如月 来夏
There are some restaurants where the establishment imposes rules on customers. It's understandable when they prohibit things like waiting in line for representatives or taking photos inside the store. However, when it goes too far, it can annoy regular customers, leading to negative reviews and rumors about the place being scary. This particular restaurant is known for its high level of difficulty for first-time visitors. In the curry world, "Curry Udon" is also known for its unique rules, but their playful attitude is evident through their amusing website. However, for someone like me, who prefers serious establishments, the lack of playfulness can make it feel even more constricted. So, I've been putting off visiting for a while. But I finally made up my mind. It was the last day of summer vacation, and surprisingly, the owner of the restaurant had a Twitter account and mentioned that they were operating as usual during the vacation. I decided to visit around 1 p.m. I made sure to do my homework before visiting. Although it's not too complicated, as long as you act according to common sense, there shouldn't be any problems. After all, the owner is human too, and they'll let you know if you're unsure about anything. Here are some of the rules: - If the shutter is halfway open, the restaurant is open for business. - Don't force the shutter open; wait at the top of the stairs. - Don't open the door or enter the restaurant without being called by the owner. - Once inside, order promptly from the menu posted on the stairs. - Serve yourself water from the dispenser and sit at the designated seat. - When the curry is ready, each table is called up individually to collect their order. - After finishing your meal, return your plates. - No photos allowed inside the restaurant, and keep your phone away during meals, although taking pictures of the food is permitted. - It's best to avoid whispering; you can tell from the owner's aura. - Dispose of trash like paper napkins in the trash bin. - People with strong perfume are not allowed to enter. It may seem annoying to some, but it's interpreted as the owner efficiently managing the restaurant alone. By the way, on that day, I practiced my order diligently: Mixed, Regular Pork, Achar, Cheese, Natto. I repeated it in my mind so many times that I can still say it fluently now. There are two types of curry: mild and spicy. You can order either one. Most people order the mixed one, followed by their preferred rice portion. For reference, a small portion is about the size of a women's teacup, a medium is a men's teacup, and a large is two women's teacups. The rice is a mixture of Japanese and brown rice. The pork is stewed until it's falling apart, but it's incredibly delicious, so it's highly recommended as a topping. Even the half portion is quite generous. Achar is similar to pickled cabbage, somewhat different from the Achar served in Nepal, more like Fukujin pickles. The cheese is melty and torched after being sprinkled on top, resulting in a smoky flavor. This is also recommended as a topping. As for the natto, it wasn't really necessary. Both curry and natto are assertive ingredients, so they either clash or blend together well. Unfortunately, the sliminess of the natto lingered until the end. The curry roux has a subtle fruity flavor reminiscent of banana in the mild version, while the spicy one has a delayed heat. When mixed, they create an exquisite taste. There's also crunchy dry keema on top of the rice, adding texture. Breaking the egg yolk on top creates a milder flavor. When mixed with Achar and cheese, it creates a complex flavor profile. The stewed pork blends surprisingly well with the curry, despite being completely tender. As for drinks, they only offer banana milk, which some customers ordered. The owner blends real banana juice behind the scenes, so it's a genuine banana juice. I should have ordered it. The taciturn owner and strict rules may seem intimidating, but once you get used to them, you'll find the experience quite enjoyable.