Cheese and curry might sound wierd but in Eri Curry, a Japanese-based Katsu restaurant, cheese and curry is their main attraction and it is definitely worth the try. This is the real Japanese curry. Japanese curry, based on their history actually originated from India, but it was the British who introduced it to the Japanese in the late 19th century. India’s curry was a bit stronger for the Japanese so they made a milder more savory and thicker sauce instead of the strong smelling, super spicy Indian curry. Eri Curry, implements this with a twist by adding cheese on top of the creamy curry topped with pickled ginger.
Their menu mainly consists of curry-based meat which includes katsudon, fish, mushroom, chicken and even Gyoza. Like what we are used to with the likes of pepper lunch, they have steps on how you start your orders. Basically a concept-Japanese restaurant, it also offer California Maki and traditional Gyoza; and some desserts to wash off the strong curry taste. Of course, most Eri Curry goers would pick the Katsu Curry, a small to a regular rice for, and take note that the spicy level is not that spicy so I would personally go for the Fiery for that kick you want from getting a curry.
When we ate their I got the Omelette Katsu Curry which will set you back for around 350 pesos. The taste is the same as with the original Katsu curry, but you just an omellete on top for an additional 15Php. Let’s start with the sauce since this is the main component of the dish. Apart from the spicy yet creamy curry poured on top of the dish, the cheese visible from the dish is something to look forward too. You mix the whole lot of the sauce on to your rice while putting aside the meat. Now, this might be something you want to do or not, I personally do not mix the sauce with the rice and instead have a spoonful of cheese and curry sauce then adding it only to the rice when I am about to put it in my mouth. This prevents the sauce from drying out and letting me enjoy both the hot rice, the flavor of the curry and the creamy cheese altogether. If you want a little more flavor, you might want to add the pickled ginger later on, this gives the dish a bit of a tangy taste.
Remember the meat, well its not all about the sauce, the meat is really soft and juicy. The katsu crust is still crunchy despite all the curry and cheese poured over it. I enjoyed every bite of it, and that bit of fat on the corner of each piece is heaven with a lot of sauce. I’ve been rambling about the sauce, some restaurant; when it comes to providing sauce is a bit stingy; Eri Curry however gives you enough curry and cheese sauce that is just perfectly right for the rice and your pork.
You may want to check this video out on how to eat the curry dishes available in Eri Curry.
In an overall point of view, Eri Curry is one food trip you would want if you are craving for a good Katsu and and great curry restaurant. It is very accessible as it is located at one of the most popular malls in the country; while the ambiance will give you of a more conservative yet modern Japanese feel. Comfort wise, the wooden chair is not bad, but the service and the speed of the servers are great. I’ve been here twice, and I still want to go back for more curry/cheese goodness.
Eri Curry is located at the Atrium portion of SM Megamall, it is just in front of the newly opened Samkojin restaurant their and is open during mall hours, or check them out on their facebook page.
