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When you think of Osaka’s Dotonbori, delicious food and lively streets come to mind. Among these, the standout is the long-established restaurant “Jiyuken,” founded in 1903. Located near Dotonbori, this historic restaurant has been beloved by the people of Osaka for over 100 years. To confirm its popularity, I visited the main store in Namba.
In this article, we will delve into the charm of Jiyuken, its recommended menu items, and its history. We introduce this famous restaurant that tourists should visit when in Osaka.
“Jiyuken” is a long-established restaurant in Osaka’s Dotonbori, founded in 1903. Its signature dish, the “famous curry,” is served in a unique style where the rice and curry sauce are mixed together and topped with a raw egg. The restaurant has preserved the original taste since its founding. The interior exudes a retro Showa era atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time. The friendly service and homely atmosphere also contribute to its charm, making it a beloved spot for both tourists and locals.
Jiyuken is bustling with customers every day. Upon entering the store, you are greeted by a retro Showa era atmosphere.
The wooden walls and tables, the counter seats that welcome solo diners, and the menu and photos decorating the interior all exude a sense of history. Jiyuken’s charm lies not only in its taste but also in the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional Japanese eatery.
Especially eye-catching are the handwritten paper menus posted throughout the store. From staple dishes to limited-time offerings, a wide variety of options are available. These menus feature items that have been served at Jiyuken for many years, beloved across generations.
The photo shows nearly every seat occupied, even on a weekday afternoon, highlighting why Jiyuken continues to be loved by so many. It’s a precious place that preserves the dining culture of old Japan.
Of course, I ordered the signature “famous curry.” Unlike typical curry rice, Jiyuken’s unique “mixed curry” style is a standout.
The rice and curry sauce are mixed beforehand, and a raw egg is placed on top. This original “mixed curry” style was created by founder Shiichi Yoshida after much trial and error. At the time, it was difficult to serve hot curry without a rice cooker, so the mixed curry style was born. This way, even cold rice could be turned into a hot dish by mixing it with the curry, allowing customers to enjoy it hot until the end.
The secret to the flavor of the famous curry lies in the special “Usukuchi” broth. Adding this broth creates a deep flavor. The ingredients are simple, just onions and beef, with fewer ingredients intentionally used to let the curry’s flavor shine through, reflecting the founders’ desire for customers to enjoy the pure taste of the curry.
Interestingly, Jiyuken was a pioneer in the culture of adding sauce to curry. It was common to add sauce to curry since its founding.
To fully enjoy the famous curry, try the proper way of eating it. First, taste it as it is, then add the special sauce to experience the flavor change, and finally mix in the raw egg for a smooth and rich taste. By following these three steps, you can savor the full depth of the famous curry’s flavor.
Jiyuken’s greatness isn’t limited to its famous curry. The menu includes traditional Western dishes like hashed rice, omelette rice, fried shrimp, and pork cutlet. The next time, I plan to try more of these dishes.
Besides the famous curry, Jiyuken offers a variety of appealing dishes. For example, “Hashed Rice” (¥750) is a nostalgic dish with a ketchup flavor. “Separate Curry” (¥750) offers a different taste from the famous curry, showcasing the depth of Jiyuken’s curry. Additionally, the “Omelette Rice” (¥830) and “Chicken Rice” (¥730) are popular choices, all delivering a satisfying taste.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Famous Curry | ¥800 |
| Hashed Rice | ¥750 |
| Separate Curry | ¥750 |
| Separate Hashed Rice | ¥750 |
| Chicken Rice | ¥730 |
| Omelette Rice | ¥830 |
| Cutlet Curry | ¥900 |
Jiyuken also offers a variety of lunch sets and Western dishes. The “Set A” (¥1,400) includes fried shrimp, hamburger steak, fried chicken, and grilled pork, making for a luxurious meal. The “Set B” (¥1,300) offers fried shrimp, ham cutlet, chicken cutlet, and shrimp cream croquette. With options like sirloin steak (¥1,250) and grilled meat (¥900), there’s something to satisfy everyone.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Set A | ¥1,400 |
| Set B | ¥1,300 |
| Sirloin Steak | ¥1,250 |
| Sirloin Set | ¥1,420 |
| Sirloin Steak with Mini Famous Curry | ¥1,700 |
| Grilled Meat | ¥900 |
| Grilled Meat Set | ¥1,070 |
| Grilled Meat with Mini Famous Curry | ¥1,400 |
| Vegetable Salad | ¥630 |
| Chicken Cutlet | ¥730 |
| Fried Chicken Set | ¥880 |
| Pork Cutlet Set | ¥900 |
| Fried Shrimp Set | ¥1,050 |
| Shrimp Skewers | ¥370 |
| Skewers | ¥370 |
| Asparagus | ¥300 |
| Coleslaw Salad | ¥180 |
| White Rice | ¥170 |
| Shrimp Cream Croquette | ¥780 |
| Fried Shrimp | ¥780 |
| Ham Salad | ¥370 |
| Pork Cutlet | ¥730 |
| Beef Cutlet | ¥1,030 |
| Minced Cutlet | ¥730 |
| Fried Chicken | ¥450 |
| Potato Salad | ¥330 |
| Miso Soup | ¥100 |
Jiyuken also offers a variety of drinks to enjoy with your meal. Choose from beer (large bottle ¥550, small bottle ¥360), dark beer (¥360), and sake (¥360). Enjoying a drink with your curry or Western dish is a great idea.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Beer (large bottle) | ¥550 |
| Cola | ¥320 |
| Beer (small bottle) | ¥360 |
| Dark Beer | ¥360 |
| Sake | ¥360 |
Jiyuken is busy even on weekdays. To avoid crowds, try visiting at off-peak times or right when the store opens. This way, you can enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace.
Jiyuken accepts only cash payments. Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash when you visit.
For first-time visitors, the “famous curry” is highly recommended. This dish lets you fully appreciate Jiyuken’s charm. If you’re worried about the spiciness, mix the raw egg thoroughly to mellow the flavor. Also, try using the Worcestershire sauce on the table to enjoy a change in taste.
Jiyuken was founded in 1910 as Osaka’s first Western-style restaurant. At the time, Western cuisine was considered a luxury, but Jiyuken gained popularity by offering it at reasonable prices. Curry rice was especially popular, but in an era without rice cookers, serving hot curry was challenging. Founder Shiichi Yoshida devised the “mixed curry” style after much experimentation. This innovation led to the creation of the famous curry we know today.
During World War II, Osaka suffered devastating damage, and Jiyuken was also affected. However, the second-generation owner, Shiro Yoshida, rebuilt Jiyuken amidst post-war chaos, preserving the original taste. Over the years, Jiyuken has adapted to changes while maintaining its traditional flavor, winning the hearts of many customers.
Around 1985, Jiyuken’s famous curry gained nationwide recognition. Featured in TV shows and magazines, it attracted visitors from across the country. Although there were offers to open branches in urban areas, Jiyuken declined them all to preserve its original flavor. Jiyuken continues to offer its timeless taste unchanged.
The reason Jiyuken has been loved by Osaka people for over 100 years lies in its unchanging taste and heartfelt hospitality. The secret recipe, preserved since its founding, continues to captivate many. Especially the famous curry, with its unique “mixed curry” style and deep flavor created by light soy sauce, has won many fans.
Moreover, Jiyuken’s charm isn’t limited to its taste. The retro Showa era interior makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The welcoming, nostalgic atmosphere is special to the locals. For tourists, it’s a valuable experience to feel Osaka’s history and culture firsthand.
Additionally, Jiyuken’s warm hospitality cannot be overlooked. The meticulous service, honed over many years, captures the hearts of visitors. The homey atmosphere, where customers are treated like family, is a major attraction.
By adapting to changes while maintaining its unchanging taste and hospitality, Jiyuken has deeply rooted itself in the hearts of Osaka people, being loved for over 100 years. Jiyuken will continue to be cherished as a symbol of Osaka’s taste and culture.
Please visit Jiyuken and experience Osaka’s history and flavors. You will surely enjoy a heartwarming time.
