My Curry Shokudo Japan Guide for Tourists: 14 Spices, Katsu Curry & Ordering

Quick Facts

What it is

My Curry Shokudo, operated by Matsuya Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., is an innovative Japanese curry specialty chain created by the culinary spice masters behind Matsuya. Built to bring premium, multi-layered curry varieties into an affordable fast-casual environment, its signature recipes incorporate 14 aromatic spices into distinctive sauce foundations, including rich European-style brown curry, creamy tomato curry, and coconut butter chicken curry. Diners can customize their meal from over a dozen toppings—including freshly fried pork cutlets (Rosu Katsu), fluffy omelets, and chunky stewed root vegetables—while adjusting rice portions and five distinct spice heat levels. Because many locations are integrated into combo storefronts with Matsuya (beef bowls) and Matsunoya (tonkatsu), it provides unmatched menu flexibility for traveling groups.

How to order

Dining at My Curry Shokudo is fully automated and foreigner-friendly:

1. Step up to the touchscreen ticket machine: Approach the multilingual ticket kiosk at the front entrance and switch the display to English, Chinese, or Korean.
2. Build your custom curry bowl:
   • Step A (Sauce & Dish): Select your curry style (Original Spice Curry, European Curry, Tomato Cream, or Butter Chicken) and topping (such as Crispy Pork Loin Katsu or Fluffy Omelet).
   • Step B (Spice Level): Choose from 5 heat tiers: Mild (Mairudo), Medium (Chūkara - standard Japanese curry heat), Spicy (Karakuchi - noticeably hot), Extra Spicy (Tokukara), or Fiery Hot (Gekikara).
   • Step C (Rice Portion): Select your steamed rice portion size (Small, Regular, or Large).
3. Pay at the machine: Pay using credit card, transit IC card, e-money, smartphone QR code app, or Japanese cash. Take your printed ticket slip.
4. Take an open seat and watch the digital board: Walk into the dining room and take any open counter stool or table. You do not need to hand your ticket to staff—orders are transmitted automatically to the kitchen!
5. Collect your tray when called: When your ticket number appears in orange on the wall-mounted LCD monitor and is announced over the speaker, walk to the pickup counter (Uketoriguchi) and hand your ticket to staff.
6. Add free condiments: At the pickup counter, help yourself to cold water and ladle crunchy red sweet pickles (Fukujinzuke) onto your plate.
7. Return your tray when finished: When finished (no tipping is required in Japan), carry your tray and empty plates to the self-service return rack (Henkyakuguchi).

What to order first

All signature dishes below are officially featured on the My Curry Shokudo Official Website and row reference data (prices subject to seasonal updates):

• *Pork Loin Katsu Curry (Rosu Katsu Curry)*: The chain's undisputed #1 best-seller—a thick, golden deep-fried pork cutlet sliced and served over hot steamed rice drenched in rich 14-spice curry sauce; priced around ¥650–¥750 tax-included (as of September 24, 2026).
• *Fluffy Omelet Curry (Omelet Curry)*: A silky, soft-scrambled Japanese egg omelet draped over rice and enveloped in savory curry gravy, priced around ¥700–¥800 tax-included (as of September 24, 2026).
• *Chunky Vegetable Curry (Gorogoro Yasai Curry)*: Simmered with oversized tender chunks of pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, and eggplant, priced around ¥700–¥850 tax-included (as of September 24, 2026).
• Butter Chicken Curry: A creamy, mild tomato-and-butter curry simmered with tender chicken thigh pieces.
• Plain 14-Spice Curry: The foundational aromatic curry bowl starting from just ¥450–¥500 tax-included (as of September 24, 2026).

Payment & practical info

Payment methods and store facilities vary by individual location (check the Official Matsuya Foods Store Locator for branch specifics):

• Accepted Payment Methods: Automated ticket machines accept cash, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay, contactless tap), transit IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.), electronic money (iD, QUICPay, Rakuten Edy), and smartphone QR code apps (PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d-barai, au PAY, Merpay, Alipay, WeChat Pay).
• Combo Store Advantage: Many branches operate as dual-concept or triple-concept stores (e.g., "Matsuya & My Curry Shokudo" or "Matsunoya & My Curry Shokudo"). In these stores, you can order beef bowls, tonkatsu set meals, and specialty curries all from the same ticket machine at the same table!
• Spice Level Caution: Japanese curry is typically mild, but My Curry Shokudo uses authentic chili spices. "Medium" (Chūkara) is equivalent to standard curry; "Spicy" (Karakuchi) and above feature genuine chili heat that may surprise sensitive palates.
• Wi-Fi & Power Outlets: Varies by store; general counter seating does not provide customer power sockets.
• Tax-Free Status: Not eligible for tax-free shopping. Restaurant fast-food dining is classified as domestic consumption.

Good to know / Common mistakes

• Waiting for a server to take your ticket: At modernized My Curry Shokudo shops, the ticket machine automatically sends your order to the kitchen. You keep your ticket until your number is displayed on the screen, then trade it at the counter for your food.
• Choosing "Spicy" if you cannot handle hot peppers: Unlike standard sweet Japanese curry, My Curry Shokudo's 14-spice blend has real kick. If you prefer classic sweet-savory Japanese curry, always select "Mild" (Mairudo).
• Missing the dual-brand combo menu: If you are dining with someone who wants a beef bowl or tonkatsu rather than curry, look for a combo store where both Matsuya and My Curry Shokudo menus are served together.
• Tipping the staff: Tipping is never accepted in Japan. Settle the exact amount on the ticket vending machine before eating.

Sources

• My Curry Shokudo Official Website: https://www.matsuyafoods.co.jp/mycurry/ (Verified: 2026-09-24)
• Matsuya Foods Group Store Locator: https://pkg.navitime.co.jp/matsuyafoods/spot/list?category=0204 (Verified: 2026-09-24)