Tokyo, Ikebukuro. Even though it's been less than a month since it opened, there is a curry shop that has become a hot topic mainly in the Internet area. The name of the shop you are interested in is "Curry is a drink." There are always lines in the store, and they are sold out every day.

But is that true? Have you ever heard of curry in line, apart from ramen? In the first place, does a store with the name "Curry is a drink" actually exist?

If you have any doubts, check it out. So, this time, I actually visited the shop to verify how many minutes I should line up for "curry is a drink."


■ "Curry is a drink." Really existed!

When I visited the site based on the address, the words "Curry is a drink." It wasn't a lie ... And this signboard is very noticeable. People on the road are also glancing up at the signboard. Because the signboard has yellow letters on a black background. This is a combination used for danger display ...


■ Then, time measurement starts!

We arrived after 13:30 and after the peak of lunch, but there was a line of 7 to 8 people in front of the store. The rumor that the procession is unbearable seems to be true. Now, let's start measuring how long it will take to actually eat curry from here!


The start is 13:32. Line up outside the store and wait patiently while shrinking in the cold wind. Since the chairs in the waiting space inside the store are limited, it seems that the queue will grow outside.

■ Enter the store

When you finally enter the store, the ticket vending machine welcomes you. Buy your ticket here.


There are two types of menu, "black meat curry" and "red bird curry". I was interested in both curries, but today I chose chicken curry. There are three types of rice, small (200g (7.05oz)), medium (300g (10.58oz)), and large (500g (17.64oz)), all of which have the same price of 790 yen. A student-friendly price for eating. I thought it was soup curry because it was a drink, but apparently it wasn't.


There are only 9 seats at the counter in the store. I wonder if 90% of the customers are male customers. It seems that many women are accompanied by men. In other words, the only woman is the author, but if it's for a delicious curry, it's a shame. The smell of drifting curry stimulates the hungry stomach.


■ Seated!

I waited for a while and finally took a seat. It was already 14:12 at this time . If you hand over your meal ticket, prepare self-service water, and check the seasonings such as grated cheese and Tabasco on the table, you will find a sticker that you are interested in as a "free topping". You can choose 3 of the 10 free toppings you like. Even though it's free, there are many unique dishes such as taste balls, scallions, Fukujinzuke, potato salad, sliced almonds, coriander, tuna mayo, corn mayo, basil, and fried onions.


When I'm worried because I'm indecisive, the clerk suddenly asks me for toppings over the counter. I haven't decided yet ...! While thinking, intuitively choose taste balls, potato salad, and coriander. I was wondering that coriander and curry are rare. And finally, this time has come! Introducing curry! The time is 14:16. It was long…!

■ What is the taste?


The red chicken curry is served in two parts, a roux-only cup and a saffron rice plate with toppings. I'm a little scared of the volume more than I expected.


Lou was barely in the cup, no, it was overflowing. It was overflowing with Daba Daba. Even if it overflows, the surface tension is just barely enough! It was served. I'm Hanki. Saffron rice is also sprinkled with parsley and is beautifully colored. This gap!


First of all, from Lou. Bring the spicy roux to your mouth and the sweetness and sourness of the tomatoes will spread first. Oh, this is ...! When I think about it, the spice that was originally scented gradually works. There was a firm spiciness that remained on the tongue. Well-cooked roux has a moderate thickness. Moreover, it is hot. I tried to drink it , but this is not possible.

I can't drink the curry here ...


And the roux contains a lot of fairly large chicken. I am not ashamed of the name of chicken curry. The tenderly stewed chicken flavor matches the roux again. It goes well with saffron rice, and it's interesting that the taste changes with toppings. The potato salad (with cabbage) harmonizes the spiciness well, and the coriander suddenly creates an Asian style. Coriander was delicious ...

I was disappointed in a good way with a full-fledged curry, which I couldn't expect from the strange store name. I was convinced that they were lined up, so when I asked the clerk when the most vacant time of the day was, the answer was " Nothing in particular ...". It seems that the line is not interrupted from immediately after the store opens at 11 o'clock until it is sold out. Wow.

■ Summary: How many minutes do you need to line up to eat curry with "Curry is a drink"?

By the way, how many minutes should I line up to eat curry at this shop with no lines? The result I was interested in was " 44 minutes" ! I visited on a weekday Tuesday. Holidays may be more crowded, and I think the degree of congestion will vary depending on the time of day. Please be aware in advance.


And the store name you care about. Why is there a "." While leaving this impact? When asked , "Match with the signboard of the sister shop Tsukisoba shop ." The name of the sister restaurant, Tsuke Soba restaurant, is "Why do you put ra oil in soba?" ... Yeah ... I see.

I am very satisfied with the volume. Women may be small. Curry was sold out during the interview. After it is sold out, it will be restocked and will resume operations from about 17:30 to 18:00. "Curry is a drink." I couldn't drink it, but if you're wondering if you can drink it, be prepared to line up for almost an hour and take on the challenge!