Osaka Namba – Japan’s First Curry Restaurant “Jiyuken”

June 17, 2024 59 Views

In Osaka Namba, you can discover a venerable curry specialty restaurant that has held its place for over 100 years.

Named “Jiyuken,” this establishment has been in operation since 1910 and continues to thrive, maintaining its legacy over four generations.

“Osaka Namba, Over 100 Years of Traditional Curry Expertise”

What sets Jiyuken apart is its signature curry known as “Meibutsu” in Japanese. This curry is served in a distinctive manner compared to the commonly known curry. The curry sauce is already mixed with the rice, and on top of it sits a raw egg, allowing you to mix and enjoy it with the egg.

In 1910, there was no efficient way to keep rice and curry warm, leading to the practice of spreading rice in small portions on a pan. This is how the curry has been served in its unique form since then, and they continue this tradition to this day.

“Birthplace of Japan’s First Curry Rice and Osaka’s First Western-Style Restaurant”

Jiyuken is renowned as the birthplace of Japan’s first curry rice and Osaka’s first Western-style restaurant. Consequently, it is well-known among locals, and some deliberately visit this place to enjoy a meal.

Even in Korea, this place has been introduced through travel channels like Battle Trip. During a visit to Osaka and Kobe, hosts Cho Se-ho and Nam Chang-hee featured Jiyuken as one of the places they explored.

“The Day I Ordered the Famous Curry and Fried Dishes”

After concluding my visit to Nara and en route to Kobe, I briefly stopped in Osaka Namba for dinner. Although I regretted not being able to visit Jiyuken during my previous trip, this time, I happened to stay in Osaka on a Monday, the restaurant’s regular day off, and missed the chance again.

Ultimately, during my journey from Nara to Kobe, I decided to make a detour to Osaka, have a meal, and then continue to Kobe. Despite arriving a bit later than the usual dining hours, the restaurant wasn’t crowded, allowing me to enjoy a quiet and comfortable meal. Considering its long history, the prices were relatively reasonable, making it a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank.

I ordered the famous curry and some fried dishes, and the total cost was around 1,200 yen.

“Osaka Namba, Jiyuken”