Is Japanese curry sweet or spicy? (2023)

Is Japanese curry sweet or spicy?

Japanese curry is quite different from any other curry you'll find in Asia – it's not spicy but rather sweet (which is probably why kids love it so much), savory, and sometimes a little spicy. The sauce is similar to a rich and thick demi-glace that's layered with spices and earthy flavors.

What Makes Japanese Curry Different from Other Curries. Japanese curry is quite different from most other curries of the world — it has a thicker consistency and the taste leans on the sweet and savory side. The unique sweetness comes from onions, carrots, and other additions like honey and grated apples.

Japanese curry is relatively mild compared to its Asian counterparts because it is made of an harmonious blend of curry powder and spices in which no particular ingredient stands out. Slightly sweet ingredients such as sautéed onions, grated apples, carrots or honey are also usually added to add sweetness and umami.

Comparing to spicy Indian or Thai curries, Japanese curry is much less spicy. It's milder and sadly much more unhealthy.. Japanese curry contains high amount of fat, especially the roux is high in carbs, sugar and fat. Moreover, it's usually served with rice.

Curry powder has a unique flavor due to the combination of both savory and sweet spices. Savory spices like cumin, turmeric, and bay leaf give the curry a deep, earthy flavor while sweet spices, like cinnamon and clove, add brightness and pep.

The most notable differences between Japanese curry and Indian curry are the color and texture. While Indian curries can vary widely in texture from thin and soup-like to very thick, Japanese curry is usually thicker and more like a gravy, due to its incorporation of flour or roux into the mixture (via Tastylicious).

Generally, the sweetest curries will be dishes such as Pathia, Dhansak and Pasanda. They are made with a raw Indian sugar called jaggery. In the case of Pasanda, it also features coconut and raisins.

Golden Curry

Flavor: Heavy cumin and ginger with a very traditional curry powder flavor. Quite spicy, with a nice dry heat. But the package instructions call for an absurd amount of onion, throwing off the texture and balance.

The stand-out feature of a Japanese curry is its thick, rich sauce. The thickness of the sauce which can only be found in Japanese curry is supported and beloved by many. The rich and indulgent sauce mixes with rice so perfectly, you will find it difficult stoping eating.

Is Japanese curry different from Indian curry?

The typical Japanese curry is thicker in texture and tastes sweeter but less spicy than its Indian counterpart. The meat of choice is more often pork or beef, differing from Indian curry in which chicken or mutton is usually used.

Make Better Boxed Japanese Curry with Ivan Orkin - How To - YouTube

Japanese curry is usually not very healthy, as the sauce is made primarily of fats and carbs with the protein source often deep fried. A single serving of Japanese curry can be upwards of 500 calories, consisting mainly of fats and carbs. This makes it a less than ideal food choice for those trying to stay fit.

The spice blend is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and consuming it may help reduce oxidative stress, boost heart health, and improve blood sugar levels, among other potential benefits. The best part is that curry powder makes an excellent addition to a wide array of recipes.

Japanese curry contains the basic spices that go into Indian curry, including cumin, turmeric, chili, and ginger, but tends to have a more fruity element, with the addition of apples as a popular ingredient to the mix for a sweeter taste and thicker texture.

To start, Japanese curry is usually served with side items, such as pickled vegetables, to complete the meal. Because of the use of a roux during cooking, it resembles a thick stew, unlike the more watery Chinese and Thai curries. Japanese curry comes in a few different shapes and sizes.

The typical Japanese curry is thicker in texture and tastes sweeter but less spicy than its Indian counterpart. The meat of choice is more often pork or beef, differing from Indian curry in which chicken or mutton is usually used.

For one, Japanese curry uses curry powder with less spices whereas Indian curry uses a variety of bases such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, and many more. Indian curry is more vibrant and bursting with flavor, while Japanese curry is sumptuous and “umami” but in a more understated manner.