After finishing some business, I headed to Jimbocho, a fierce curry battleground, relying on information from reviews of a popular cost-effective restaurant where there's usually a line at lunchtime but the turnover is good, so the wait isn't too long. There are several curry places bookmarked, and it's an enjoyable area where you can savor the taste of yellow curry powder and the nostalgia of the Showa era. The curry here, with its yellow curry powder, is delicious enough to understand why it's a famous spot. Instead of fried chicken, they serve dumplings with lean pork cutlets that are rich in flavor. Even without sauce, the rice is tasty. It's about a 3-4 minute walk from Jimbocho Subway Station. The restaurant has a counter with 14 seats arranged in a horseshoe shape, with three chefs in the kitchen. Today's order was the large serving of dumpling curry for 600 yen. Despite being really hungry, I opted for the large serving (the price remains the same). There's plenty of rice with the curry, and the delicious dumplings contribute to its consumption. Overall, it's a curry that makes you want to come back just for the dumplings.

I felt like having curry, so I searched for it. Although it was a bit far, I decided to go because it was cheap and highly rated. I arrived around 12:45 and waited in line for about 10 minutes, but the turnover was fast, so I got my curry without much stress. I chose the pork cutlet curry. It's a curry specialty shop that's friendly to students and office workers' wallets. I was glad I didn't go for the large portion after seeing the person next to me. The pork cutlet was crispy, and the curry, with ground meat in it, was very delicious.

Well, I visited Jimbocho for lunch after a long time, about 4 years. It's still crowded here. The turnover is fast, so you can get in quickly. Today, I ordered pork cutlet curry. It's a curry with minced meat, thick and gooey. It's really good—tasty, cheap, fast, and generous in portion. Thanks for the meal again!

This is my first visit. I came to Jimbocho for curry, and I tried the Shumai Katsu Curry in large size for 850 yen. First, the price is reasonable, the portion is generous, and the taste is mild. The Shumai is fried, providing a satisfying and delicious experience. The Katsu is crispy and easy to eat. The curry sauce has plenty of minced meat, and it's not very spicy, offering a gentle flavor. It's quite a substantial meal, so be cautious when eating... I couldn't finish it, sorry. The taste is really delicious. It's a curry that you could eat every day. Thank you for the meal!

I visited around 1 PM on a weekday at a place about 6 blocks (approximately 10 minutes) from the Kanda intersection in Jimbocho. It's on the main street, a bit into the alley on the left side. The exterior gives off an old-fashioned vibe with a wide entrance. Inside, it's a lively place with a U-shaped counter, and it seems a bit narrow despite the wide entrance. Now, about the food! The curry cutlet is only 700 yen, which is incredibly cheap for Tokyo, especially in Jimbocho! The portion is not small at all, and it comes with a mini iced coffee—such a great deal. The curry is generously poured over the rice, with a freshly fried pork cutlet on top, and more curry on top of that. The curry has a rich flavor with plenty of minced meat, and the spice level is just right—delicious without being overly spicy. The curry has a satisfying texture, and it's hard to believe it's only 700 yen. The Fukujinzuke (pickled vegetables) is also delicious and you can have as much as you want. I thoroughly enjoyed this affordable and tasty curry experience!

On the day of my usual observation at the restaurant, I considered trying something different, but ended up ordering the usual. It's worth noting that while eateries are required to display prices inclusive of tax, many still prominently show the pre-tax amount, with the tax-inclusive price in smaller font. As a customer, it's inconvenient to be presented with a pre-tax price that doesn't reflect what I actually pay. Some places do this to give the illusion of being cheaper. Our restaurant, however, displays prices transparently. If it says 650 yen, you pay 650 yen. If we were to show the pre-tax price, it would be in the 500 yen range. In this day and age, getting a satisfying meal at this price is impressive. It makes me appreciate our restaurant's fair pricing. I hope they continue doing well.

Top 100 Restaurants on Tabelog 2022: This curry shop is a throwback to the Showa era, where they serve curry in a cup of water with a spoon. During lunchtime, there's always a long line. Their base curry is minced meat curry, thick and reminiscent of curry left to sit for a day. When you see how thick it is, you might wonder if it's too much, but it actually pairs well with the hearty rice. Toppings include the classic pork cutlet, fried dumplings, croquettes, and sausages. They serve it by pouring curry over rice, adding toppings, then more curry on top. The pork cutlet is freshly fried and perfectly complements the curry in flavor and texture. They've recently stopped offering the "everything on top" option. The pork cutlet curry is priced at 700 yen, offering great value for students in the area.

This is a traditional rice curry restaurant in Jimbocho. It has a counter layout in a horseshoe shape. Among options like curry rice, croquette curry, and pork cutlet curry, I chose the shumai curry. Initially, they served water and iced coffee in demitasse cups. Looking at the neighboring diner, I saw an enormous portion of curry, definitely not something to attempt lightly. The shumai consisted of three large fried shumai pieces, conveniently cut for easy eating. The curry was minced meat-based, generously portioned. The prices were very reasonable, making it a much-appreciated spot. Thanks for the meal!

I visited this shop today. Steamed dumpling curry, large serving, 650 yen. I was able to enter smoothly due to the rain. The curry, which is not very soupy, with freshly fried steamed dumplings, was very delicious, so I naturally ordered a large serving, as I learned last time. It's close to home-cooked curry, cheap, and fast, so I love it. It's my second time, but I'm already crazy about the fried steamed dumplings.

Last night, I watched a YouTube video featuring a certain comedian. They were talking about "Perori" in Meguro, so I couldn't resist and went straight to the original place. Probably for the past 10 years, it's been all about Shumai Curry for me. The texture of the shumai and the flavor are different from the usual pork cutlet curry you see everywhere else. It's a unique and special dish that you can only experience here. The powerful visual presentation almost screams, "Devour me!" It's not so much about reminiscing the past but more like being able to go back to the good old days – a place that brings back memories. After a refreshing cup of coffee, I'm ready to return to the present (work). It was delicious.

I went for the Shumai Curry again, priced at 650 yen! 🎉 It's a hearty portion of rice topped with thick, flavorful curry sauce and three pieces of fried shumai. It's delicious as always and hits the spot when you crave it. They also serve a refreshing mini cup of iced coffee at the beginning, which cleanses your palate nicely.

The curry you'd find in countryside diners during the Showa era. Even in the bustling business district, amid the fierce competition of distinctive curries like spice curries, it somehow feels both new and nostalgic. The sight of a spoon in a glass of water is also nostalgic. I ordered the pork cutlet curry. The cutlet isn't too thick, and the taste is not exceptional but rather reminiscent of Showa-era curry. The thick curry sauce generously covers the dish. At 700 yen, it's quite a bargain, offering good value for money. It's surprising to see that the old-fashioned curry that you could eat as much as you wanted in the countryside has become a famous dish, perhaps indicating that many people are unaware of it. Or maybe it's a case of things coming full circle. Either way, it's a reflection of the times.

I had a business meeting in Jimbocho at noon on my Tokyo business trip, so I visited "Manten," a place I used to frequent for lunch. I arrived around 11:30 AM, but there was already a considerable line. Nonetheless, the turnover was fast, and I got inside in about 20 minutes. For lunch, it's all about the shumai curry. (laughs) Since I can't eat much now, I couldn't add any toppings. The curry is generously filled with minced meat, but it's completely different from keema and has a nostalgic sweetness of the old days. It was reliably delicious as always. I'd love to visit again whenever I have business around Jimbocho. Thank you for the meal.

It's so hot. It's already September. I wish it would cool down soon. Using my brain makes me hungry. Going to eat my go-to curry in the strong sunlight, sweating. Joined a queue of about 6 people. The turnover is good, so maybe waited about 10 minutes. Today, added shumai as a topping to my katsu curry. The shumai was delicious. Adding a bit of soy sauce was a good choice. The pickles seem a bit affected by the heat, or is it just my imagination? Thanks for the meal again today! I'll do my best at work this afternoon too.

My son, his best friend, his friend's father, and I have become drinking buddies thanks to our kids' friendship, so we often end up dining out together. Today, we went to Jimbocho because my son's friend wanted curry. Without hesitation, we headed to Manten. While waiting in line, I taught them how to order, and we entered the restaurant separately. This place will be a regular haunt for the college kids from now on.

For Saturday lunch, we waited about 20 minutes. My husband and I ordered the large portions of pork cutlet curry and shrimp dumpling curry. They served us water and small cups of coffee first. The dumplings were fried. The curry tasted like something you'd have at home, nothing exceptional.

Pork cutlet curry with shumai for 850 yen! The curry is thick and loaded with ground meat. It's a huge portion and incredibly cheap. The pork cutlet has a crispy coating, but it gets soggy in the curry, which isn't necessarily bad. Eating it as is might hurt your mouth though. The fried shumai is definitely tasty! Seems like a great deal, but for some reason, the main curry isn't flavorful, almost like it lacks richness or seasoning, maybe they skimped on onions or something. You get free-flowing fukujinzuke pickles, and strangely, a small cup of coffee comes with it by default. It would be nice if they offered consommé soup instead. The service is very pleasant. It's a fantastic spot for hungry youngsters. The clientele is mostly older men; for some reason, there weren't many young people, though, haha.

【Overall Evaluation】 A curry restaurant that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. I can't help but admire how it has been providing affordable satisfaction to numerous people over the years. Every time I visit, I see customers who seem genuinely happy, as if they've loved this place since their student days, enjoying their curry with contented faces. Lately, I've come to believe that eateries that bring happiness to many people are truly valuable, making restaurants like this one truly wonderful. Not suitable for the affluent, those who prefer cleanliness, light eaters, or those who enjoy complex spice flavors, and they should avoid visiting from the start. ■ Taste - Curry reminiscent of school cafeteria curry from the Showa era - Thick consistency derived from wheat flour, with solid ingredients consisting only of minced meat - Generous portions of curry, ingredients, and rice - Popular among nearby university students - I feel a sense of nostalgia and crave it regularly - Not very spicy, so adjustment with tabletop chili peppers is possible - Not suitable for those who prefer complex spice flavors ■ Customer Demographics - Male ratio: 95% - About 10 female customers out of 13 visits - A mature female diner once said she felt energized thanks to our restaurant during her visit on August 28, 2023 Witnessed multiple female customers visiting simultaneously for the first time during the visit on August 28, 2023! One seemed accustomed. She devoured a large serving of shumai curry topped with plenty of red fukujinzuke, finishing it off eagerly. Another seemed to have come with her boss but appeared to have come of her own volition. She skillfully wielded her spoon without hesitation. Women who eat gracefully at our restaurant are incredibly cool! ■ Waiting Situation - Meal Times - Always a queue of over 10 people during lunchtime - Sometimes a wait for entry during the early hours of the 3 PM timeframe - Generally no wait for entry from the 4 PM to 5 PM timeframe - If no wait, mealtime is approximately 20 minutes ■ Major Menu Items - Prices and menu items are the same for both lunch and dinner since January 30, 2023 - Ingredient price increased by ¥50 from January 30, 2023 - Additional toppings available (cutlet ¥200, others ¥150) - However, "all toppings" option is currently unavailable • Cutlet Curry: ¥700 • Croquette Curry: ¥650 • Shumai Curry: ¥650 • Wiener Curry: ¥650 • Jumbo Curry: ¥600 • Large Serving Curry: ¥550 • Regular Curry: ¥500 ■ Items Received • Cutlet Curry: ¥650 (August 2, 2022) • Shumai Curry: ¥600 (August 19, 2022) • Wiener Curry: ¥600 (October 24, 2022) • Cutlet Curry: ¥650 (November 29, 2022) • Croquette Curry: ¥600 (December 23, 2022) • Cutlet Curry: ¥700 (February 15, 2023) • Shumai Curry: ¥650 (February 21, 2023) • Cutlet Curry: ¥700 (March 14, 2023) • Croquette & Wiener Curry: ¥800 (April 18, 2023) • Cutlet Curry: ¥700 (April 25, 2023) • Shumai Curry: ¥650 (August 24 and 28, 2023) ■ Table Condiments and Supplies - Sauces, soy sauce, spicy spices - Red fukujinzuke - Paper napkins, toothpicks 【Visit Records】 ■ Date and Time Only two instances with a waiting situation indicated by ◎ mark (both within 5 minutes) • August 2, 2022, 7:10 PM ◎ • August 19, 2022, 6:43 PM • October 24, 2022, 3:50 PM • November 29, 2022, 4:30 PM ◎ • December 23, 2022, 3:16 PM • February 15, 2023, 3:42 PM • February 21, 2023, 4:15 PM • March 14, 2023, 5:50 PM • March 27, 2023, 5:55 PM • April 18, 2023, 4:25 PM • April 25, 2023, 4:30 PM • August 24, 2023, 2:53 PM • August 28, 2023, 3:14 PM ■ Shop Conditions - Disinfect hands with sanitizer at the entrance - Only counter seating in a U-shape - Capacity of slightly over 10 people - Managed by 1-3 staff members - Two male regular staff members - Order taken immediately upon seating, with cold water and iced coffee served promptly - Self-service for second servings of water after the initial two glasses - Three water dispensers located at the back right, left, and left rear ■ Restroom - Located at the back left of the entrance - Unisex restroom with Japanese-style toilet by TOTO - Handwashing water flows from the tank - Handwashing sink available on the left side of the entrance (as of May 4, 2023) Average rating: 3.60, 1384 reviews Rating by regular reviewers: 3.73, 36 reviews Overall rating: 3.52

This restaurant is always a tricky place for those who come only occasionally. The location is along a narrow path on the way from Suidobashi to Jimbocho intersection, heading towards Hakusan-dori. The narrow path is hard to find. Even though I've been walking around this area since my student days, I still struggle. The sign in the first photo is only noticeable to people walking from Suidobashi to Jimbocho on the side of Nihon University College of Economics along Hakusan-dori. Last time I visited was at the end of November last year. I had been craving it for about a month. This time, too, I had the "Katsu Curry" (700 yen). Despite being a hot summer lunch, there was a long line. It seemed like 20 people were waiting, but I don't think I waited for 20 minutes. The food arrived shortly after I sat down. This, this is delicious! It's a minced meat curry with a medium spice level, addictively tasty, and everyone eats with smiles. Today, there were only men again. Perhaps women find it hard to enter? I think it's totally fine for women to come in, though. However, be prepared to feel sleepy in the afternoon due to the generous portion! Also, I think this place probably hasn't raised its prices. As a consumer, I appreciate that... Once I finished eating, the long line had disappeared. The turnover is really fast here. Finally, I had a small cup of strong coffee for some unknown reason and left the shop. It was truly delicious. I'll come again to have the "Katsu Curry." Thank you for the meal.

On August 25, 2023 (Friday) at 7:21 PM... Today is September 3rd (Sunday)... Despite feeling inadequate, about a week ago, I contracted the coronavirus for the first time... For four days straight, I had a fever of over 38.5 degrees Celsius, and for the first two days, it spiked to nearly 40 degrees, which was quite tough... I'm still recovering, both physically and in terms of appetite, but before getting infected, I finally made it to Jinbocho to try "Rice Curry Manten"... I ordered the Shumai Curry for ¥650 (tax included). It wasn't overly sweet, but it came with three large shumai dumplings... Plus, there was plenty of minced meat, giving it a slightly thick, traditional homemade flavor... Watching the staff, I noticed almost everyone ordering the "Katsu Curry". They were constantly frying cutlets, then skillfully cutting them into crispy pieces before serving. Surely, both the cutlets and shumai are freshly fried. It seems like COVID-19 is spreading recently. Remember, "Don't let the pain of COVID defeat you." Sorry for the humble analogy... Thank you for the meal. Eatery rating on Tabelog: 3.73, with 1473 reviews as of September 2023. Listed in the Curry Top 100 (2022).

When I arrived at the restaurant at 7:00 PM, there were three people waiting in line. It took about 10 minutes to get inside. The seating was only at the counter. When I ordered the pork cutlet curry, first, they served iced coffee and water with a spoon. Then, the pork cutlet curry arrived in about 5 minutes. The interior of the restaurant was extremely hot. Although there were a few fans placed around, it felt like hot air was just circulating. I couldn't help but worry if the staff working here all day might suffer from heatstroke. As for the taste of the pork cutlet curry, it seemed fairly average to me. Indeed, at ¥700 including tax, this pork cutlet curry is inexpensive, and I appreciate the effort the restaurant puts in. However, I think this place might be tough to handle during the peak of summer.