JapaCurry Truck
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Food Stands Food Street Vendors Japanese, Food Stands, Street Vendors [Edit]
San Francisco, CA 94102
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
218 reviews for JapaCurry Truck
Review Highlights
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"The best chicken katsu curry I've had thus far." In 59 reviews -
"I can't wait to try the kurobuta sausage curry next." In 20 reviews -
"Super delicious and tasty curry." In 48 reviews
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218 reviews in English
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Review from Anthony N.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2012
J ust simply my favorite Japanese curry within the city
A nd it's crazy that it's from a food truck!
P erfect treat for lunch, perfectly flavored for my taste buds
A s I chow down the last piece of curry-coated Kurobuta sausage, all I can think is:
C an I just get one more bite?
U m, maybe two?
R ecommend coming for the chicken katsu and Kurobota sausage curries
R ecommend coming early to pick up a bento box before they sell out
Y ou won't be disappointed -
Review from Johnny W.
5/25/2012
I tried these guys at the Asian Heritage Street Celebration last weekend, ordering their spicy pork katsu curry, but was neither underwhelmed, nor overwhelmed. Served up in a plastic takeout box with an optional cover, it's almost like a small bento box, minus the variety: the curry sauce is in one section, while the rice, cutlet, and pickled daikon are in the other.
While the curry rice was not bad (though their spicy curry wasn't particularly spicy), the pork was somewhat lackluster, coming in a bit on the tough/dry side, the breading and frying was a bit disappointing - I tend to prefer large panko flakes over the flat breading they use on their cutlets.
Now, all that said, it wasn't a bad, and for $7, you get a fairly hefty amount of food as well (though it's definitely unbalanced towards the rice). While I might not seek them out, I'd still consider them if they were among my options. -
Review from R. S.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012
What I ordered: Pork Katsu Curry & Pumpkin Croquette
The Good: Pork Katsu, pumpkin croquette, tiny pickle side, and curry sauce were all yummy. Lots of ways to build your order a la carte.
The Bad: Pricey if you want a full meal since a la carte items will take you over $10. Base dish doesn't have much to it, just meat and tons of rice, plus a REALLY SMALL side of red pickle (extra is less than $1, but these add up).
I've eaten a lot of Japanese food and a lot of curry, but this was my first time eating Japanese curry. I'm definitely down for more! This is an excellent to-go option as the curry sauce (which you can order spicy) comes in a separate container and doesn't get your meat & rice all soggy.
The pork katsu was pretty much spot on and dipping it in the tub of curry sauce just took it over the top. I will definitely try this truck again, if I'm not looking for a cheap lunch, but it will be hard not to go back to the pork katsu.
I like lots of rice, so I didn't have problem with the large quantity of white rice. They gave me extra curry sauce (I suspect because I ordered the croquette too) which I just dumped all over the rice after I was done with the other items. The red pickle made a good condiment for the rice, in spite of how little was provided.
The pumpkin croquette was very good, but as it is also offered as the veggie meal option, I'm not sure that one or two of those would really make a good meal for someone wanting to skip the meat (as I sometimes do). There are vegetable and cheese options as sides, which I did not try, so this is definitely not the final word on whether a fully vegetarian meal could be achieved here.
All in all, my first visit to JapaCurry was positive. The food was a solid GOOD, I'll need to sample the full menu before I can say it's any better than that. -
Review from Annie C.
Berkeley, CA
3/21/2012
DEEEElicious! I love Japanese curry and JapaCurry knows how cook up wonderfully tasteful katsu curry. The katsu was fried to perfection as the outer coat remained light yet crunchy. The texture of the pork tucked inside complimented the bread crumb coating very well. I enjoyed cutting the katsu to pieces and inhaling each piece with a bite of curry and rice.
I wouldn't normally eat curry out as I think it's a simple dish to make at home but I have to say that JapaCurry's curry has a tang to it that made the dish stand out. I liked how I didn't feel heavy after this meal! Give this food truck a try if you're craving for some asian curry and fried cutlet :) -
Review from Athena S.
3/6/2012
Once upon a time, not long ago, food trucks were all called roach coaches. Some are good, this one's a rope.
Trendy things are not always good things. Remember that.
JapaCurry really sucks. Why? Curry isn't much to write home about, there's way more rice than veggies and if you want meat, go see another truck because you won't get much from this one... For a $10 or $11 lunch and an annoying line, it shouldn't suck.
Repeating in case you didn't read: 'Trendy things are not always good things. Remember that.'
The 1 star is for the pumpkin croquette. Hear that pumpkin?Listed in: Nopes
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Review from Edi B.
Vallejo, CA
Updated - 2/21/2012
The entire side of our floor smells like curry because like 10 of us got it today!
^_^1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/24/2012
Wowee! What a flavor explosion!!!
I'll say it right now. You should probably not eat this more than… Read more »
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Review from Becky K.
Sacramento, CA
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you are a fan of Japanese Curry, what is better than one on wheels?
Whenever I am at a Japanese curry joint, I always order the pork katsu. It was perfectly crispy without the meat getting overcooked or the batter too fried. Most people do not like the red colored pickled cabbage/turnip looking thing that comes as a side, but I love it! It does not have a overpowering vinegar taste.
The curry comes in a separate tube while the pork, rice, and side cabbage is in a brown box to-go box. Some people like to dip their meat in the curry. I personally like to pour the curry on top of my rice and pork katsu. Their site conveniently tells you which days and street it would most likely be parked on. The brown truck is easy to spot. One of my favorites when it comes to food trucks!
Beware: you may smell afterwards from the curry! -
Review from Gajan K.
When it comes to Japanese curry for lunch, I usually find myself making the hike down towards Kearny to get Muraccis. While Japacurry has been making the rounds near my work for about a year now, I usually prefer to get Muraccis over this due to the slightly larger portions and the awesome katsu they serve over there. However, Japacurry has added something to their menu that, while not served everyday, truly gives me a reason to come here. That item is their Chicken Kara-age Curry. For those unfamiliar with Chicken Kara-age, it's essentially the equivalent of some delicious chicken nuggets. Now top that off with the delicious curry sauce and you've got yourself a winner.
While you can't go wrong with either Japacurry or Muraccis as both are delicious options, definitely give this place a shot if you haven't tried it before. And should you see the Kara-age special on the menu, order it without hesitation as it does sell out quite fast, a clear sign that something is probably quite delicious! -
Review from Sue Z.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2012
Complete ripoff. For $9.50 I got brown rice, flavorless breaded fried chicken, a cup of curry that tasted like peppered gravy thickened with a lot of cornstarch, and count 'em -- 3 -- yes, 3 -- measly pieces of warmed-up frozen vegetables. Oh, and 2 sick looking slices of potato, and a teeny tiny plastic cup of pickled vegetable slivers.
I've made curry from a box with tons of fresh vegetables and better quality chicken to feed 8 people, for just about the same amount of money. My curiousity as to what all the hype about was sorely disappointed here. -
Review from Yoyo M.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2012
Great food, very good quality.
The nori bento is super fresh and a healthy way to end the week. I buy from this truck every Friday.
Also, the croquette is a nice option if it's colder. I don't eat meat, so these choices are truly appealing.
Lastly, the attendants are very, very kind. They were late only once due to another job, but they are usually on time and they will help you even if they haven't opened the truck yet.
Price is superb... -
Review from Alice C.
2/17/2012
Simple home cooked food at its best.
The tonkatsu is fried just right with a lightly breaded crispy skin and tender pork underneath. The curry sauce is thick, well-spiced, and has a lot of different layers of tastes. The rice is perfectly sticky and a great vessel for the sauce. Pickles rounded it up and made it a perfect dish.
It's a great Japanese curry option in the city, and certainly a step ahead of the competition. The only problem I have is that the truck doesn't travel down to the peninsula! ;) -
Review from Linda N.
1/4/2012
I tried this truck when they came to Sactomofo a couple of weeks ago and it was sooo good! For $7, I got a katsu curry with some rice and it was filling. I even shared it with a guy and you know how men eat. LOL jk. The katsu was crispy and the curry was at a good mild spice. It wasn't overwhelming at all.
There's not much else to say cause this place is bomb!Listed in: Culture Invasion
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Review from Z L.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Another great Japanese curry spot. Pork Katsu never fails to impress. The rice is fresh and the curry is just spicy enough. Do look out for it if it's on your block and go early or the line will pile up!
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Review from Chanel L.
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
The truck is always on time on Thursdays, Mission and New Montgomery. I can see it parked outside of my window. First time trying japacurry and I ordered the Pork Katsu with brown rice, pumpkin croquette and sausage. Pretty much everything on the menu. They also have special plates, but since it was my first time, I wanted to stick with the originals first. An additional .50 cents for brown rice and a dollar to add the pumpkin croquette came out to be about $11?!
The curry was delicious, but it wasn't anything special that I haven't tried before. OVERRATED -
Review from Bill H.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
The $8 plate of katsu with spicy curry is worth the wait. Not only is the curry rich and spicy, but the portions are generous enough that you'll have at least a second meal in store.
I showed up at 12:20 and waited about twenty minutes. I walk by the corner all the time around the lunch hour, and there is *always* a line. I suppose you could drop by before noon if you were really wait-averse. -
Review from Shauna S.
1/12/2012
I do love Japanese curry and while I think this truck does it well, I wasn't that impressed with the Pumpkin and Potato Croquette Curry. I LOVE their Pumpkin croquette on its own, I think it's fantastic and would happily just order it alone.
The serving was kind of big for me, which is fine but basically it's steamed veggies with a pumpkin croquette and some slices of potato. The curry is separate which you can add in but there's something odd about just pouring curry over steamed veggies rather than having them in the curry in the first place. Maybe I'm just particularly picky since I tend to eat at another Japanese curry joint almost every week and I'm used to the veggies being in the curry. Call me weird, but the veggies tend to seep in the flavour and will just taste better rather than having distinct tastes stand apart. -
Review from Harold C.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
Another one of my favorite food trucks in the city! I'm here about once a week.
Consistently good food and portions. The food is prepared pretty quickly, although the line can be insanely long at lunch. If you show up later they are sure to run out of what you want.
I usually get the chicken katsu curry. The sausages are kinda dinky. -.5
The prices are alright I guess. I mean, for a meal it's like $8. But if you want to make it spicy, they charge you for like 1/16th teaspoon of cayenne pepper or something. C'mon! -.5 -
Review from M.C. H.
Berkeley, CA
3/19/2012
The vegetable croquette was savory and deee-lightful, and the curry quite tasty, but nothing special. I'm quite underwhelmed by the value. Most of the tray was weighed down by rice, and the selection of vegetables was sparse and limp. I make a better curry, and for $7, I could throw together an entire vat that would feed me for days.
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Review from Joe M.
Updated - 2/15/2012 6 Check-ins Here
What was I thinking giving only 4 stars last year?? I can eat this curry everyday! LOVE LOVE LOVE for JapaCurry. Chicken katsu curry...BOMB. Pumpkin croquette...BOMB. Hella friendly staff...BOMB. I try to catch them on 1st and Howard. Street parking is easy at that spot. Seriously, love for how the chicken has crunch on the outside but tender on the inside. Love for the curry sauce coming in a separate container. Love for the flavor with just the right amount of spiciness (I get mild and it still packs a bite to it). To me, the curry sauce is absolutely perfect. Not too runny, not too creamy. And you get a good amount of food for $8. I'm stuff mcgruff right now! Only drawback is I'm at work right now and in dire need of a nap...
Listed in: Off the grid, on the street,…, I'm a regular, not irregular
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/28/2011
Sorry, I have no pics cuz it was dark and hella cold Saturday night and the combination of minimal… Read more »
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Review from Hannah R.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012
Yum! This is Japanese curry at its best considering the mobile nature of this enterprise.
Foodie notes: I had the chicken katsu and the crisp was perfect, the meat was tender and the curry sauce came on the side so everything stayed fresh.
One downside--the curry containers are these plastic non-recyclable things. I wish they'd use something a bit more enviro-friendly. -
Review from Josie M.
2/10/2012
for $8.25 you can get one of the best katsu curries in the city, with an extra side of pickles.
rice is perfect stickiness
katsu pork is juicy with just a hint of fat
curry is mild with a hint of cumin. could be a bit spicier
delicious lunch option and worth the trek to locate the food truck -
Review from Christine A.
Berkeley, CA
Japa Curry Truck stops right outside my work on Tuesdays...how convenient! They must know I crave their Chicken Katsu over rice with curry ($8) everrrry Tuesday.
Portions are generous. Enough for lunch and then I usually save half for Wednesday's lunch. The katsu is perfectly cooked and crispy which softens up a bit with the curry on top.
I've somehow only ordered the Chicken Katsu so far which is unlike me since I like trying new things. But it's just SO GOOD. The bento boxes are cheaper ($6-$7) and I may venture out of my katsu safe zone someday.
Japa Curry is the best. I love it. And it loves me. -
Review from JK C.
Albany, CA
1/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Good and solid curry.
Perfectly cooked rice. -
Review from Helen H.
12/8/2011 2 photos
SactoMoFo 3
My favorite truck at SactoMoFo 3!
I loved the karrage (fried chicken). One reason is because there weren't any bones. :P There was a thin layer of fried batter that made the chicken crispy and not greasy. The meat was tender and moist. A lemon slice was provided and I squeezed the juice over the chicken. I also enjoyed dipping it into my friend's curry, which made it taste even better. I definitely want to hit up this truck again! -
Review from Jack C.
One look at the JapaCurry truck and it's hard not to have a fondness for the food already. The design of it is just so fun and inviting! Prob the happiest truck I've ever seen and there are a lot of good ones.
The truck was located at 420 Howard on a weds. I showed up about 12:10 and the line wasn't too bad. Prob got my food in 15 to 20 minutes.
I went with the Katsu Curry (Spicy) with a side of sausage. The curry sauce came in another container and I took great pleasure pouring it all over the rice and meat. Probably the most enjoyable part of the meal. The pork was cooked very well. Breading to meat ratio was adequate. I was kind of disappointed in the quantity of meat they gave me. I looked over at my friends box and he seemed to get more. Maybe it was because i ordered a side of sausage? I hope not because that's a major jip. I thought the sausage was just ok, didn't think it was particularly flavorful for a 'high quality' sausage. All in all the actual curry sauce is very tasty and top notch, and altho it wasn't as spicy as I wanted it, japanese spicy is not supposed to be deathly. They put some love into that curry, no doubt about it.
The question remains, how does this compare to Marucci's? It's comparable. I think overall I prefer the meat at Muracci's but the curry sauce I give an ever so slight advantage to JapaCurry. Not that I'm refusing to declare a definitive winner, but I call it a wash. Can't go wrong with both. -
Review from Chelsea A.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011
I tried the mild and it was spicy enough, but boy was it is so good! It was flavorful, savory, and rich with spices. I tasted a lot of garlic, too. The consistency was hearty--not too thin, not too thick--just right.
I've never had such good Japanese curry like this before, and I'm half Japanese! I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Colette P.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2012
well....I really like the soma district because there are so many food trucks everyday. Makes it easier for lunch....Japa Curry wasnt BAD but it wasn't that Great either. I think it's decent for a food truck........Prices were decent and they do give you a good amount for food. I had the katsu kurry and it was okay, my coworkers recommended the karaage curry so I guess i'll try that next time.
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Review from Lu E.
11/22/2011
I will start by saying that i don't love curry. But I thought I would give it a try since they made a visit to my office.
I figured I love chicken katsu, so I would give it a whirl. They give you the curry sauce on the side if like me you are leery.
I also got a pumpkin/potato croquette.
The portions were generous, and that curry was GOOD. good flavor and the rice was well made. Both the chicken katsu and the croquette were cooked perfectly.
I actually had a bit of rice left over, but it was really tasty, and i would definitely go back. -
Review from Khan N.
San Jose, CA
3/13/2012
Just had their Bento Box meals my crew and myself. Hands down..BEST Japanese food on wheels, craving for it now just thinking about it again. Just the right amount of portion and very filling for the price. Jay is an awesome cook that really loves what he does and it shows. Lots of care goes into the food prep and packaging. Is there a way to add a BONUS STAR?!
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Review from Andy H.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
i think their katsu curry is whatevs, but i think their chicken karage curry is fannnntastic! it's perfectly seasoned and the right amount of crunch.
i do think they need to make their curries spicier...dont be shy mr.japacurry, i can take it! the last time i was here, i saw that when i asked for spicy, they scribbled down Xs. in my mind a XXX in spice is suppose to have me breaking out a sweat, but i barely drank any water as a inhaled my lunch.
anyway, this place is good. remember to bring cash, since it's CASH ONLY :( -
Review from Derek N.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food Truck craze lives on in SF...although not like NYC
Had the Katsu Curry and a Pumpkin Croquette today. Very tasty.
The line wasn't too long, and the JapaCurry folks are very nice.
Their website lets you know where they will be. You have 2:15 hours to grab your grub (11:30-1:45)
The next two times, I'm gonna try their Tofu Bento, and their K. Sausage Curry... -
Review from MIA N.
9/27/2011
YUMMY!!! This truck has totally changed my opinion on Japanese Curry! I used to avoid it much like the plague at Japanese restaurants and never understood why so many people loved it so much. Yucky looking funky flavor sauce over fried chicken... but this stuff is good!
Thanks to JapaCurry truck parked across the street from my work.. I am a true curry fan now!
Try it at least once! There are long lines for a reason.
Mission and New Montgomery from 11:15-1:45pmListed in: SoMa/FiDi Eaties Close to…
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Review from Clarissa P.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2011
The curry tastes like boxed Japanese curry- I asked for spicy but didn't get the "kick" i needed.
The curry is good, but I prefer Muracci's. -
Review from Andi T.
9/12/2011
I love a gourmet food truck parked one block from my work... One day, it was JapaCurry. The only veggie option (tofu bento box was sold out) was a pumpkin/potato croquette with curry. Sold.
The meal was aesthetically pleasing and really f**ing tasty. The croquette was crispy outside gooey inside and I did not want to sully it with curry, except the curry sauce was really good and I ended up smothering everything in it and eating every last bite and it was oh.so.good.
I spent a few hours pleasantly surprised at how lightly my gluttony sat, but it did hit me after that. And it was all worth it. When are they back again?Listed in: Food Trucks
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Review from Lester W.
8/22/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Slightly better, closer (to my work), and faster than Murraci's.
However, they need to kick up the heat on their "spicy" curry because its not spicy at all. I wouldn't even call it medium...more like a mild.
I usually get their pork katsu curry. The food comes out nice and hot since it was probably just cooked and has a very crisp panko bread crumb coating.
If you're feeling extra hungry, add in a side of the potato/pumpkin croquette.Listed in: Food Trucks!
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Review from Stephanie Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Everytime I come, the bbq beef bento is sold out. My coworker and I went early, so I could get it. The beef was very flavorful, almost too much. It was a little too salty for me, but I also didn't eat all the rice with it. The beef was pretty chewy to me too. I think I would stick with the kara age next time.
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Review from J C.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012
Beautiful, amazing, satisfying katsu chicken curry. Simply one of the finest curry experiences of my life. Thank you.
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Review from Andrew M.
Found the truck at 1st and Howard the other day, and had the Chicken Katsu Curry. Delicious, filling, and un-fussy. They're even kind enough to keep the curry apart from the fried chicken, which lets you find a place to sit and mix at your own pace. The curry is delicious and has a depth of flavor akin to a good Mexican mole. I'm definitely coming back.
There was a line of 20-30 people when we arrived, but it only took 10-15 minutes to get our food. Fast and friendly service - can't beat it. -
Review from Sooichi S.
San Jose, CA
3/2/2012
Go Jay-san! I love your curry!
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Review from Denise M.
10/7/2011
Met my friend for lunch one day and she suggested this food truck. Food truck??? Would it be good? I've had burritos from a food truck, but that's been it.
I didn't realize what a big phenomenon food trucks had become until recently. I had the chicken katsu curry. Surprisingly, it was really, really good! Very good portion of chicken and white rice. Sauce on the side, so your food doesn't get soggy while you find a place to eat.
So, my love of the food truck began with this simple lunch. Yay!
