The Deep History Behind Shimokitazawa Cafe's Most Popular Menu Item: "Two-Curry Plate"

The Deep History Behind Shimokitazawa Cafe's Two-Curry Plate

Hello everyone. This is Tsukui from WAITER-U. I run a cafe in Shimokitazawa that resembles a campsite, and today I'd like to share the profound story behind our most popular menu item, the "Two-Curry Plate."

Composition of the Two-Curry Plate

Our "Two-Curry Plate" consists of two distinctive curries:

• Pork Vindaloo Curry: A pork curry from India
• Dal Curry: A mild, flavorful curry made with lentils

A Rare Indian Curry Originating from Goa

I mentioned it's an Indian curry, but India is a country where the majority of people practice Hinduism. In Hinduism, many foods such as beef, pork, seafood, eggs, and pungent ingredients like garlic and chives are forbidden for religious reasons.

Amidst this, our Pork Vindaloo Curry is a very rare Indian curry that uses pork. The reason such a curry exists is deeply connected to a special region in India called Goa.

Deep Connection with Japanese Monk Shurin Sasai

Goa is a place with a deep connection to a particular Japanese person: the monk Shurin Sasai.

Born in Okayama Prefecture, Sasai witnessed racial discrimination during his Buddhist training in Thailand and resolved to fight against it. Subsequently, in an effort to address India's caste system, he renounced his Japanese citizenship and acquired Indian citizenship, and has long been engaged in converting people from Hinduism to Buddhism there.

The Spread of Buddhism and its Impact on Food Culture

Thanks to Sasai's activities, approximately 8.4 million people in India, or 0.7% of the total population of about 1.4 billion, are now Buddhists.

Goa is one of the regions where Buddhism has taken root, and since the consumption of pork is not forbidden in Buddhism, Pork Vindaloo Curry became widely eaten in this area.

Difference from Common Indian Curries

While typical Indian curry restaurants mainly offer butter chicken curry, mutton curry, or spinach curry, our Pork Vindaloo Curry is a very rare menu item.

Basmati Rice to Evoke the Atmosphere of India

To enhance the authentic Indian experience, we also pay close attention to our rice. Instead of Japanese rice, we use long-grain Basmati rice, cooked with cardamom and cinnamon.

Unlike the sticky texture of Japanese rice, Basmati rice has a fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the curry sauce. Restaurants serving curry with Basmati rice are still rare in Japan, allowing you to savor an authentic ethnic taste.

Mild and Easy-to-Eat Flavor

Many people associate curry with spiciness, but our curry uses plenty of yogurt, giving it a sourness that allows even those who dislike spicy food to enjoy it deliciousy.

When you visit Shimokitazawa, please try our "Two-Curry Plate." We sincerely look forward to your visit.