Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry - Simplicity at its Best

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After the enjoyable dining experience at Kurama Robatayaki, we are hyped to check out the other restaurants in Nihon Street’s line-up, and off to Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry we go!

Everything about this restaurant is based on simplicity: simple izakaya style setting, simple menu of set meals plus sides and simple concept of white curry paired with meat and vegetables. And with nothing elaborate, I can actually walk out feeling satisfied and full after a meal there.

We start off with tsukumono, which is pickled cabbages and red peppers, and the crunchy, crisp texture, paired with the simulating taste of vinegar, serves well to whet our appetites. The truffle chawamushi and soup that come with all set meals are full of flavours. For the chawamushi, obviously the flavour comes from the truffle oil. And the good part is they go easy on the truffle oil, just adding a bit for a hint of earthy aroma to enhance the taste without crashing with the delicate taste of the egg custard. And the clear soup is packed with umami of the clams that I enjoy.

After savouring the extremely tasty soup, which is perfect for cold weather, I do find that the white curry is more toned down in terms of flavours. But I definitely prefer the white curry here over other kinds of Japanese curries. Most Japanese curries are simply watered down version of Indian curries, so I might as well go to Indian restaurants to get my kick of the day. The white curry puts something different on the table. It is rich with the creaminess of milk and has that slight taste of pepper that makes it a little bit more spicier than its Japanese counterparts, which is what I like. I can say the curry here is in a league of its own. The starchy Japanese rice goes perfectly well with the white creamy curry. The fried ebi is fresh and crispy, thus making for hearty treats.

And the meat of pork hamburg is soft and succulent.

As for the truffle fries, I like the iota of truffle oil lacing the fries at the top. But it is a different story for the fries at the bottom, which are drenched in the oil. Frankly speaking, while it is great to get lots of shaved truffle slices, too much truffle oil can ruin the taste of the food. And the last bit of fries is way too overloaded with truffle oil that it assaults our senses. Though on the third and fourth try of the fries, the amount of truffle oil used is just right.

Service is great, being prompt and friendly, and has this izakaya feel to it that makes patrons feel at ease, which makes this place great for unwinding after a day’s work or getting together with family or friends.

With the free flow of soup and rice—only applicable if each patron orders a set meal, the set meal is extremely value for money. Needless to say, this restaurant is one of our regular haunts already!

My Thoughts: It is one of my Favourite Haunts!

This restaurant is no longer in operation.