Got a hankering for Japanese curry? Hailing from Japan, Maji Curry may be the newest kid on the block in Square 2, but they’re certainly no stranger to the wonderful world of karei raisu.
The curry served here is an amalgamation of Japanese ingredients, Western techniques, and ten spices, which explains the slight Indian influences. Headed by founder Ken Takagi, Maji Curry even went on to win the 2018 Kanda Curry Grand Prix within a mere seven months of opening. Yes, there’s an annual curry festival in Japan — where do I buy tickets?
Cosy & well-lit interior
Their first outlet in Novena is a relatively small air-conditioned eatery with both indoor and outdoor seating. Given that only walk-ins are allowed, it can get a little cramped, but visiting during off-peak hours should be no biggie.
Place your orders at the electronic ticketing counters out front, which make for a seamless and efficient experience, and wait for your food to be served.
Beat the heat with dairy-based drinks in the form of Indian-inspired Lassi (S$4), which comes in Plain, Mango, and the recommended Strawberry. Alternatively, you can also find the usual suspects like Sapporo Beer (S$6) and Green Tea (S$1.50).
For a less filling version of Japanese potato salad, start off with a side of Potato Coleslaw Salad (S$4). There are even salads topped with Fried Chicken (S$7) and Pork Cutlet (S$7), but it’s the curry rice you should save space for.
Award-winnng curry rice
All Japanese curry options are served with a side of free-flow fukujinzuke (Japanese-style pickles), and interestingly enough, fried shallots. Very Singaporean, but it works.
Can’t take beef? Not to worry. The curry is prepared using a chicken bouillon base that’s simmered for over a hundred hours. Talk about intensity of flavour.
We started off with the classic Tonkotsu Omelette Curry (S$14.50 for M, S$17 for L), playing it safe with the lowest spice level (out of three). Unlike other milder Japanese curries out there that get one-dimensional after several mouthfuls, the curry here is surprisingly complex, with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of apples.
“Japanese curry is not spicy at all“, you may think. Not in this case. The spice makes its presence known, expertly weaving its way through the creamy folds of egg and panko-coated pork loin. It’s aromatic, it’s comforting, and the addition of fried shallots takes the entire plate up a notch.
If you can’t decide what to order, head straight for the signature Hamburger Steak Cheese Sauce Curry Rice (S$14.30 for M, S$16.80 for L). I quite like the hamburg steak, made from a mixture of beef and pork, but would’ve preferred for it to be grilled instead of oven-baked.
Despite being made of a rich blend of gouda, mozzarella, and cheddar, the luscious three-cheese fondue quickly becomes overpowered by the curry. Remember not to let it sit out for too long.
With 20 toppings, including Cream Croquette (S$1.50) and Pork Shabu (S$4), to choose from, as well as the option of extra rice and/or curry sauce, you can also customise your own plate of curry with ease.
A sweet deal for our readers
We ended the meal on a sweet, citrus note with the refreshing Yuzu Sherbet (S$3.50). In fact, we loved it so much that we’re giving readers of Confirm Good an exclusive deal.
Want to redeem a free Yuzu Sherbet with every order of curry rice? All you need to do is follow Maji Curry on Instagram and flash this article to the staff before placing your order. This promo starts today (22 April 2022) and will be available from 2pm–9.30pm on weekdays until 27 May 2022.
We’re not just trying to curry favour with you — the food here is seriously worth making the trip down.
Maji Curry
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???? Square 2: 10 Sinaran Dr, #02-07, Singapore 307506
???? 11am–9.30pm (Daily)
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