Nekochigura – Curry & Natural Wine from a Cat Lover

Opened in 2022, Curry & Natural Wine Nekochigura quickly became a local Hiroshima favorite and a hit on Japanese social media. Run by a veterinarian and cat lover, the shop is known for its spice curry, fresh ingredients, cozy interior, and pairings with natural wine and craft drinks. Nekochigura is affordable for the food quality, easy to get to, and has an irregularly changing menu. 

(Joy Photo / Michael Farrell)

What is Spice Curry?

Japanese spice curry (スパイスカレー) does not mean it’s spicy, although it can be. It refers to a modern development in the Japanese curry scene. Traditional Japanese curry is a hearty and creamy dish based on curry roux—a mix of homogenized fats and flour with curry spices. Thick, rich, and umami with mild spice notes, a little sweetness, and minimal heat, it’s distinctive from Indian, Thai and British curries. Over the last decade, however, a new kind of Japanese curry became trendy. This new spice curry is based on layered complexity and curated flavor profiles from hand-selected spices.

Neko’s Spicy Curry

Spice curry is Japan’s artisanal curry. Nekochigura’s spice curry is handmade from scratch with an original blend of hand-toasted spices. Richness and umami is brought out with slow-cooked cuts of pork, chicken or fish. And the whole is served with aromatic, basmati rice. Inspired by south-Indian curries, their curry is served with achar (a kind of South Asian pickle), raita (an Indian yogurt condiment), and dal (Indian lentils). 

Getting There

If you are coming from Hiroshima Station, Nekochigura is a four minute walk north from Namiki-dori-iriguchi bus stop. If you are exploring Hondori covered shopping street, Nekochigura is a six minute walk south.  

More Great Hiroshima Curry

For an established local favorite serving traditional Japanese curry, try Babaji in Hiroshima’s Honkawacho neighborhood. This budget location has unique egg toppings, a hidden entrance and years of local love. 

Or if you’re exploring Peace Memorial Park and are hungry for Japanese curry, try Curry Base Gente in the SHIMINT Hiroshima complex in nearby Gate Park.