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In Osaka’s Kitashinchi district at lunchtime―.
Office workers flood the streets of Kitashinchi in search of lunch.
In one of Kitashinchi’s commercial buildings, there’s a highly popular spice curry restaurant operating quietly.
Its name is “Spices Curry Synergy”
This spice curry specialty restaurant has been selected for the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years. Its popularity has made it Osaka’s representative spice curry establishment, even expanding to two branch locations in Tokyo.
However, since the owner operates the restaurant alone, they close for the day once they run out of curry. This makes it a premium spice curry experience that isn’t guaranteed even if you visit.
In this article, we’ll introduce the appeal of Spices Curry Synergy, a spice curry specialty restaurant that ranks among Japan’s best in both popularity and skill.
Spices Curry Synergy is a spice curry specialty restaurant located in Osaka’s Kitashinchi district. Run by a female owner who holds certifications in Chinese medicine coordination and medicinal cooking, the restaurant serves healthy spice curry. Selected for Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Kyoto-Osaka for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023), it’s a representative curry establishment in Osaka. The restaurant also has branches in Nakano and Gotanda, Tokyo.
While curry is Japan’s national comfort food, spice curry has seen a recent surge in popularity. Among the many spice curry establishments, Synergy’s version is truly revolutionary.
This time, I tried their signature Pork Ginger Curry and the weekly special Ankimo (Monkfish Liver) Keema Curry in a half-and-half combination.
The spices are distinctly present yet perfectly balanced, enhancing rather than overpowering the curry’s umami, allowing you to enjoy both the curry and spices to their fullest.
The revolutionary dish was this “Ankimo Keema Curry” - it’s incredibly fishy!!
It’s shocking how much fish flavor comes through in this curry. It’s completely different from ordinary seafood curry. At the risk of being misunderstood, it’s closer to mackerel curry in profile. The creamy richness of the monkfish liver is perfectly expressed in curry form, making it the most delicious fish-forward curry I’ve ever tasted. It’s both a proper curry and a proper fish dish.
The other half is Synergy’s signature “Ginger Pork Curry”
The sweetness of the pork harmonizes beautifully with the spices, making it equally delicious. The ginger does excellent work, warming your body as you eat. You can feel your body responding positively.
The combination of pork and fish curry keeps you reaching for more. It’s clear why it’s been selected for Michelin’s Bib Gourmand three years running.
Synergy’s curry is characterized by its visual beauty as well. When it arrives, you almost don’t want to disturb it with your spoon!
The owner’s Instagram shows just how beautiful each day’s curries are.
Synergy is a small restaurant with just 9 counter seats.
Though the owner works very efficiently, serving spice curry with no wasted time or motion, the combination of high popularity and small space means queuing is inevitable.
I arrived 5 minutes before opening on this day, but there was already a line forming.
However, there’s a good chance of getting seated right at opening, so if you want to minimize waiting time, arriving before opening is recommended.
The artistic spice curries created by an owner versed in spices, Chinese medicine, and medicinal cooking. The heart and technique poured into each dish not only captivates our taste buds but also nourishes our bodies.
The restaurant’s appeal goes beyond just the curry’s taste. The owner’s efficient work style and approach to serving food convey genuine care for the diners. Of course, she doesn’t forget to engage in conversation with customers between tasks, maintaining good communication.
Among Osaka’s many spice curry specialty restaurants, Spices Curry Synergy continues to evolve even while holding the brilliant achievement of three consecutive Michelin selections. The weekly limited curries are true works of art.
For those working in Kitashinchi, it’s a special lunch spot; for those traveling from afar seeking spice curry, it’s a destination restaurant. The premium spice curry experience available at “Spices Curry Synergy” is undoubtedly creating new history in Osaka’s culinary scene.
Whether you’re working around Kitashinchi, a spice curry enthusiast, or a tourist looking for a delicious lunch in Osaka.
Come try this one-of-a-kind spice curry experience.
