We Reviewed Best Japanese Curry Brands 2024

Want to recreate authentic Japanese curry at home without the hassle of making it from scratch? Here are the best Japanese curry brands for you to choose from! 

Craving a comforting bowl of Japanese curry? Look no further! We've delved into the world of Japanese curry roux, simmering down the best brands of 2024. Discover hidden gems and familiar favorites, all rated for flavor, spice level, and versatility. Get ready to unlock your next Japanese curry obsession!

Which is the best Japanese curry brand?

I tested several Japanese curry brands to find the best one. Based on parameters like flavor, texture, ingredients, shelf life, and availability, I found that House Foods is the best Japanese curry brand offering some of the best Japanese curry roux: 

House Foods is the best Japanese curry brand. The best curry mix offered by this brand is the House Foods Kokumaru curry. It has a medium-yellow color with a smooth and thick texture. It has a sweet and spicy flavor with hints of toasted onion and clove. Well-rounded and rich in flavor, this Japanese curry roux has a smooth and creamy texture. 

Best Japanese Curry Brands	Best For
S&B	Golden Curry
	Tasty Curry Sauce Mix
House Foods	Java Curry
	Kokumaro Curry
	Vermont Curry
Glico	Zeppin
IPPINKA Hachi	Curry Sauce with Vegetables
CoCo Ichibanya	Pork Curry

Which Is The Best Japanese Curry Brands?

Kokumaro Japanese Curry

Kokumaro is one of my favorite Japanese curry Roux. It has a nice thick but smooth texture which I absolutely love. And it has a lovely yellow-brown color.

It has a pretty balanced flavor but tipping very slightly towards sweetish flavors. But still, the rich flavors really come together with a nice onion flavoring.

Kokumaro is a smooth and creamy Japanese roux that you will love. Flavors aren't too strong but rather well-rounded and tastes amazing.

Spice rating 1/3

Pros:

• Deep, versatile flavor
• Quick & easy
• Variety of options
• Authentic Japanese taste

Cons:

• Pricey
• High sodium
• Limited availability
• Pre-made ingredients
• Sweetness/thickness might not suit all

Premium Japanese Curry Roux By Glico

This Japanese curry roux is perfect for you if you like pasty, chunky Japanese curry. It has a rick dark brown color with yellow oil.

The flavor of this Japanese curry roux by Glico is INTENSE! It has a rich, intense umami flavor. If you love umami flavors, you'll instantly love this Japanese curry roux. The actually curry flavor is not as intense but you'll taste it.

I'm not a fan of pasty, chunky texture when it comes to Japanese curry. But if that's something you like, go for this Japanese curry roux. Other than that, the meaty flavor of the Premium Japanese curry roux is pretty impressive!

Spice rating: 2/3

Pros

• Rich
• complex flavor
• convenient
• premium quality.

Cons

• Pricier
• limited availability
• Specific taste

S&B Golden Curry 

The first one on this list of best Japanese curry brands is S&B. It’s a very popular curry brand in Japan. The Golden curry flavor offered by S&B is one of the most popular curry bricks in Japanese convenience stores.

It has a light golden color and a lumpy texture. If you like cumin and ginger flavors, you’ll love this curry brick as it has a very traditional curry flavor. It is a pretty spicy Japanese curry mix and has dry heat. 

The instructions on the packet call for a LOT of onions which, in my opinion, ruin the flavor of the curry. Instead, tweak the onion content a bit and you should have a delicious Japanese curry to go with your rice!

Spice rating: 3/3

Pros:

• Affordable: Budget-friendly option compared to other brands.
• Easy to find: Widely available in most grocery stores.
• Classic taste: Mildly sweet and savory flavor, a popular choice for beginners.
• Versatile: Base for various curry dishes with added ingredients like meat and vegetables.

Cons:

• Simpler flavor: May lack the depth and complexity of premium brands.
• Limited spice: Only available in mild and hot options, not catering to all preferences.
• Pre-made roux: Less control over individual spices and ingredients.
• Thicker consistency: Can require additional liquids for desired texture.

Related: You have to get these kitchen goods from Japan! Check it out!

S&B Tasty Curry Sauce Mix

Here’s another curry flavor from one of the best Japanese curry brands, S&B - the Tasty curry sauce mix. It has a lighter golden color than the S&B Golden Curry. The texture is quite thin and has more of a soup-like consistency.

Honestly, I wouldn’t say this is my favorite curry mix because it’s pretty watery and not the best option to have along with rice. Though, I don’t mind drinking it like soup but we’re talking about curry here. 

The flavors aren’t too complex. It has a more sweet and spicy flavor profile. The sweetness first hits you and then a slight punch of spice develops right after. It isn’t particularly hot either but the heat will linger for a while. 

This curry brick wouldn’t be my first choice but I know of people who love it for its simple, watery texture as well. 

Spice rating: 2/3

Pros:

• Instant curry: Quickest and easiest way to whip up a flavorful curry, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Affordable: Budget-friendly option compared to roux or scratch-made curry.
• Convenient: No chopping or prep needed, just mix and simmer.
• Mild flavor: Appealing to those who prefer a less spicy curry.

Cons:

• Limited flavor profile: Lacks the depth and complexity of roux or scratch-made curry.
• Pre-made flavors: Less control over individual spices and ingredients.
• Sodium content: Can be higher in sodium than making your own curry.
• Not versatile: Primarily used for basic curry dishes, less adaptable for variations.

House Foods Java Curry

The next on this list of best Japanese curry brands is House Foods. A very popular brand in Japan, I must say. My favorite curry brick from the brand is the Java curry. 

It has a deep reddish brown color and smooth texture. Though the texture is fairly smooth, the curry is a bit gelatinous which is actually great. I love this curry brick for its exploding flavors. It has a rich, full, deep flavor. It’s a bit sweet and fruity.

It has a strong flavor of bouillon which is balanced by a bit of sourness. Overall, this curry brick is the perfect balance between spice and meaty flavors along with some unique, tropical notes. 

Spice rating: 2/3

Pros:

• Rich, complex & unique flavor
• Variety of spice levels
• Versatile beyond curry
• Easy to use roux

Cons:

• Pricier than most brands
• Not widely available
• Bold taste might not please everyone
• Contains processed ingredients

House Foods Kokumaro Curry

Here’s another Japanese curry roux from one of the best Japanese curry brands, House Foods - Kokumaru curry. 

What I love about Kokumaro curry is its texture. It has a smooth and thick texture that goes amazingly with rice. It has a medium yellow-brown color. It has a roasted onion flavor and you’ll notice some clove flavor as well. It goes without saying, it’s a bit on the sweet side of curries. But nevertheless, the overall flavor is well-rounded and rich. 

It’s not too overwhelming and tastes great with a smooth and creamy texture!

Spice rating: 1/3

Pros:

• Intense umami flavor with unique Japanese twist
• Versatile for various dishes beyond curry
• Balanced medium spice level
• Convenient roux blocks

Cons:

• Pricier than most brands
• Limited availability
• Bold taste with seaweed notes might not please everyone
• Contains processed ingredients

House Foods Vermont Curry

House Foods isn’t simply considered one of the best Japanese curry brands. It offers some of the best curry bricks, just like the Vermost curry. 

The texture of Vermont curry by House foods is pretty thick and smooth. It has a nice medium yellow-brown color. I wouldn’t say it’s too spicy though it does have a light, spicy tail that lingers. Other than that, the flavor is well rounded with some fruity and sweet notes. 

This is a light and sweet-ish option with well-balanced spice!

Spice rating: 1/3

Pros:

• Unique apple & honey sweetness, milder than usual Japanese curries
• Creamy texture, great for richer mouthfeel
• Mild & sweet, perfect for kids or spice-sensitive eaters
• Versatile for dishes beyond curry
• Easy to use roux blocks

Cons:

• Pricier than most brands
• Limited availability
• Sweetness might not please everyone
• Contains processed ingredients

Glico Zeppin 

The next one on this list of best Japanese curry brands is Glico. My favorite Japanese curry mix from this brand is the Zeppin mix. It has a very thick texture but is still smooth. Just give it a good stir and you’ll have thick, smooth curry. 

The flavor on this one is pretty complex. An intense mix of ginger, clove, and cinnamon give it a sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy flavor profile. This flavor, though, is not something the Ammericans might be used to as it’s pretty intense. 

Spice rating: 2/3

Pros:

• Restaurant-quality taste, rich & complex
• Flavor variety with specific styles
• Premium ingredients, luxurious mouthfeel
• Convenient roux blocks for easy cooking

Cons:

• Priciest of popular curry roux brands
• Limited availability, harder to find
• Bold flavor might be too intense for some
• Pre-made flavors offer less control

IPPINKA Hachi Curry Sauce with Vegetables

The next one of this list of best Japanese curry brands is Ippinka Hachi. My go-to Japanese curry roux from this brand is Curry Sauce with Vegetables. It has a well-balanced, deep and rich flavor with spices, veggies, and meat. 

It has a decent spice level but not too hot. It contains potatoes, carrots, and green beans. It doesn’t contain any meat or meat-derived ingredients, something my vegan friends will appreciate, I’m sure. 

Spice rating: 1/3

Pros:

• Instant & easy: Heat & serve with prepped veggies for a fast meal.
• Mild flavor: Great for less spicy eaters.
• Convenient pouches: Perfect for single servings or portion control.

Cons:

• Simple taste: Lacks depth of roux or scratch-made curries.
• Processed ingredients: Contains thickeners & preservatives.
• High sodium: Be mindful of sodium content.
• Limited versatility: Mainly for basic dishes, less adaptable.

CoCo Ichibanya Pork Curry

CoCO Ichibanya is the next curry brand in this list of best Japanese curry brands. My go-to from this brand is Pork Curry. Pork is not something I usually crave for but once in a while when I do this the Japanese curry mix I opt for. 

If you’re a fan of pork flavors, you’ll love this pork curry for its delicious aroma. The spice levels on this curry aren’t too crazy but it does have a slightly hot tail with a bit of a sweet kick, to begin with. Very rich and creamy, it’s definitely a Japanese curry roux, you should try!

Spice rating: 1/3

Pros:

• Restaurant-quality taste & tender pork
• Varied spice levels for preference
• Convenient & quick for busy days
• Portion control options available

Cons:

• Pricier than homemade or other pre-made curries
• Limited availability outside Asian markets or online
• Contains processed ingredients
• Less customizable than making your own

Is Japanese curry spicy?

Japanese curry is not too spicy as it has a bit of sweet-ish, fruity flavor to it. Potatoes, carrots and meat chunks are usually added to the curry. Plus, it’s always served with rice or noodles which further cuts down the spice level. 

Is Japanese curry different from Indian curry?

Japanese curry is different from Indian curry as Japanese curry uses curry powder containing lesser spices. On the other hand, Indian curry contains at least 6-7 base spices including cumin, turmeric, paprika, and more. Japanese curry has morse subdued and mild flavors whereas Indian curry is a burst of flavor!

How to make Japanese curry better?

If you want to make Japanese curry better, you can add fish sauce or ketchup to enhance the taste. Other than this, you can also add ginger-and-garlic paste to make the flavors of the Japanese curry a bit more intense. You can also use chicken broth instead of water when making the Japanese curry.