Colorful lunch at Planet of Curry

Shimokitazawa has so many curry restaurants that choosing where to eat can be difficult. Planet of Curry caught my attention with a bright sign outside showing a beautiful curry plate covered with vegetables and flower petals.

When I visited, the atmosphere was cozy with concrete walls and hanging lights. The restaurant was small with a few tables, counter seats and an open kitchen in the back. From the dining area, visitors could watch the staff pour the curry, arrange each plate with side dishes, herbs and, of course, flower petals.

The menu is simple with four curry options: chicken, keema beef-and-pork, pork vindaloo and vegetable-and-bean. Planet of Curry works well for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Chicken is the most popular. The menu also includes English translations, making ordering easy for foreign visitors. The best part is that diners can choose two curries on one plate. I ordered the spicy chicken curry and keema beef-and-pork curry for 1,800 yen, while Takahiro-san, a fellow PMD writer in Japan, chose the same spicy chicken, but paired it with miso-flavored vegetable-and-bean curry for 1,650 yen.

Both plates looked like small gardens. A mound of rice sat in the center surrounded by two curries, sprouts, beans, shredded carrots and colorful pickled vegetables. Yellow flower petals were scattered across the plate, and black sesame seeds and herbs topped the rice.

The flowers weren’t just decoration. They had a light fragrance and a mild taste that went surprisingly well with the curry. The chicken curry was soft and smooth, and the beef had a little more spice without being too hot. Having two curries on one plate also made the meal more fun. I could try them separately, then mix them with the rice and side dishes. The pickled vegetables were one of my favorite parts. Their fresh, slightly sour flavor kept the meal from tasting too heavy.

The portion was enough for lunch, though it may feel small for diners looking for a large meal. Planet of Curry is a better fit for someone who wants a colorful plate with several flavors to try rather than a heavy serving.

Takahiro-san was very happy with his spicy chicken and vegetable-and-bean combination. According to him, he was surprised that a typical spicy chicken curry, rich in various spices, could pair well with the flavor combination of the vegetable-and-bean curry cooked with white miso and kombu (kelp) tea.

“I felt each curry complemented the other nicely, making a great harmony on the plate. So, it was very delicious!” he said. “Being able to enjoy several distinct flavors on a single plate felt like a real treat. As a devoted curry lover, this was a dish that will stay with me.”

I enjoyed my spicy chicken curry and keema beef-and-pork plate, but next time I would like to try another pairing with pork vindaloo curry.

As seating is limited and it’s as one of Shimokitazawa’s popular curry restaurants, Planet of Curry may have a line, especially on weekends. Try to avoid the busiest lunch or dinner hours if possible.…Read more by