I visited the restaurant around 12 p.m. on a holiday, where the whimsical plate costs 1400 yen. There were two people waiting outside, but since I was alone, I was able to enter immediately. The restaurant had only 8 counter seats, and it was cozy with Southern music playing. There were 5 customers before me. The menu offered options like simmered hamburger curry set, simmered hamburger with demi-glace sauce set, TAKEUCHI duet of the sea, and whimsical plate. I ordered the whimsical plate with regular rice. The whimsical plate consisted of three types of curry as described on the menu: Intense flavor ⭐︎ Iwate beef dry curry (spicy), Mitsuse chicken spicy curry (medium spicy), served with mango mint raita, and pickled cherry shrimp and soybean, and a rich shrimp broth coarse-ground pork keema curry (medium spicy) with a side of red kiwi and cream cheese pani puri. It was served in 15 minutes. Saffron rice was placed in the center, surrounded by the three curries. The dish was garnished with rabbit-shaped carrots, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, edible flowers, etc., making it visually appealing and appetizing. The Iwate beef dry curry was spicy but the beef was tender and flavorful. The Mitsuse chicken spicy curry had tender chicken with a rich flavor from the fusion of mango sweetness and curry spiciness. The rich shrimp broth coarse-ground pork keema curry had a strong shrimp flavor with just the right amount of spiciness, almost making you forget about the minced pork. The miso soup was full of ingredients such as radish, carrots, tofu, cabbage, shimeji mushrooms, narutomaki, and pumpkin. The red kiwi and cream cheese pani puri had a crispy exterior with delicious sweetness from the red kiwi and richness from the cream cheese. All three curries were delicious, visually appealing, and overall, it was a very satisfying curry experience.

Visited the 17th restaurant in the Kanda Curry Grand Prix stamp rally after a year. The place opened at 11:30, and I arrived about 10 minutes late, finding a queue outside with two people ahead of me. Waited for about 20 minutes. I have some favorite spots that I always revisit during the stamp rally, and TAKEUCHI's is one of them. Always impressed by their meticulous work, the presentation is enjoyable with no unnecessary elements, and most importantly, the curry is uniquely delicious. Today, I wanted to savor the curry more than the hamburger, so I ordered a duet: Seafood Curry and Keema Curry. Noticed they no longer offer rice and miso soup refills according to the menu. Asked for extra rice since they have it. After a 10-minute wait, the duet was served, looking beautiful and delicious. There was also a single piece of panipuri. The Seafood Curry is a coconut curry with seafood, but it has a unique spice that makes it an original and favorite curry. The Keema, with its large, coarse grind, provides a different texture, allowing for an enjoyable contrast with the Seafood Curry. The miso soup always has plenty of ingredients, almost like a side dish itself. Had a delightful lunch, savoring the deliciousness eagerly. Thank you for the meal.

I was drawn here by the charming presentation at "Yo-shokuzen Kai Curry TAKEUCHI Jimbocho Main Store" in Jimbocho. The seafood curry was incredibly creamy and delicious. Even the regular serving was quite filling. It had a mild flavor with a subtle hint of spices. Beneath the rabbit-shaped carrot garnish, there was a slightly sweet pickled plum. It felt strange with curry, but surprisingly it worked well. The hearty miso soup was like pork soup, with a hint of spice that made me sweat a bit more than the curry did. Overall, the restaurant left a very meticulous impression. I'd love to try other items on the menu.

I arrived shortly before 3 p.m. on a weekday and was able to get in without waiting. The number one popular dish, the hamburger steak set, was sold out, so I ordered the Chef's Choice Plate instead. On this particular day, it was a combination of dry curry with Iwate beef and coarse-ground pork keema curry. When it was served, everyone's mood lifted at the sight of the stunning and colorful presentation, which made you want to say "wow!" The delicately carved carrots, along with various edible flowers and fruits, made for a visually appealing dish that seemed almost unnecessary. The pork keema came with an unexpected addition of marinated tuna, providing a unique texture. The dry curry had a rich meaty flavor with a solid spicy kick. The hearty pork soup, filled with plenty of ingredients, had a gentle and comforting taste that warmed the soul. The service was also very attentive, making it a cozy and welcoming dining experience. I'm looking forward to trying the hamburger steak set next time, hopefully arriving in time for it.

I arrived around 11:20 and there were about three groups ahead of me. The seating is limited and they serve quite generous portions of curry, so there's a bit of a wait, but you can wait comfortably seated! I ordered the "Whim Curry" and added the "Sea Curry," and to my surprise, the portions were way bigger than they looked! I was thoroughly satisfied!

#Kanda Curry Street Food Stamp Rally 2023 ・ No.15 #Kanda Curry Street Food Stamp Rally #Kanda Curry Grand Prix #Kanda Curry Food Walk #Kanda Curry Club ・ Lunch Training Western Food Meal Ocean Curry TAKEUCHI Kanda Honcho Main Store × Shibetsu Town "Enjoying Shibetsu Town: Dancing Bonito Flakes, Scallop Marinade, and Roughly Ground Chicken-Pork Keema Curry with Hokkaido Broth" (@ MID STAND TOKYO) Thank you for the meal (^ ^) #TAKEUCHI Kanda Honcho Main Store #Takeuchi Kanda Honcho Main Store #Western Food Meal Ocean Curry TAKEUCHI Kanda Honcho Main Store #midstandtokyo #curry #CurryRice #CurryClub #CurryLovers #AlmostEverydayCurry #Sarameshi #KandaCurryMaster

For the 6th stop of the Kanda Curry Street Stamp Rally 2023, I visited my favorite place, Takeuchi-san's. Arriving for Saturday lunch, there was a queue of 7 people outside the restaurant. Knowing it's a popular spot, I braced for the wait and got in after about 15 minutes. I ordered the "Whim Plate" (3 kinds of curry), priced at 1400 yen, opting for a smaller portion of rice (which is free for a larger serving). The Whim Plate looked and tasted amazing, with two curry options: dry curry with Iwate beef (spicy) and a spicy curry with Mito specialty chicken eaten with peaches and mascarpone cheese (medium spicy). It also came with a cold soup with corn and whitebait, somen noodles with spicy fried toppings, and a dish resembling panipuri with prosciutto and melon. Both curries were delicious, but the presentation was so beautiful that it almost felt like a shame to eat them. The spicy fried toppings with somen noodles were particularly refreshing when dipped into the soup. The hearty pork soup that came with every plate was also excellent. I finished off with the prosciutto and melon panipuri, feeling completely satisfied with the plate, which was definitely worth more than its price. I paid with PayPay and also received a 10th-anniversary pen. It's proof of how much this place has been loved by customers for 10 years in the curry town of Jinbocho. Thanks for the feast!

【August 12, 2023 Revisit】Kanda Curry Grand Prix Stamp Rally 12th Day Stamp Count/Target Stamp Count → 7/71 Due to feeling unwell, the start of this year's stamp rally was stumbled upon right at the beginning. On this day, I thought it might be best to avoid consuming stimulating foods...⁈ Just then, I got information about this shop that remains open even during the Obon holiday. It's an extremely popular shop that only operates during lunchtime, with irregular closing days on weekdays. So, I decided to visit on this day whenever possible! I arrived around 1:40 PM on a Saturday, after circling around for about 40 minutes. There were six people waiting in front of the shop. After a wait of just under 40 minutes, I finally entered the shop. The interior was still filled with railway goods. Among them, I chose the "No. 1 Stewed Hamburg Curry Set." It's a menu item that is surprisingly impressive considering it comes with change from ¥1,000! Needless to say, I was drawn in by the notation "limited quantity"! The order arrived in less than 30 minutes! The reason for the relatively long wait becomes clear when you see the impressive dish that arrives! Once again, it was fantastic! A hamburger generously coated in a curry sauce based on an original fondue, surrounded by brightly colored, creatively cut, deep-fried vegetables. Where should I even start eating...⁈ Perhaps to balance the sweetness of the vegetables and the meat-derived sweetness of the hamburger, the curry was set to be quite spicy! Personally, I prefer coarsely ground hamburgers, but perhaps this finely ground type is better for allowing the curry flavor to permeate throughout! I had ordered a regular serving of rice, so even after finishing the hamburger and vegetables, there was plenty of curry left over for the rice. As I progressed, I squeezed lemon over it for a refreshing acidity, and towards the end, I mixed in the pickled plum that was on top of the rice, enhancing the acidity for a delightful flavor change! After drinking the hearty miso soup, I finished with complete satisfaction! The effort put into it is amazing in itself, but what surpasses that is the enthusiasm. It's probably something they can do because it's run solely by the husband and wife. From the appearance of the shop, it's clear that the owner is a big fan of railways, but it's nice that they don't impose that on you. Anyway, congratulations on your 10th anniversary! This time, I was able to receive a commemorative pen when paying the bill! It might not be recommended for busy individuals with limited time, but for others, I believe you'll be satisfied with both the taste and presentation, as well as the cost performance! Thank you for the meal.

I visited for the Kanda Curry GP♪ Normally they open at 11:30, but I saw on social media that they were opening early, so I arrived just before 11:00. They opened right away, and I got in for the first seating. (If you don't make it into the first seating, you end up waiting quite a bit.) I was torn between the stewed hamburger curry set with demi-glace sauce and the curry set, but since it's the Kanda Curry GP, I went with the curry set. Even in the first seating, the wait was pretty long. The reason for this lies in the meticulous attention to detail in the presentation! (๑･̑◡･̑๑)! On the right, in the foreground, is a hamburger served on a hot plate, topped with a carrot. Carved into the carrot is a rabbit, and sitting atop the red turnip and paprika is a tiny rabbit♡ There's a wide variety of side dishes, making it a feast for the eyes as well (๑･̑◡･̑๑)♪ With miso soup and rice included, it's under 1000 yen, which makes you wonder how they manage it Σ（ﾟдﾟlll）The place started to get crowded, so I finished up quickly. Thank you for the meal♪ Supporting Kanda Curry GP! ＼＼\\٩( 'ω' )و //／／

I remembered it's the season for the Kanda Curry Grand Prix, so I went to Jimbocho in search of a curry I haven't tried yet. The curry here looks cute, but it's also authentic in taste. As I kept eating, a strong spiciness started to emerge. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with lots of railway goods, so it's recommended for those who are interested in that area too.

Kanda Curry Grand Prix 2023, 7th stop. Arrived right at 12 o'clock, but the waiting area in front of the shop was just full when I sat down... Immediately, a few more people lined up to stand behind me... Truly a popular spot. Waited for about an hour... Finally inside the shop. While looking at the signboard and menu outside, "Whim" caught my eye, but this time I ordered the "Simmered Hamburg Curry Set". Rice comes in large servings for free... Of course, I went for the large serving. Turmeric rice piled up in a small tea bowl like in old stories, with a pickled plum on top. The miso soup... also full of vegetables like daikon radish and mushrooms... The naruto (fish cake) on top is cute too. I had seen it on the menu, but seeing the actual dishes, each one is beautifully presented. As for the main dish... I'm torn on where to start with my spoon... I decided to start from the center where the majestic hamburger is. The thick and juicy hamburger goes well with the spicy curry. Various vegetables include beets, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin, and mizuna... Carrot cut into cute rabbit shapes, and even edible flower petals. While relentlessly destroying the beautiful presentation with my spoon, I enjoyed each bite... It tastes great too! Outside the shop, there are many strict signs like "Seats cannot be shared", but once inside, both staff members were incredibly polite and kind. With heartfelt hospitality, beautiful presentation, and delicious curry... it's no wonder this place is so popular and always has a line.

Tokyo is unusually rainy today. Thinking that I could avoid the usual long lines on a day like this, I headed to the popular Takewuchi-san's restaurant. However, there are already three people in line. Well, it's better than usual, and it's somewhat cooler. I sat at the end and waited for about 10 minutes before being seated inside. It's good that it's a cool day. The restaurant is playing Southern music as usual. The master, being sincere and diligent, won't play something like AC/DC's "Runaway Train," but it seems he listened to it once. The master's whimsical plate is as wild as ever. He really needs to install an ATC; he might collapse from working too hard. So today, instead of the runaway train, I'll have a duet. The "Duet of the Sea" is my first time trying a duet. It's served 15 minutes after ordering, and the spice soup resembling Kenchin-style soup is included, as always. The attention to detail is impressive. The side dish, pickles or something like Achaar, is well-prepared and can stand alone as a dish. The topped vegetables are cut in various shapes, standing or lying down, creating a three-dimensional composition. It must be tough, master. The modestly standing Keema Curry at the back of the plate is mainly lentils and can be enjoyed almost like a salad. In the front, there's the sea-like expansive Sea Curry. It's creamy, almost like Seafood Butter Chicken. The shrimp is incredibly delicious, sweet, yet with the salty taste of the sea. This curry owes a lot to these shrimp. The "Whimsical Plate" from the runaway train has a substantial volume, and with a petit dessert included, it's quite challenging to finish unless you're really hungry. However, this duet is just the right amount to enjoy. The duet is a good choice; it's just delicious. On my way out, I say goodbye and draw a collaboration card with Kanda Curry Grand Prix, "Fist of the North Star." I got Toki! Lucky me. Well, there's a possibility it's Amiba, but no, it must be the real thing! Thank you for the meal. Master, please take care of yourself and don't overexert. It was delicious again today.

I had some business in Jimbocho and decided to have lunch somewhere. I checked on Tabelog and found that "Western Food ZEN Umi Curry TAKEUCHI" had high ratings, so I decided to go there. When I arrived at the restaurant at 11:18, there was no line, so I entered. Inside, there were four customers already seated, but there were open seats at the counter. I sat down, looked at the menu, and ordered the "Chef's Special Plate (3 Types of Curry Assortment) for 1,400 yen." The waiter asked if I wanted extra rice for free, and I agreed. The Chef's Special Plate for the day included "Superb Iwate Beef Dry Curry (Spicy)," "Spicy Curry with Mito-se Chicken, Peach, and Mascarpone Cheese (Medium Spicy)," "Corn and Shirasu Subji, Cold Rassam-Style Spiced Tempura Somen (More than Medium Spicy)," and "Prosciutto and Melon Pani Puri-style." Each plate was meticulously prepared, and at 11:45, the Chef's Special Plate arrived with miso soup on the side. The presentation was visually appealing and seemed perfect for Instagram. I started eating, and the dishes were almost too beautiful to eat. The Iwate Beef Dry Curry had a rich flavor, and the combination of Peach, Mascarpone Cheese, and Mito-se Chicken in the Spicy Curry was unique but delicious. The Corn and Shirasu Subji with Cold Rassam-Style Spiced Tempura Somen had a slight tanginess, but it was enjoyable. The Prosciutto and Melon Pani Puri-style served as a refreshing palate cleanser. The miso soup was unexpectedly flavorful with plenty of ingredients. I finished everything by 1:00 PM. After paying the bill, I received a stamp for their stamp rally, along with a card and a 10th-anniversary pen as a token of appreciation. Thank you! When I left, there was already a solid line outside the restaurant. It's definitely a popular place!

I visited my favorite restaurant for the Curry Grand Prix. I ordered the "Whim 3 Variety Plate" this time. It takes some time after ordering, but the effort put into it is amazing. The ingredients are excellent, and the dishes are very colorful and beautiful. The three varieties on this day were "Stewed Domestic Beef, the meat is tender and delicious," "Brand Chicken and Thigh Curry, surprisingly the thigh does a great job," and "Somen with Curry Soup, the dipping sauce with spiciness is great." The meticulous handcrafting at this price is unbelievably reasonable. I thought it was the most delicious this time. Thank you for the feast, and thank you very much.

Kanda Curry Grand Prix Stamp Rally #1 I had decided that the best place to start the Curry Grand Prix would be here. Truth be told, I'm not great with spicy food, but Takeuchi's curry is spicy. Yet, it's so delicious that I keep going back for more. I added a Sea Curry to the whimsical plate this time. The beef dry curry was exceptionally delicious, but the Sea Curry was consistently delightful, truly enjoyable. It's not only delicious but also very visually appealing. I think I'll visit again after the hustle of the Stamp Rally has settled down. Thank you for serving delicious curry every time. It was a feast.

I arrived at the Western Food Zenzai Kai Curry TAKEUCHI for the first stamp rally meal in 2023. This is my 152nd curry out of 118 restaurants, marking a total of 3,581 curries since 2017. The featured dish was the "Whim Plate" priced at 1,400 yen. It consisted of three types of curries: an exquisite Iwate beef dry curry with winter melon on top, marinated Gunma pork bindaloo with organic apple vinegar, Taiwanese pineapple, cold cottage cheese Lassam-style, and homemade spice blueberry marmalade with roast pork panipuri. I had work in the morning near Jimbocho, so I arrived early and found the place bustling with customers. I waited for about 20 minutes before being seated. To my delight, I recognized a familiar face at the neighboring table, a fellow curry enthusiast. We quietly exchanged updates. Without hesitation, I ordered the Whim Plate. The owner, Mr. Takeuchi, uniquely arranges the panipuri, a dish I adore. Despite the 1,400 yen price tag, the dish was incredibly satisfying in terms of both quantity and taste. As seen in the photos, Mr. Takeuchi puts his heart and soul into the presentation, carving out seasonal decorations and arranging edible flowers alongside three curries, flavorful pork soup, panipuri, and various side dishes. If this were in Roppongi or Ginza, a plate like this would easily cost over 4,000 yen. The richness, artistic visuals, diverse flavors, and, simply put, the deliciousness make it worth it. Having the curry from Western Food Zenzai Kai Curry TAKEUCHI as my first stamp rally dish reinvigorated my motivation. Thank you, Mr. Takeuchi, for always putting your heart and soul into your curries! It was a delightful experience. All in all, my personal recommendation rating is 5+α: ★★★★★⭐️ The highest level.

I had work in the Chiba area, so after finishing a meeting, I decided to walk from Ochanomizu to Jimbocho. Near Udon Maruka, I found myself waiting for two friends around 1 PM. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long, and within 5 minutes, we were inside the restaurant. The mama-san apologized for the heat, showing thoughtful consideration. I ordered the Chef's Special Plate (1400 yen) with an additional seafood curry (+300 yen) and less rice. The total came to 1700 yen. The plate included three items: 1. Exceptional Iwate beef dry curry (spicy) 2. Hamamatsu-produced grilled eel with summer vegetables, served with cold Rassam-style one-bite somen noodles (medium spiciness) 3. Mitzese chicken mango coconut masala curry (medium spiciness) The seafood curry had shrimp, scallops, and squid. It was served in about 30 minutes, which might be a bit long during regular lunch hours. The miso soup had a spicy curry flavor with a variety of ingredients. The cold Rassam with tomatoes had a refreshing taste with a gradual spiciness kick. Surprisingly, there was no eel to be found! The colorful one-bite somen noodles were accompanied by carrot rabbits and a clever heart-shaped carrot on the rice. The mango, dragon fruit, and unexpectedly, watermelon, added a nice touch. The coconut's creaminess with the richness of scallops and shrimp extract in the seafood curry was amazing, creamy, and spicy—a delightful combination. By the way, where did the eel go? Even the rabbit-shaped carrots were a cute touch! I might want to try the thick and juicy hamburger plate next time, although the seafood curry was fantastic. The timing might affect the waiting time; those who arrived later got their hamburgers within 10 minutes. Around 2 PM, there was no more waiting outside, but it's advisable to visit during off-peak lunch hours for a more relaxed experience.

It was a very enjoyable lunch. Perfect for someone like me who wants to try a little bit of everything. The presentation was cute and beautiful, with generous portions. I found myself smiling when considering the balance between each element. But what really stood out was the creativity and charm. I believe they are a couple, and the service from the lady was attentive, thoughtful, and kind. It was heartwarming to see the kitchen staff bringing out the finished dishes. Their attention to detail really shines through. There were rabbits, goldfish, heart-shaped carved carrots, edible flowers, beans, vegetable subji, and various other delights all packed in tightly. It was so much fun! ^_^

I went to a curry specialty restaurant where they creatively express spiciness without using chili peppers and serve visually stunning and artistic dishes. I ordered the Whim Plate with three types of curry: generous portion of exquisite dry curry with Iwate beef, summer vegetable subji with Hamamatsu white-grilled eel, and cold-style rasam with a bite-sized somen noodle. The Mango Coconut Masala Curry had a fruity and rich flavor with actual mango slices. The Avocado and Mackerel Alissa-style Paneer Purée had a perfect balance of spiciness, umami, and refreshing spices. The condiment was a lemon, mint, and honey raita, adding a fruity and refreshing touch. The Dukkah, a Middle Eastern spice mix, provided a crunchy texture and deep flavor enhancement. The miso soup was spicy with plenty of vegetables. The dishes were beautifully presented, reflecting the changing seasons of nature. The meal ended refreshingly with curry and pickled plum. TAKEUCHI, opened in September 2013, gained popularity quickly with its unique and innovative curry recipes. The owner-chef, Mr. Takeuchi, formerly worked at renowned establishments such as "Bistro Lotus" in Nishi-Azabu and "Hotel Nikko," gaining expertise in Italian cuisine before opening his own curry restaurant. TAKEUCHI's curry is characterized by its original and unconventional recipes, blending elements of Indian and Western cuisines. The use of spices such as cinnamon, cumin seeds, and cardamom, without chili peppers, is remarkable. The most distinctive feature is the elaborate and decorative presentation of dishes, often incorporating shapes like hearts or animals carved from carrots and edible flowers. Mr. Takeuchi believes that visual appeal is crucial for enhancing the dining experience. The restaurant is adorned with railway-themed decorations, reflecting Mr. Takeuchi's passion for trains. Overall, it's a photogenic curry experience where both appearance and taste delight the senses.

It's a dish overflowing with a dazzling array of ingredients. I went with my family and ordered the "Ocean Duet" and the curry-flavored hamburger, both of which were delicious. While both were great, I think I prefer the Ocean Duet! The restaurant has a nostalgic atmosphere surrounded by railway-themed goods.

Waited a bit, and the shop opened at 11:00 on a weekday. Ordered the No. 1 dish, the Stewed Hamburg Curry Set for 950 yen with extra rice. It was served in about 9 minutes. The dish was meticulously arranged with various ingredients, making it visually appealing. The plump hamburger and slightly spicy curry lived up to expectations in terms of taste. The rice was generously portioned, topped unexpectedly with a pickled plum. Though uncommon for a curry place, the soup, a hearty pork miso soup with lots of ingredients, was also delicious. The overall intricacy of the meal exceeded the impression of a 950 yen curry. Initially, I thought the place might not be very cozy based on the presentation, but it turned out to have a very relaxed atmosphere, and the service was attentive. Looking forward to trying either the Ocean Duet for 1,100 yen or the Chef's Special Plate for 1,400 yen next time.