This is our review of Oodori Sakurashinmachi (Maps), visited in February 2026.
It’s the kind of curry that makes you realize, “The famous Jinbōchō restaurant has truly arrived in Setagaya”—a bowl that means business, even at lunchtime.
A place that draws you in on a sunny Sakurashinmachi afternoon
Just a few minutes’ walk from Sakurashinmachi Station, slightly off the main shopping street, stands Oodori Sakurashinmachi (鴻 スープカレー桜新町店), a soup curry specialty shop marked by its red sign and the gentle aroma of spices drifting through the air.
After winning two awards at the 2025 Kanda Curry Grand Prix, this beloved Jinbōchō restaurant opened its Sakurashinmachi branch in January 2026. Ever since, the place has been lively at lunchtime, filled with local residents and nearby office workers.
Inside, the wood-toned decor and balanced layout of counter and table seats create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, whether you’re dining solo or with friends. The clean, calm space filled with the scent of spices instantly switches on your mood for “a proper curry today.”
Choosing between “Red” and “Black”
At Oodori, the first decision is choosing between two soup bases.
The “Black” uses a rich pork bone broth, while the “Red” is made with domestic chicken stock for a lighter, cleaner flavor. Expecting a perfect lunchtime spice balance, I went with the Chicken Red Soup Curry (チキン赤スープカレー).
The moment it arrived, a wave of aroma enveloped the table — clear chicken broth mingling with cumin, coriander, and chili peppers to create a subtle, mouthwatering fragrance. Unlike the heavy scent of roux-style curries, this one is light yet complex, quietly teasing your appetite.
A symphony of appearance, aroma, flavor, and texture
The deep bowl brimmed with red soup, packed with generously cut vegetables and tender chicken pieces.
Carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, eggplant, onions, and even a boiled egg — all simmered until soft but still holding their shape. Each bite feels satisfying, reassuring you that you’re truly eating real, hearty vegetables.
The chicken, when lifted with a spoon, falls apart effortlessly along the grain. One bite begins with a smooth wave of chicken broth flavor, followed by the layered heat and aroma of spices. As they say, the lowest of the five spice levels offers just the right tingle — enough to make you sweat lightly without losing flavor balance.
Though the broth is thin, it carries incredible depth — the richness of chicken bones and the sweetness of sautéed vegetables leaving a lingering warmth on your tongue. Its crisp spice edges are softened by a soothing, almost Japanese gentleness, giving it a unique style distinct from both Sapporo and European influences.
A satisfying lunch experience
The rice, served on the side, is cooked slightly firm to pair perfectly with the soup. Even when dipped, it doesn’t turn soggy but separates neatly in each bite.
You can dip rice into the soup, or place toppings over it like a “soup accompaniment.” The fun of soup curry lies in finding your personal rhythm and balance as you eat.
Priced between ¥1,300 and ¥1,600 for lunch, the generous portions of vegetables, melting chicken, and high-quality soup make it a meal well worth the cost.
