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Hey, L.A., we have some spicy news to share! Forget what you think you know about comfort food for a minute, because this December, the cozy, rich, and ridiculously versatile world of Japanese Curry is taking center stage across the city. Get ready to ditch your usual dinner plans because the All Japan Curry Manufacturers Association (Curry Association) is kicking off a month-long campaign here in Los Angeles, aptly titled “Let JAPANESE CURRY Melt Your Heart.“
The campaign will spotlight Japan’s national dish, a meal so beloved that the average person there eats it more than 80 times a year. Japanese Curry confidently holds a place alongside ramen and sushi in the country’s hierarchy of cherished comfort foods, and we expect L.A. will embrace it warmly.
Beyond the Bowl: Japanese Curry Will Go Fusion
The campaign’s most exciting element will expand the traditional “curry-and-rice” routine. From December 1–31, nine popular local restaurants will introduce original, limited-time creations inspired by the rich essence of Japanese curry.
A creative culinary crew will lead this effort. You will find traditional takes at spots like Kagura (known for Tonkatsu), but the campaign will go far beyond the typical Japanese restaurant. Chefs will apply Japanese curry to dishes at local asian hot spots (RYLA, Little Fatty and Fatty Mart) a crepe café (French Touch), a pizza shop (Lenzini’s Pizza), and a spot specializing in ceviche (The Hummingbird). Each chef will craft a dish that creatively uses the flavor profile to inspire something completely new.
Inside the Flavor: The Secret to Japanese Curry
To better understand this comfort food hero, we attended a workshop at Japan House Los Angeles organized by Curry Association. We learned that Japanese Curry delivers a rich, deep, and mild flavor, which makes it a phenomenal complement to practically any dish or topping.
Unlike some bolder curries, the Japanese version tastes milder, feels thicker, and remains supremely approachable. It typically comes in two easy-to-use forms: a roux block that yields a richer, velvety texture, or a mixable flake/powder that creates a lighter finish. This versatility drives the magic, and these innovative chefs will demonstrate it throughout the month.
How You Will Get Your Free Curry Swag
Ready to eat your way across L.A. in December? Here is how you will join the fun and score some goodies for your own kitchen:
- The Loyalty Card: Grab a loyalty card when you order one of the special Japanese Curry dishes. Collect three stamps from participating locations, and you will receive a complimentary pack of curry roux to make your own Japanese Curry at home (while supplies last).
- Free Tasting Alert: Head to Fatty Mart (12210 Venice Blvd) from noon to 1 p.m. on December 5–7. They will host a free tasting event where you will sample delicious Japanese Curry and purchase featured products. Limited availability means you should plan to arrive early.
Whether you’re a long-time Japanese food aficionado or just looking for your next delicious food adventure, December is the perfect time to let Japanese Curry truly melt your heart. Grab your friends, map out your stops, and let’s get curried away, L.A.!
Participating Restaurants (December 1–31)
- Fatty Mart (12210 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066)
- French Touch – Manhattan Beach (3200 North Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266)
- Kagura – Gardena (1740 Artesia Blvd, Gardena, CA 90248)
- Kagura – Monterey Park (221 N Atlantic Blvd Unit 101, Monterey Park, CA 91754)
- Kagura – Torrance (1652 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance, CA 90501)
- Lenzini’s Pizza – Culver Blvd (12740 Culver Blvd, Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90066)
- Little Fatty (3809 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066)
- RYLA (1220 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254)
- The Hummingbird | Ceviche House (1600 N Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90026)
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