KURE HAIKARA SHOKUDOU: Japanese Naval Curry & Maritime History at Japan's Historic Port City

Publication dateNovember 18, 2024

Contents

Endorsed by a Submarine Captain! Try Japanese Naval Curry in Kure

Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture, once a flourishing hub for the Imperial Japanese Navy and now home to a vital Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) base, boasts a unique food culture. Among its culinary highlights is curry, a dish cherished by the navy and carried on by the JMSDF. Submarines, in particular, serve curry every Friday as a long-standing tradition.

Intrigued by the chance to taste genuine “Naval Curry,” we headed to KURE HAIKARA SHOKUDOU. The restaurant is reputed to offer curry endorsed by the captain of the active submarine “Soryu.” Expectations were high!

On weekends, you might find a queue at KURE HAIKARA SHOKUDOU. While we initially came for the curry, stepping inside revealed a much more fascinating experience.

KURE HAIKARA SHOKUDOU

KURE HAIKARA SHOKUDOU is a restaurant located in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Known for its dishes associated with the JMSDF, its highlight is the “Naval Curry,” officially approved by the captain of the submarine “Soryu.”

Business hours: 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Regular holiday: Tuesday
Telephone number: +081-823-32-3108
Official site: https://kurefine.com/
Parking: Multi - story parking available in the same building ("Marine Building No. 3 Parking Lot"). Rates: 100 yen per 30 minutes, maximum 600 yen for 24 hours.
How to visit: 6 - minute walk from JR Kure Station "Minato Exit"
Address: 2F Marine Building No. 3, 4 - 21 Takaramachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture 737 - 0029

Taste Curry Served on a JMSDF Submarine!

The main draw of KURE HAIKARA SHOKUDOU is its faithful recreation of curry served aboard JMSDF submarines. The chefs learned directly from the supplier of the “Soryu,” ensuring an authentic taste.

The accuracy of the flavor has earned the seal of approval from the captain himself. This “Submarine Soryu Curry” is a dish you can only experience here.

This exclusive curry is a must-try when visiting Kure.

The Top-Selling “Teppan Curry”

Among the menu items, the standout dish is the “Teppan Curry.”

“Teppan” means “iron plate,” and the dish is served in one. It includes Naval Curry, whale cutlets, milk (as served in the JMSDF), and other sides, all plated together.

You can choose between two types of curry:

Soryu Curry
- Spiciness: 1
- Approved by the captain of “Soryu”
- A mildly sweet curry with a fruity depth
Original Submarine Curry
- Spiciness: 3
- Supervised by JMSDF personnel and exclusive to KURE HAIKARA SHOKUDOU
- A uniquely sweet yet spicy curry

We opted for the Submarine Curry.

The curry delivers a blend of vegetable sweetness and a sharp spiciness, creating an irresistible flavor. Each spoonful compels you to go for the next, making it hard to stop!