JapaCurry San Jose: Authentic Japanese Curry, Donburi, and Udon

JapaCurry Introduce

For California residents seeking an authentic, satisfying, and quick meal with international flair, JapaCurry offers a culinary trip straight to Japan from the convenience of downtown San Jose. As a highly-regarded concept operating as a specialized vendor within a vibrant Food court environment, JapaCurry is much more than a simple food stall. It is a dedicated Japanese curry restaurant and a comprehensive source for classic Japanese comfort food, including favorites like Gyudon restaurant-style rice bowls and rich Udon noodle restaurant selections.

JapaCurry’s menu is centered around its signature, rich Japanese curry, which is lovingly made from scratch using a time-honored family recipe. The preparation process involves a blend of secret spices and superior ingredients, ensuring a deep, complex flavor that takes days to perfect. This commitment to quality and authenticity is what sets this establishment apart in the Bay Area’s Japanese dining scene. While its reputation is built on the classic Katsu Curry, the diverse menu successfully operates as a Japanese restaurant offering a full range of meals, from quick bites to hearty dinners.

The establishment is proud to be locally recognized as an Asian-owned and women-owned business, bringing a personal and passionate touch to the culinary scene in San Jose. The overall environment, characterized by a Casual atmosphere, is highly accommodating and inclusive, identifying as both Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safespace. Whether you are looking for a satisfying Lunch, a substantial Dinner, or simply a Quick bite while enjoying a day out in the city, JapaCurry provides a welcoming and delicious experience.

Location and Accessibility

JapaCurry is ideally situated in the dynamic downtown area of San Jose, making it a perfect stop for locals, office workers, and visitors exploring the city's entertainment districts. The specific location is:

Address: 387 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Being located within a food court or market setting, the accessibility features are robust and cater to all needs:

Access for All: The venue offers full physical accessibility, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance, dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot options nearby, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and comfortable Wheelchair accessible seating.
Ample Parking: Diners have a wide range of parking choices to suit their convenience, including Free parking garage, Free parking lot, and Free street parking, as well as several Paid parking garage, Paid parking lot, and Paid street parking spaces.
Dining Environment: Guests can enjoy their meals in the main seating area or take advantage of the Outdoor seating options. The atmosphere is relaxed and conductive to shared, communal dining.
Tech Amenities: Patrons who need to stay connected will appreciate the availability of Wi-Fi within the venue.

Services Offered

JapaCurry provides a customer-focused service model designed for speed, convenience, and versatility, typical of a high-quality food court vendor but with elevated offerings.

Dining Services: Available for both Lunch and Dinner, the restaurant provides comfortable Seating and a casual dining experience.
Convenience Options: A variety of non-dine-in options are available, including Takeout, traditional Delivery, and a focus on No-contact delivery for maximum safety and ease.
Catering Specialist: Beyond daily operations, the establishment also serves as a professional Catering food and drink supplier, perfect for corporate events or private parties in the Silicon Valley region.
Dietary and Allergy Focus: The menu offers an extensive Vegetarian section, with options like Golden Tofu Curry (V) and Masala Curry Udon (V). The availability of Gluten Free items, such as Wakame Salad and Kimchi, caters to various dietary needs.
Beverage Program: Offerings include a selection of Alcohol, alongside a variety of specialty Japan Import drinks like Calpico Melon and SANGARIA RAMUNE MELON SODA, which elevate the authentic Japanese experience.
Family and Pet Accommodations: The venue is confirmed to be Good for kids with High chairs available, and in line with California's outdoor culture, Dogs allowed outside.
Payment Flexibility: Transactions are easy and quick, accepting all major forms of payment: Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

JapaCurry is particularly highlighted for its blend of authentic Japanese cuisine, convenience, and exceptional customer interaction.

Commitment to Crispy Katsu: A key highlight is the quality of the fried cutlets. Dishes like the Chicken Katsu Curry ($19.50) are consistently praised for featuring a very large piece of chicken that is genuinely crispy, making it a satisfying classic.
Authentic Japanese Curry Sauce: The curry itself is the main attraction—a rich, flavorful, and deep sauce that serves as the perfect comfort food base for all the signature dishes. An option to purchase Extra Curry Sauce ($5.00) ensures you get the perfect curry-to-rice ratio.
Diverse Japanese Comfort Food: Beyond curry, the menu excels with traditional Japanese rice bowls. The classic Gyudon ($19.50) and the savory Pork Kakuni Don ($20.50) ensure that the restaurant serves a full spectrum of popular Japanese dishes.
Unique Udon Selection: JapaCurry expands its expertise with rich curry-based noodle dishes, including the flavorful Sukiyaki Beef Curry Udon ($19.98) and the vegetarian Masala Curry Udon (V) ($15.00).
Vegetarian Variety: The comprehensive Vegetarian menu block, featuring curry with Potato Croquette (V) ($17.50) and Negi Natto Curry (V) ($16.00), makes it an outstanding choice for non-meat eaters seeking true Japanese flavors.
Exceptional Customer Service: Customer feedback frequently notes the kindness and community spirit of the owners. One memorable review highlighted an unexpected act of kindness where the owner provided a complimentary dessert to a diner, demonstrating a genuine passion for hospitality that goes beyond the quick service model.
Imported Japanese Beverages: The curated selection of hard-to-find Japanese drinks, such as Calpico varieties and Melon Cream Soda, provides an authentic pairing that enhances the overall dining experience.
Fast Service: Known for its efficient operation, Fast service is a primary highlight, making it an ideal destination for those on a tight schedule who still demand high-quality food.

Contact Information

To place an order for delivery or takeout, or to inquire about catering services for your next event in the San Jose area, please use the following contact information for JapaCurry:

Address: 387 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Phone: (408) 785-0911

What is Worth Choosing

For California diners visiting JapaCurry, the menu offers a rich array of choices, but certain items stand out as essential selections that capture the best of this Japanese comfort food specialist. To maximize your visit, consider these must-try dishes:

Chicken Katsu Curry ($19.50): As a beloved staple and a consistently top-rated item, the Chicken Katsu Curry is highly recommended. Patrons praise the large, crispy piece of chicken and the generous portion of the house-made, savory curry sauce. This dish is the definitive JapaCurry experience.
GyuCurry (Stewed Beef With Curry) ($20.00): This dish provides a perfect fusion, combining the tender, savory-sweet stewed beef typically used in Gyudon with the rich, thick house curry. It offers an incredible depth of flavor that is pure comfort food.
Tartare Crunch Chicken Katsu Curry ($20.50): For a unique twist on the classic, this option adds a creamy tartar sauce over the crispy katsu. This combination of textures and flavors—crispy, savory, and tangy—makes for an exciting and popular dish that shows the restaurant's culinary creativity.
Hokkaido Croquette (2pcs) (V) ($6.25): These Japanese potato croquettes are an excellent appetizer or side dish. They are praised for their crispy panko exterior and soft, savory mashed potato filling, and they are also a great vegetarian option.
Calpico Melon or Ramune Soda: To complete the authentic experience, select one of the specialty imported Japanese sodas. The creamy sweetness of the Calpico Melon or the unique bottled effervescence of the SANGARIA RAMUNE MELON SODA pairs perfectly with the rich, comforting taste of the curry.

JapaCurry stands out in San Jose's competitive food scene by delivering authentic Japanese curry with genuine passion and kind service. It’s an easy-to-access, high-quality dining choice that offers generous portions and a true taste of Japanese comfort food classics, making it a reliable favorite for anyone in the California region seeking an exceptional quick meal.

JapaCurry Vibe

Appetizer
Hokkaido Croquette (2pcs) (V) $6.25
Japanese Potato Croquettes, or “Korokke” , is a delicious fried food made from panko-crumbed mashed potato with vegies. In Japan, these are tasty street food but are also one of those Japanese home-style dishes that can easily be made from scratch.
Karaage (Fried Chicken)-Big 3pcs $10.50
Karaage Chicken is one of the most popular Japanese dishes not only within Japan but abroad as well. The chicken (we use tender dark red meat) is marinated with soy sauce, sake, ginger, and mirin to give a touch of sweetness.
Organic Edamame (V) $5.00
An easy, totally addicting snack or side dish – is a flavor explosion in your mouth!
Wakame Salad (Gluten Free) (V) $5.00
Our Japanese Seaweed Salad "wakame" is perfect when paired for an appetizer! Gluten-Free, No Cholesterol, Vegetarian

Extra / Topping
Extra Curry Sauce $5.00
Rich and savory Japanese curry sauce, ideal for enhancing your favorite dishes with a robust, umami-filled flavor.
Extra Japanese Rice $4.00
At JapaCurry, we believe that great food starts with great rice. That’s why we’re proud to serve premium Japanese rice, known for its fluffy texture, natural sweetness, and perfect chew. Short-grain and perfectly sticky, our rice absorbs the rich flavors of curry, gyudon, and hamburg steak, making every bite even more satisfying. Carefully cooked to perfection, each grain is tender yet firm, creating the ideal base for all our dishes.
Crispy Fried Tofu (V) $5.50
Tofu cubes are lightly pan-fried in a thin layer of oil. Each piece has a satisfyingly crispy and golden crust and pillowy inside that will make you think they’ve been deep-fried.
Extra Fukujin-Zuke $3.50
Made with crunchy daikon, cucumber, eggplant, and lotus root pickled in a soy sauce-based solution, this Homemade Fukujinzuke is a must-have relish for Japanese curry.
Boiled Organic Spinach $3.75
Boiling is the best way to go. It removes the oxalates, which are poisonous in large quantities, and is why you have to be careful juicing spinach or kale, and why it's important to squeeze out the remaining water once you are done with the boiling. Boiled Spinach pairs well with Japanese curry and cheese.
Sliced Boiled Egg $3.50
Known as Yude Tamago in Japan, Boiled Eggs are delicious as a topping on Curry or enjoyed as a snack.
Kimchi (Gluten Free) $4.00
Rich in probiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants, Kimchi boosts your immune system and promotes gut health—a healthy and delicious addition to any meal!
Extra Japanese Shredded Cabbage $4.00
Fresh shredded cabbage is the perfect companion for fried foods such as katsu.

Don (Over Rice)
Spicy Karaage Don $18.95
Spicy Karaage don is the ultimate comfort dish for fried chicken lovers like myself! Fluffy white rice topped with shredded cabbage and crispy pieces of Japanese-style fried chicken, the homemade spicy sauce takes it to another level too!
Karaage Don $18.50
Karaage don is the ultimate comfort dish for fried chicken lovers like myself! Fluffy Japanese white rice topped with shredded cabbage and crispy pieces of Japanese-style fried chicken, the homemade sweet sauce takes it to another level too!
Gyudon $19.50
Craving something rich, satisfying, and packed with umami? Meet our Gyudon—a timeless Japanese favorite that’s all about tender beef, savory sweetness, and pure comfort in every bite. Thinly sliced beef, simmered to perfection in a delicate blend of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, absorbs all the deep, umami-packed flavors. The beef stays juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory goodness.
Unagi Donburi $22.75
Bring some of the most loved flavors in Japanese summertime cuisine to your home with this easy unagi don grilled eel rice bowl recipe. ‘Unagi’ is the Japanese word for ‘eel’, and this particular one-bowl donburi dish tops servings of white rice with fillets of freshly grilled eel, all seasoned with a homemade unagi sauce. Prepare on the barbecue during a hot summer’s day, or make it on an oven grill in the evening. No MSG added
Golden Tofu Bowl (V) $17.00
Vegetarian-Friendly! Deep Fried tofu over Japanese rice with cabbage, green onions, and our signature Japanese-style glaze. Simple, healthy, and delicious.
Pork Kakuni Don (Braised Pork Belly Donburi) $20.50
Japanese Braised Pork Belly is the most succulent and fork-tender meat simmered in a delicious sweet-savory sauce. Cook it low and slow for an irresistible bite that simply melts in your mouth!

Drinks
Coca Cola Classic $3.25
Nothing beats the taste of classic Coca‑Cola. Is it designed to go with everything.
Calpico Melon 16.9 Oz (Japan Import) $5.85
Calpico (or Calpis in Japan) is the delicious milk-based drink that's now known worldwide! This variety combines the sweet and creamy taste of the original beverage with Japanese melon juice for a refreshing new spin on the classic drink!
SANGARIA RAMUNE MELON SODA 6.76 Oz (Imported) $4.55
This is the popular melon flavor of Japanese Ramune soda from Sangaria
Crystal Geyser- Spring Water $2.60
Where does Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water come from? The journey from natural spring sources to a Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water bottle isn’t very long, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy one. Check out our latest TV spot and see what it means when we say that Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water is simple…but not easy. It’s a quick origin story that separates Crystal Geyser from all other brands.
Melon Cream Soda (Can) $4.88
Every sip of this Melon Cream Japanese Soda is clean, crisp, refreshing, and has a surprising amount of body for a soft drink. This original flavor is beloved throughout Japan for its mild sweetness and creamy decadence. The carbonated drink is best served chilled or over ice. If you're a fan of adventurous snack and drink flavors, this Japanese soda is a must-try. Each can taste like the perfect cross between an ice cream float and a canned soft drink. It satisfies your sweet tooth and thirst i
Calpico - Mango 16.9oz (Japan Import) $5.85
CALPICO Mango, Non-Carbonated Drink, Japanese Beverage Contains Mango Juice Concentrate, Sweet and Tangy Asian Drink, 16.9 FL oz.
Diet-Coke $3.25
Diet Coke is the perfect balance of crisp + refreshing. It's your deliciously fizzy go-to companion. The beverage you can count on.
Oi Ocha- Japanese Tea (Unsweetened) $4.55
Oi Ocha delivers an authentic taste of Japan with every sip. Made from premium green tea leaves, it offers a pure, refreshing flavor that is both invigorating and soothing. With more than 100% Daily Value of Vitamin C and free from artificial additives, this tea supports a healthy lifestyle. Conveniently packaged for easy, on-the-go enjoyment, it’s perfect for any time of day.
Golden Oolong Tea (Unsweetened) $4.55
ITO EN's Golden Oolong Tea is one of Japan's best-selling Oolong Teas. The tea leaves used for this Golden Oolong are flowery, fragrant "Golden Cinnamon" and hearty and ripe "Iron Goddess". Oolong tea is semi oxidized, making it unique from green and black teas.
Jasmine Green Tea- (Unsweetened) $4.55
Infused with the soothing fragrance of jasmine flowers alternately layered between whole leaf green tea creating an elegant blend.

Udon/Soup
Masala Curry Udon (V) $15.00
A flavorful blend of Japanese vegetarian curry and traditional dashi made from kombu and soy sauce. Served with chewy Sanuki-style udon noodles, this dish offers a gentle yet satisfying heat from aromatic masala spices, balanced with deep umami and a clean, plant-based broth. A wholesome and comforting bowl for spice lovers and vegetarians alike.
Chicken Katsu Curry Udon $19.98
Crispy chicken cutlet served over chewy udon noodles in a rich Japanese curry broth made from kombu dashi and our signature JapaCurry sauce. A hearty and comforting bowl with deep umami and satisfying crunch.
Sukiyaki Beef Curry Udon - Gyu Curry Udon $19.98
Thinly sliced sukiyaki-style beef simmered with sweet onions and napa cabbage, served over chewy Sanuki udon in our house-made Japanese curry broth infused with kombu dashi. A rich and savory fusion of gyudon and curry — warm, hearty, and unforgettable.
Crispy Karaage Curry Udon $19.50
Juicy Japanese-style fried chicken on top of thick udon noodles, soaked in our flavorful curry soup. Crunchy, savory, and totally addictive.
TonKatsu Curry Udon- Pork Katsu Udon $21.00
Tender pork cutlet on top of thick udon noodles, served in a flavorful Japanese curry soup made from kombu-based broth and our house curry. A delicious twist on a beloved Japanese comfort food.
Crispy Potato Croquette Curry Udon (V) $17.25
Golden, crispy potato croquettes served on top of chewy Japanese udon noodles in a rich, savory vegetarian curry broth. A perfect fusion of crunch, comfort, and deep umami — 100% meat-free and full of flavor.

Curry
Pork Kakuni Curry (Braised Pork Belly) $21.00
Japanese Braised Pork Belly is the most succulent and fork-tender meat simmered in a delicious sweet-savory sauce. Cook it low and slow for an irresistible bite that simply melts in your mouth!
Stewed Hamburger Steak Curry $19.00
Our new Hamburg Curry takes the rich, velvety depth of Japanese curry and pairs it with a thick, juicy, slow-cooked hamburger steak made from a perfect blend of beef and pork. Slow-simmered to perfection, this generously sized patty is packed with umami and melts in your mouth with every bite. The slow-cooking process brings out the natural sweetness and deep, meaty richness, making it the perfect match for our signature curry sauce.
Chicken Katsu Curry $19.50
Our Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry Rice is our new favorite recipe of the moment! It’s a symphony of textures—crispy panko-breaded chicken cutlet, creamy curry sauce, and slightly sticky, beautifully translucent Japanese rice. What more could you ask from a meal?
Tartare Crunch Chicken Katsu Curry $20.50
TonKatsu (Pork) Curruy $21.00
Japanese Pork Katsu (Tonkatsu) Curry is one of the most popular signature dishes in our restaurant.
Karaage Curry (Chicken) $19.00
Our Chicken Karaage Curry Rice is a deep-fried crispy fried chicken served on a bed of hot rice topped with curry sauce. There are different ways to season the chicken, but it is always coated with potato or corn starch or flavor before it is deep-fried until it is golden brown in color.
GyuCurry (Stewed Beef With Curry) $20.00
Our GyuCurry combines the rich, slow-simmered beef of classic gyudon with our signature deep, flavorful Japanese curry. Tender, thinly sliced beef is simmered in a savory-sweet sauce until it melts in your mouth. Then, it’s generously layered over a bed of fluffy rice and smothered in our velvety, umami-packed curry sauce. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spice—a match made in curry heaven! It’s comfort food taken to the next level!

Vegetarian
Potato Croquette Curry (V) $17.50
Curry Croquettes are one popular variation of the classic Japanese croquettes with a distinctly rich flavor. These Curry Croquettes are incredibly delicious and perfect for dinner or as a snack in a bento lunch box.
Negi Natto Curry (V) $16.00
Natto—Japan’s traditional fermented soybeans—is known for its unique aroma and sticky texture. While it may be unfamiliar to many in the U.S., natto is a powerhouse of umami and packed with probiotics, making it a true superfood. To balance the aroma and add a refreshing crunch, we incorporate finely chopped negi (Japanese green onions), which complement natto’s deep, savory notes.
Golden Tofu Curry (V) $16.75
Lightly fried tofu served on a bed of steamed rice and shredded cabbage, smothered in our rich and flavorful Japanese curry. Topped with fresh green onions for a perfect balance of texture and taste. A comforting vegetarian option loved by all!
Golden Tofu Bowl (V) $15.75
Vegetarian-Friendly! Deep Fried tofu over Japanese rice with cabbage, green onions, and our signature Japanese-style glaze. Simple, healthy, and delicious.
Spinach Curry (V) $15.50
This is one of our favorites. Our spinach curry is thicker in texture and tastes sweeter but less spicy than its Indian counterpart.

JapaCurry Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in
Onsite services

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop

Offerings
Alcohol
Comfort food
Quick bite

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Seating

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free parking garage
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid parking garage
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

JapaCurry Photos

JapaCurry Location

JapaCurry

California Santa Clara County San Jose Ballbach and SOFA South 1st Street

387 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

JapaCurry Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 15 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Nearly $20 with tip—after paying for metered street parking — to get this karaage (fried chicken) curry plate and the chicken was SOGGY exactly like it was microwaved from frozen.Not to mention the rice was overcooked. The curry itself was the only edible thing.Why bother running a restaurant with this level of disrespect for the food and your customers? I want so little out of life and this completely ruined my day
September 18 · rossewidge
Came to San Jose for work and found SoFa wandering around the hotel area.I love Japanese food and there is truly not enough representation where I’m from so I was excited to see it.I got the Katsu Chicken Curry (a well loved staple)The portion was large, the sauce was delicious and the chicken was crispy. It was a very large piece of chicken which is great. I would love the option to have the sauce on the side.I was eating alone, normally something I enjoy, but this week just happened to be more difficult in multiple aspects and I was feeling down. I mention this because while I was eating the owner (?) brought out this little dish of ice cream without explanation as a feature of kindness .. that was exactly what I needed and it’s amazing of them to recognize. The owners are kind and excited to begin their culinary journey .. I will pray and hope the community supports nice people and good food.
July 24 · kelsey k
Went to try out this new curry place in SOFA market and it did not disappoint. The Japanese owners recommended the tartar chicken katsu curry which I was skeptical of but it was actually pretty good! Also tried the potato croquettes and they were great as well. Will be coming back again!
August 02 · Richard
I ordered the Gyu Don and added an egg.I was a little disappointed that the egg was hard boiled when the menu shows it as soft boiled or jammy. The rice was perfect but the meat had a strange almost bitter flavor. The service was quick and friendly!I know they are known for their curry so maybe that's where their menu shines.
August 05 · arthuranbu
LOOOOOOOVE JAPACURRY!!! I was so happy to see them at SoFa market! Tonkatsu DELICIOUS. hamburger steak DELICIOUS. Karaage DELICIOUS. The curry in general, DELICIOUS. I eat here almost once every two weeks at this point, no regrets!
August 07 · Hannah Y. G.