Japanese Curry Express – Affordable Japanese Fare at Fortune Centre

Tucked away on the 3rd floor of Fortune Centre is Japanese Curry Express, a small family-run eatery specialising in affordable Japanese cuisine.

It features a pretty extensive menu ranging from light bites such as tori karaage and agedashi tofu to maki rolls and dons. Most of the mains here are modestly priced around S$10, with the most expensive item on the menu being S$17.

First, we ordered up a small Mentai Don (S$11) which was a popular dish here. It came smaller than expected, in a bowl that could fit our palm. Despite that, the salmon slices and mentaiko mayo was beautifully charred and gave off an amazing aroma from torching it. It was an enjoyable dish; the generous dollop of mentaiko mayo was a good complement to the thick melt-in-your-mouth salmon slices.

Extremely well-seasoned, we feel that the sushi rice is worth mentioning as it’s usually an overlooked component. With some furikake sprinkled on top, the sushi rice was acidic enough balance to the otherwise rich mentaiko mayo and salmon slices.

Next was the Pork Katsu Curry Rice (S$7.50), which came with sliced up pork katsu, a generous serving of curry and some picked radish. Fried till golden-brown, the pork katsu was moist with a thin breaded layer. The curry, on the other hand, was nothing to shout about. It had a decent consistency and had the same mellow spiciness from what you’d expect from Japanese curry.

If you’re around the area, the food at Japanese Curry Express is decent and worth a try. However, they are pretty strict about the noise level as well as the waiting time if your dining companions are not present. Do note that Japanese Curry Express only accepts cash payment and gets really crowded during lunchtime.

190 Middle Road
#03-04 Fortune Centre
Singapore 188979
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Bugis/Bencoolen