Finally made it to Obihiro’s legendary soul food spot. The vibe here is so cozy and local. 🍛
If you just touched down in Obihiro and you’re starving, do yourself a favor and head straight to Curry Shop Indian (Machinaka branch).
It’s right across from many downtown hotels, and honestly, the rich, savory aroma hitting you at the door is enough to tell you you’re in the right place.
I hit this spot around 8 PM on a Friday, and the vibe was buzzing.
It’s a total local favorite, so expect a crowd!
⚠️ Don’t Just Stand in Line! (The Waiting List Hack)
The legendary waiting list. Don’t let the Japanese overwhelm you—just follow my guide above! 📝
When you arrive, you’ll probably see a line. Do not just stand at the back.
Walk inside and look for the clipboard near the entrance. It’s mostly in Japanese, which can be a bit intimidating, but here’s the breakdown so you can handle it like a local:
- Dining In? Look for the left column (店内, Tennai) and circle it.
- Name: Just write your name in English (I used “Jin”).
- Party Size: Write the number of people in your group.
- Seating Choice: You can choose the counter (カウンター) or a booth (ボックス). I personally loved the counter—watching the staff plate up the curry is part of the experience!
The Order: Indian Roux + Tonkatsu 🥩
Indy Curry with a crispy Tonkatsu topping. Look at that thick, rich roux! 🍛🔥
Since my Japanese is a bit shaky, I asked for the English menu right away. I went with their signature Indian Roux and added a Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) topping.
- The Texture: This isn’t your average runny curry. It’s thick, rich, and “gloopy” in the best way possible. Total comfort in a bowl.
- The Heat: I ordered it “Spicy,” but honestly? It wasn’t that hot for me. If you enjoy a bit of a kick, you’ll find this very manageable.
- The Condiments: Look for the jars on the counter! They have pickled radish, ginger, and minced green chilies. Grab a bit of each—they cut through the richness of the curry perfectly.
Take the Taste Home: The Meal Kits! 🎁
One of the coolest things about this place is that they sell Retort Curry Packs (Meal Kits) right at the counter.
While you’ll see local regulars bringing their own pots from home to fill up with fresh roux (yes, really!), as a traveler, these boxed kits are a lifesaver. I grabbed a few for my suitcase so I could recreate that Obihiro magic back home.
The Damage (Price) 💸
This place is an absolute steal. For my Curry + Cutlet + a Coke,
the total was only 1,023 yen (roughly $7-8 USD).
In 2026, finding a meal this satisfying for that price is a rare win.
📍 Location: Curry Shop Indian Machinaka (Near Obihiro Station) Google Maps Link here
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order 8:45 PM)
If you’re visiting Obihiro, this isn’t just a meal—it’s a rite of passage. Don’t skip it!
