Dig Into Giant Japanese Katsu Curry and Eat Your Way Through Delicious Toppings at Akihabara Caligari

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

Akihabara is globally renowned as a haven for Japanese subcultures, but it’s also an area that is home to various genres of restaurants.

Akihabara Caligari is a curry restaurant that attracts a constant stream of customers within Akihabara.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

“アキバ盛りカレー1,” Akiba Mori Curry 1, lunch: 1,200 JPY (tax included) / dinner: 1,460 JPY (tax included)

The must-try menu at popular curry house Akihabara Caligari in Tokyo!

Akihabara Caligari offers more than 10 curry options at all times.

Additionally, toppings range from fried items like chicken karaage and crab cream croquettes to unique choices like blue cheese.

The many combinations of curry and toppings allows for a diverse dining experience.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

English menus are available

A super-sized and hearty meal! The Akiba Mori Curry 1 is truly filling!

The signature dish at the shop is the “Akiba Mori Curry 1.” (Akiba is an affectionate nickname for Akihabara) The curry features some of the store’s most popular toppings.

It’s topped with two types of curry roux: the ‘Caligari Curry’ with the sweetness of coconut and the ‘Indian Curry’ with aromatic spices.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

The Akiba Mori Curry 1 is topped with Caligari Curry and Indian curry

The toppings on this curry include tatsuta-age (deep-fried chicken), deep-fried eggplant, cilantro, fries, quail egg, and cheese – a total of six varieties.

With ample volume, each topping adds a unique flavor and texture, making it a thoroughly satisfying dish.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

Umami bites editor Steven, who tried the Akiba Mori Curry 1 for the first time, was not only impressed by the deliciousness of the curry roux but also amazed by the richness of toppings.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

The toppings on the dish are smaller than their usual size

Steven

Tatsuta-age is quite a rare topping for curry. Because it’s fried, the texture is different from the chicken curry toppings I’ve had before, and it was really good!
Also, the compatibility with the two types of curry roux was excellent and delicious!

All six toppings on the Akiba Mori Curry 1 are quite popular at Akihabara Caligari. The taste of the curry roux also changes depending on the toppings you pick out. Be sure to visit and discover which combination is for you!

“Akiba Mori Curry 2!” A unique collaboration with Lu Rou Fan!

The “Akiba Mori Curry 2” combines curry with Taiwan’s popular Lu Rou Fan, ground pork marinated and boiled in soy sauce served on top of steamed rice. The dish gives you a feel for the distinctive personality of the store.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

“アキバ盛りカレー2,” Akiba Mori Curry 2, lunch: 1,200 JPY (tax included) / dinner: 1,460 JPY (tax included)

Topped with sweet and savory simmered pork, boiled egg, and pickled mustard greens, the Akiba Mori Curry 2 features ingredients typical of Lu Rou Fan.

The sweet aroma of star anise and the generous use of Sichuan peppercorns in the Lu Rou Fan blend perfectly with the curry roux.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

Furthermore, each topping in the hybrid dish plays a distinctive role, with cilantro tightening the flavor, and the achaar onion pickles provide a refreshing touch.

As a pleasant surprise, each topping showcases its presence without interfering with the others when tasted together.

You’ll likely be amazed at how the menu description truly captures the essence of the dish: “Curry is a single universe (cosmos). Various ingredients have given birth to a cup of miracles from chaos.”

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

The classic Japanese “Katsu Curry” offers a delicious taste you can count on!

Akihabara Caligari also serves the time-tested dish of katsu curry.

From innovative dishes to curry overflowing with universal charm, the variety offered by Akihabara Caligari is truly commendable.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

“カツカレー,” Katsu Curry, lunch: 1,200 JPY (tax included) / dinner: 1,300 JPY (tax included)

If there’s one reason to savor the “Katsu Curry” at Akihabara Caligari among the many curry options in Japan, it would be the large-sized tonkatsu.

The sheer size, as captured in Steven’s surprised expression, really conveys the impressive presence of the tonkatsu. His delighted face says it all!

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

The katsu, enveloped in a crispy coating, boasts thick and hearty cuts of meat. The breading is delightfully crunchy and the succulent juices of the pork flood into your mouth with every bite.

As for the curry roux, it offers a perfect balance with a sweetness that gives way to a gradually spreading spiciness.

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

During dinner time, Akihabara Caligari offers alcohol and appetizers, creating a different atmosphere compared to lunchtime.

The menu introduces appetizers with a note that reads “recommended for pairing with curry.” While appetizers are often enjoyed with alcohol, the fact that they are offered as companions to curry is another unique aspect of the restaurant.

Conveniently located for those exploring Akihabara, it’s worth stopping by to experience the depth of Japanese curry. Whether for lunch or dinner, satisfaction is guaranteed!

Photo of Akihabara Caligari

Akihabara Caligari’s interior

Information

Store name 秋葉原カリガリ
Akihabara Caligari
Address Okimura Building 1F, 3-6-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access Suehirochō Station 3-minute walk from Exit 3
  • Tokyo Metro Ginza Line(G14)

Akihabara Station(AKB) 8-minute walk from Akihabara Electric Town Exit
  • JR Yamanote Line(JY03)
  • JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line(JK28)
  • JR Chūō-Sōbu Line(JB19)
  • Tsukuba Express(TX01)
  • Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line(H16)
Phone number 03-3527-1262
Reservations Not accepted
Payment
  • Cash
  • Credit cards(Master・VISA)
  • Transportation-related electronic money(Suica, etc.)
  • Electronic money not accepted
  • QR code payment(PayPay)
Service charge/Table charge None
Hours Mon-Fri. 11:30-15:00(last order 14:30), 17:00-23:00(last order 22:30)
Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays 11:00-23:00 (last order 22:30)
Closed No fixed holidays
Unscheduled holidays
Seating 15 seats
3 counter seats, 12 table seats
Smoking All seats are non-smoking
Official website https://www.caligari.jp/
Other information
  • English menus are available
  • No allergy-friendly, vegan, vegetarian, or halal menus
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Take-out and delivery service are available
  • Luggage storage space is available
  • Wi-Fi is available
  • Posting of food photos and videos on customers’ personal SNS accounts is allowed
  • Separate billing is allowed

※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of November 2023.