided to explore the curry list in Jinbocho and gradually try out different places. Finally, I decided to visit the highly talked-about "Punch Mahal." I rushed there after work and met my companion in front of the restaurant, and we were seated immediately without any wait. When I arrived, there were only two guests sitting at the counter. It's a small place with four counter seats and three table seats. It seems like sharing a table is the norm for table seats. Since I was asked if they could seat other customers, make sure to keep your belongings close to you. I had thoroughly read the reviews by Mairebi-san, so I had already decided what to order from the evening menu on Facebook, making it easy to place our order. We shared Keema curry spiciness level 5 and Vegetable curry spiciness level 2, each topped with cheese and the limited edition lemon. I forgot to order lassi, which was a mistake. Next time, I'll remember to order it. At this point, I wasn't nervous at all, and there was no annoying complexity like Yoshida Curry. Well, considering it's a one-person operation, some constraints in the store are inevitable. The dishes arrived in about five minutes. Starting with the Keema, it had a thin, watery curry with a generous amount of minced chicken, providing a satisfying meal. While it looks like a simple taste at first glance, it's far from that. The complexity of the spices can be felt from the first bite. However, this complexity miraculously turns into a single intense flavor that stimulates the brain. It's really delicious. Yes, it's spiciness level 5, so if you don't have a high tolerance for spice, it might be a bit intense. Unlike the obvious use of spices found in Thai or Indian dishes, it felt like each spice was carefully calculated to blend well with the palate. The cheese topping wasn't necessary for me, as the perfection of the curry didn't require it, and I felt that the freshly squeezed lemon's acidity enhanced the minced chicken's flavor. The synergy between the tomato and lemon's acidity was also noteworthy. As someone who rarely chooses pure vegetable curry among many options (because it seems unsatisfying and bland), I decided to discard my boring preconceptions this time. I could hear the sound of vegetables being fried to a juicy texture, especially the eggplant. While it's not a comparison, eggplant has the potential to outshine the meat at times. The hot, flavorful juice flowing with the curry was irresistible. The curry was made with a base of chicken umami, creating a thick and satisfying blend even with just vegetables. The cheese was unnecessary for me here as well. I wanted to fully enjoy the sweetness of the vegetables and preserve the high quality of the curry, just like with the Keema. The portion of cheese was more than double that of other restaurants, so it felt like a waste in many ways. Honestly, the lemon might not be necessary for this curry. However, since there's the best option of making lemon water to drink, it's a must-have for me during the summer. I consolidated the plates for payment. I was nervously waiting for a scolding, but it ended without any issues. It's hard to classify whether it's soup curry or ethnic curry, but it doesn't really matter. It's an exceptional curry shop that you won't find anywhere else. I love it too much. Thank you for the meal.

Today I visited this restaurant. I ordered the Chicken Curry for 1,000 yen with extra rice. I chose spice level 3. Despite being short-staffed, the service is fast. The soup curry with chicken thigh meat and cabbage has a great texture from the cabbage, and the chicken thigh meat has a decent kick to it. The smooth soup is incredibly delicious. This level of spiciness is just right for me. It was very delicious.

I visited Punch Mahal, a highly rated restaurant that has been selected as one of the top 100 curry restaurants nationwide on Tabelog. The location is in Jimbocho, a town known for its top curry restaurants. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was calm, with relaxing music playing. I ordered the Keema Curry with less rice and spice level 4 (extra spicy). The curry was delicious with a good balance of spiciness and flavors. Alongside the rice, there were pickled onions and grated ginger, which added a nice twist to the taste. Overall, it was a satisfying dining experience, and I look forward to trying their Dry Curry next time. Thank you for reading until the end! If you liked this review, feel free to like, follow, save the restaurant, or leave a comment. Your support is greatly appreciated!

I visited a curry restaurant in the fiercely competitive curry district of Jinbocho. I ordered the default-style chicken curry at Punch Mahal. This place is also famous for its curry noodles, so I plan to try them on another occasion. Even though it was a one-man operation, the chicken curry arrived in about 3 minutes. The curry had a thin, South Indian-style gravy, similar to soup curry. Toppings included herbs (watercress?), fresh tomatoes, and ginger served alongside the rice, which were visually distinctive. The curry had a strong cumin flavor, with the spices being exquisite and the refreshing taste standing out more than the spiciness. The fresh vegetables also did a great job. Adding ginger made it even more refreshing! This curry had a perfect balance that seems addictive. While it may look ordinary, the unique flavor of the gravy was incredibly powerful. #food #foodgasm #instafood #foody #instaphoto #foodpic #curry #yummy #instayummy #curry #curryrice #top100restaurants #currytop100 #foodblog #highlyratedfoodblog #instacurry #tabelog #bestofthebest #PunchMahal #TokyoCurry #JinbochoCurry