In Asakusa, the thing foreign tourists were buying in droves was “curry bread.” In fact, curry bread is said to have originated in Japan, and the number of foreigners trying it is now rapidly increasing. ■Why is curry bread so popular with foreign tourists? The hidden charm Caster Masatoshi Nanba: It seems that curry bread is also becoming more popular overseas. According to Yasuhisa Teppei, chairman of the Japan Curry Bread Association, curry bread is gaining popularity because it allows you to enjoy Japanese curry, which is not Indian curry, together with a uniquely Japanese prepared bread, and you can eat the curry with one hand. French master Joel Robuchon has opened famous restaurants all over the world, but since 2012 he has been making curry bread at a bread specialty store affiliated with Robuchon. He seems to like it so much that he says he wants to bring curry bread back to his country. Foreign tourists say… Tourists from Hong Kong and Canada (purchased curry bread in Kyoto) “The curry roux is famous for its aroma and deliciousness.” Tourists from Taiwan (purchased curry bread in Ueno) “I was impressed by the amount of ingredients in it.” They say they enjoyed the curry bread.
Caster Takahiro Inoue: I think Japanese people are good at creating new cultures and improving quality.
Management consultant Takanori Sakaguchi: It’s hard to make, so the Japanese people’s meticulous cooking shines through.
■High-quality Japanese black beef curry bread that would cost 4,000 to 5,000 yen in Mexico!
Caster Minami: There are other popular curry breads as well.
Premium curry bread shop (Tsukiji outer market)
Japanese black beef curry bread: 1,500 yen It is characterized by the sweetness of the Japanese beef, and 95% of the customers who buy it are from overseas. A tourist from San Francisco, USA “The square shape is unique. It’s delicious when paired with Wagyu beef.” A tourist from Mexico who bought it because of the Wagyu beef “The curry roux spices and bread go great together. If you buy it in Mexico it would cost 4,000 to 5,000 yen.” The cheese curry bread is also popular because it looks good. An American tourist posted on social media after buying a cheese curry bread in Tokyo “The irresistible aroma drew me in. My heart raced at the thought of this exquisite cheese curry. I’ll never forget the first bite. It’ll definitely be the first place I visit on my next visit.” It seems there are some passionate fans. Takanori Sakaguchi
Foreign frying oils are not very good quality and are reused. Around the mid-2000s, Korean people who frequently came to Japan would buy sesame oil in 18 liter cans and return home. It’s hard to get good quality oil, so they buy it in Japan and give it to their relatives.
Comments