Tokyo Curry Pan - Image 1
1 / 3

Tokyo Curry Pan

4.7
·328 reviews·Taito City, Japan

Asakusa's famed Tokyo Curry Pan offers a unique, crispy bun filled with savory curry and gooey cheese. A must-try street food experience!

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds for fresh buns

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Tokyo Curry Pan - Image 1

Tokyo Curry Pan

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds for fresh buns

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Asakusa's famed Tokyo Curry Pan offers a unique, crispy bun filled with savory curry and gooey cheese. A must-try street food experience!

4.7
(328 reviews)

"The cheesiest curry bread in Tokyo if heaven were deep fried, it would taste like this."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Eat it Fresh!

Enjoy your curry pan immediately on the provided benches. It's best hot and gooey!

💰 Cash is King

Most likely cash-only, so have exact change ready to speed things up.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cheesy Curry Pan

Cheesy Curry Pan

Asakusa

Crispy on the outside, gooey with savory curry and stretchy cheese inside. A must-try street food!

Premium Tonkatsu Curry Pan

Premium Tonkatsu Curry Pan

Asakusa

A limited daily special featuring a hearty tonkatsu cutlet within the curry bun. Sells out fast!

Truffle Scent Stretchy Cheese Curry Pan

Truffle Scent Stretchy Cheese Curry Pan

Asakusa

An aromatic delight with a distinct truffle scent and wonderfully stretchy cheese. A unique flavor experience.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Fresh Curry Pan

Arrive early to snag the freshest, warmest curry pan, especially the limited Premium Tonkatsu version. Some visitors report buns sitting out or going cold if not eaten promptly after purchase. Be prepared for potential queues, particularly on weekends.

Cash & Etiquette: Know Before You Go

Tokyo Curry Pan is often cash-only, and exact change is preferred. Be mindful of local rules about eating and walking; designated benches are available for enjoying your snack on-site. Don't expect staff to call out orders in English.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds for fresh buns
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Catch the last of the day's batch
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tokyo street food tour 🇯🇵 — exploring the Asakusa district for some of Japan’s most popular bites! 🍛 curry cheese toast — 10/10 😍
📍 Tokyo Curry Pan — 1-20-4 Asakusa, Taitō City 🍞 Melon pan w/ matcha ice cream — 8/10 🍵
📍 Kagetsudō — 2-7-13 Asakusa, Taitō City 🐍 Unagi (freshwater eel) — 8/10 🤤
📍 Asakusa Unana — 2-7-21 Asakusa, Taitō City 🐙 Takoyaki — 2/10 😬
📍 Tako Tako Koromo Brothers — 1-32-11 Asak...
@nyaradzon
485 likes • 4.2K views

🎯 Eat it Fresh!

Enjoy your curry pan immediately on the provided benches. It's best hot and gooey! TikTokReddit

💰 Cash is King

Most likely cash-only, so have exact change ready to speed things up. Reddit

🧀🍛 The Cheesiest Curry Bread in Tokyo If heaven were deep fried, it would taste like this. Tokyo Curry Pan serves one thing only, fresh, gooey, cheese-filled curry bread just steps from Sensoji Temple. The curry is savory, the crust perfectly crisp, and the cheese… absolutely unhinged. I meant to share, but it disappeared before I could blink. Some bites are just too good for generosity.❤️‍🔥🔥 📍Tok...
@nomadicfoodist
73 likes • 1.2K views
Consejo para tus vacaciones en Japón 🇯🇵 El curry pan es uno de los panes más populares en Japón: crujiente por fuera, relleno de curry suave y delicioso por dentro. Se inventó en Tokio hace casi 100 años y hoy lo encuentras en cualquier konbini o panadería. Si viajas a Japón, este snack es un imperdible. ¿Ya lo conocías? #CurryPan #Japón #ComidaJaponesa #JapónParaTi #Japomexa
@hiromizunoc
509 likes • 8K views

⏳ Limited Edition Alert

The Premium Tonkatsu Curry Pan sells out daily, so arrive early! Reddit

🗣️ Language Barrier

Staff may only call orders in Japanese; pay attention or ask for clarification. Reddit

The most unique Kare-Pan in Tokyo!! #japan #japanesefood #tokyo #japantravel #japanfood #food #foodporn #foodie #japan #instafood #japanese #foodstagram #foodie Have you ever had a perfectly round curry bread in Tokyo before? If not, head over to Tokyo Curry Pan in Asakusa. They serve round curry buns covered in fine panko breadcrumbs and baked instead of deep-fried, filled with Japanese curry an...
@japanfood_rei
69 likes • 11K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Eat it Fresh!

Enjoy your curry pan immediately on the provided benches. It's best hot and gooey! TikTokReddit

💰 Cash is King

Most likely cash-only, so have exact change ready to speed things up. Reddit

⏳ Limited Edition Alert

The Premium Tonkatsu Curry Pan sells out daily, so arrive early! Reddit

🗣️ Language Barrier

Staff may only call orders in Japanese; pay attention or ask for clarification. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ No Eating & Walking

Consume your snack on the benches provided to respect local rules. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(328 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the incredibly fresh, warm, and cheesy curry buns at Tokyo Curry Pan, especially the unique truffle and tonkatsu varieties. The convenient location near Sensoji Temple makes it a popular snack stop. However, some reviewers have experienced issues with cold buns, unclear order calls in Japanese, and the cash-only policy.

"Arrived around 11:30am with no queue at all. The curry buns were warm, gooey, and wonderfully cheesy. We tried both the cheese curry and the tonkatsu curry—both were really good, but the cheese curry wins by a bit thanks to its extra cheesiness. Perfect snack after walking around Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street."

Misty Flores

"I ate the infamous Tonkatsu Curry Pan and it did not disappoint. It is hot to order - careful as you may burn yourself. Try to ensure you have smaller coins/cash when paying. There are two small benches in front of the store front. This area in Asakusa is pretty strict with the not eating and walking/not eating in front of other restaurant. So make sure to eat in front of the store front after you order it and throw out the trash there.

I ended up getting two in the span of 2 hours....

Luckily both times I went there wasn't a long line.

Very nice older lady working.

If you're in Asakusa definitely a good snack (not big enough to share) better to get them per person.

Arigato Gozaimasu."

Nina EG

"I saw this place on IG and decided to try it out myself. The bun was so soft, it's ridiculous. The curry and cheese together is a beautiful combination. And, the amount of cheese... if you ever were tempted to tell a waiter to never stop adding more cheese on your pasta, this place puts enough cheese inside the bun for you!"

Angel C

What People Like

Warm, gooey, cheesy buns
Unique truffle and tonkatsu flavors
Convenient Asakusa location

What People Dislike

Cold buns
Language barrier for orders
Cash-only policy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tokyo Curry Pan is conveniently located in the Asakusa district, just a short walk from Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street. You can reach Asakusa via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tobu Skytree Line. The closest stations are Asakusa Station (Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line) and Tawaramachi Station (Ginza Line).

Yes, Tokyo Curry Pan is very close to Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street, making it a perfect snack stop after exploring the temple grounds. It's a popular choice for tourists in the area. TikTok

Look for the distinctive round curry buns! It's situated at 1-20-4 Asakusa, Taitō City. Many visitors find it easily while exploring the bustling streets around Sensoji Temple. TikTok

Parking in the Asakusa area can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach Tokyo Curry Pan. There are several paid parking lots in the vicinity, but they can fill up quickly.

Yes, you can take a taxi to Tokyo Curry Pan. Simply provide the address (1-20-4 Asakusa, Taitō City) to your driver. Taxis are readily available throughout Tokyo, but can be more costly than public transport.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need to buy tickets to enter Tokyo Curry Pan. It's a street food vendor where you purchase items directly. Be prepared to pay with cash, as card payments may not be accepted. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but they are generally open during the day, often from late morning until early evening. It's best to check their social media or a reliable local guide for the most up-to-date hours, especially as they may close early if they sell out. TikTok

There is no admission fee. You pay for the curry pan you wish to purchase. Prices can range from ¥500 to ¥800 or more, depending on the type of curry pan. Reddit

Reservations are generally not possible, especially for the regular curry pan. The Premium Tonkatsu Curry Pan is limited and sells out quickly, so arriving early is your best bet. Reddit

As with most street food vendors, refunds or exchanges are typically not offered once a purchase is made. It's important to check your order before leaving the counter.

🎫 😋 Onsite Experience

Tokyo Curry Pan is famous for its signature round curry buns. Popular options include the Truffle Scent Stretchy Cheese Curry Pan and the Tonkatsu Curry Pan. They also offer a classic cheese curry option. TikTokReddit

Prices vary, but expect to pay around ¥500 for standard options like the cheese curry pan and up to ¥800 for premium items like the Tonkatsu Curry Pan. Reddit

The curry filling is generally mild and savory, not typically very spicy. It's designed to be broadly appealing. However, spice levels can vary slightly. TikTok

Yes, there are a couple of small benches in front of the store where you can sit and enjoy your curry pan. It's important to eat there and not walk around with it. Reddit

There are trash receptacles near the benches provided for customers to dispose of their wrappers and any other waste. Please use them to keep the area clean. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, taking photos of your curry pan and the storefront is generally fine. However, be mindful of other customers and avoid blocking the service area. TikTok

Capture the golden-brown, crispy exterior of the curry pan, the gooey, stretchy cheese pull, and the vibrant Asakusa street scene in the background. The unique round shape is also photogenic. TikTok

While general photography is allowed, avoid intrusive filming or photography that might disrupt the business or other patrons. Be respectful of the space. Reddit

Popular hashtags include #TokyoCurryPan, #CurryPan, #JapaneseFood, #Asakusa, #TokyoStreetFood, #JapanEats, and #Foodie. TikTok

Short-form video content is popular! Creators often film their experience, showcasing the food and the atmosphere. Just be quick and considerate of others. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tokyo Curry Pan is a fantastic, kid-friendly snack stop in Asakusa. The curry is generally mild and the bread is soft, making it appealing to younger palates. The cheesy variations are a big hit with children! TikTok

Tip: The Truffle Scent Stretchy Cheese Curry Pan offers a fun, gooey cheese pull that kids will love. Be sure to eat on the provided benches to avoid any issues with local rules. It's a quick and satisfying treat that won't break the bank, perfect for refueling during a day of sightseeing.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Tokyo Curry Pan is an excellent choice for a filling and affordable snack. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and unique flavors. Reddit

Recommendation: Opt for the standard Cheese Curry Pan (around ¥500) for a delicious and cost-effective option. While the Premium Tonkatsu is tempting, it's pricier and limited. Having cash on hand will also help you avoid any potential transaction fees and speed up your order.

📸 Foodie Explorers

Foodies will delight in the specialized offerings at Tokyo Curry Pan. This isn't your average curry bun; they focus on unique flavor combinations and premium ingredients. TikTok

Must-Try: The Truffle Scent Stretchy Cheese Curry Pan is a must for its aromatic profile and impressive cheese stretch. If you're lucky enough to snag the Premium Tonkatsu Curry Pan, you're in for a treat. Documenting the cheese pull is practically a rite of passage for food influencers! TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Curry Pan

Curry pan, a beloved Japanese street food, is essentially a deep-fried or baked bread bun filled with savory Japanese curry. Its origins trace back to Tokyo, with variations appearing in bakeries and konbini (convenience stores) across the country. Tokyo Curry Pan in Asakusa elevates this classic snack by focusing on a perfectly crisp exterior, often achieved with a panko breadcrumb coating, and a generous, flavorful curry filling. The shop's dedication to freshness means the buns are served warm, making for an irresistible treat. TikTok

The shop offers several enticing variations. The Truffle Scent Stretchy Cheese Curry Pan is a standout, offering an aromatic truffle experience paired with wonderfully elastic cheese. For those craving something more substantial, the Premium Tonkatsu Curry Pan features a thick cutlet within the bun, though it's a limited daily special and sells out quickly. These unique offerings have garnered significant attention on social media, drawing visitors eager to taste these specialized versions of a Japanese staple. TikTokReddit

When visiting, remember that the experience is about enjoying the food fresh. The shop provides benches for customers to sit and savor their curry pan, adhering to local customs that discourage eating while walking. This ensures the best possible taste and texture, allowing you to fully appreciate the craftsmanship of each bun. Reddit

Navigating Asakusa's Culinary Scene

Asakusa is a vibrant district steeped in tradition, and its food scene reflects this. Beyond Tokyo Curry Pan, the area around Sensoji Temple is a treasure trove of Japanese street food and local delicacies. Nakamise-dori, the bustling shopping street leading to the temple, is lined with stalls selling everything from senbei (rice crackers) and ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with red bean paste) to matcha-flavored sweets. TikTok

While Tokyo Curry Pan offers a unique, specialized experience, it's part of a broader culinary landscape. Visitors can also find other popular Japanese snacks like takoyaki (octopus balls) and melon pan (sweet bread) in the vicinity. For a more substantial meal, Asakusa boasts numerous restaurants serving traditional dishes like tempura, soba noodles, and unagi (freshwater eel). TikTok

When exploring Asakusa's food offerings, it's wise to be aware of local dining etiquette. As mentioned, eating while walking is generally frowned upon. Many establishments, including street food vendors, have designated areas for consumption. Familiarizing yourself with these customs will enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. Reddit