Pontochoux, the Japanese Curry Restaurant

Head to the heart of the Marais in Paris, near the Filles du Calvaire metro station, to discover one of Japan’s most popular dishes, and indeed a favourite of regular visitors to the district, Japanese curry. Despite being relatively unknown in France, this recipe is very popular in Japan. After finding a place for himself between the stalls at the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Taeko Inai set up his establishment very close by on the rue du Pont aux Choux. With a shortened eponym and a nod to its new address, Pontochoux is a little restaurant that specialises in Japanese curry and is always full. There are just four tables to sit at, but this is a reminder of the fact that this dish is designed to be eaten on the go.

Less spicy than Indian curry

The flagship dish is the kara-age curry (fried, marinated chicken coated in potato starch) with pickled tamago (egg). The thick brown sauce is reminiscent of a simmering meat-and-vegetable stew with a mix of spices, soy sauce, mirin, nuoc-mâm and even honey and chocolate. While Indian curry is more familiar, the Japanese version is less spicy and has been emancipated since being exported by the English Navy and their trade with Japan.

More information about the curry restaurant can be found on its Instagram account.

Address: 18 rue du pont aux choux, 75003 Paris