Baked Curry @ Mojiko Saryo, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka

 

Baked curry or "yaki kare" as its called here, is something of a local treat that is actually pretty underrated. It was only when I was living in Fukuoka that I discovered this hearty take on the already famous classic. I had tried it once in a classic curry shop not too far from my apartment (click here) and I really enjoyed it. But this time, it will be in its original birthplace of Kitakyushu. 

Mojiko at its best. 

Like most port towns in Japan, Kitakyushu has a very colourful and unique history. Literally translated to "northern Kyushu", it has been one of the entry points into the country via sea and also connects Kyushu to the main Honshu island via tunnels and bridges that head to Yamaguchi. As such, fusion is the name of the game here. As mentioned in my previous post on Honpo,  baked curry is prepared by placing steamed rice in a baking dish, and covering it with a thick curry sauce. It is then topping the whole thing with cheese and broiling it until the cheese starts to bubble up. It is believed that the dish was created in the 50s in the seaside city of Mojiko. Which was where we headed. 

A line at 3pm? 

There are various established places that sell this local delicacy. As I had tried Honpo although in Hakata instead , we decided to visit another popular establishment. This is where Mojiko Saryo comes in. Established in 1995, it has been one of the popular dining spots in the portside. And popular it is, as there is a waiting list even though we were there at about 3 pm. The cafe serves a variety of yoshoku and classic Japanese dishes. However, the main star is the baked curry. As such, choosing was a simple process. In terms of what is in store, you can opt for a classic curry, or the black curry which is deeper and spicier in flavour. In terms of toppings, you can opt to have a hamburg steak inside. 

Not sure chopsticks are the best tools for this job. 

Despite what you intend to order, there is no doubt you will have something superbly tasty. With regard to the black curry, it was smoky and deep. The sauce tasted like it has been roasted under an oak fire and had a unique quality to it. It was rich and velvety. Sticking to every grain of rice like glue to paper, it provided a mouth-watering experience that I really enjoyed.

Velvety

 The golden cheese on top gave it extra contrast in terms of flavour and texture. There is also a boiled egg inside, thus giving it more textures that you bargain for. You can opt for a soft boiled egg, which will mix into the sauce if you like. 

A healthy chunk of the hambagu

The standard curry is no slouch either. Although not as smoky, it was also a tasty treat. It has a milder profile, but is somehow zestier. Its flavour is more pronounced than the black one. In terms of which is better, both are equally good. Just a matter of preference to be honest. But if you want something more filling, this option will be more suitable as it comes with a hamburg steak. It was pretty good, but there are better places if you are a fan of the hambagu. 

Swimming in soup. 

On the other hand, if you are not into curry, there are noodle dishes to try. A friend that tagged along got the fugu tempura udon which was really good according to her. Yes, you can get deep-fried blowfish. A bit of a novelty item, but then again we are near Yamaguchi. Perhaps being close to fugu central has its other perks. 

A close up of the sign in front of the house. 

Overall, this is one curry dish really worth the trouble in getting. And the prices are pretty decent too. The black curry and the normal curry with a hamburg steak stood at 1030 yen each. While the udon bowl was for 720 yen. So if you fancy a go, the address to this classic cafe is as follows:

7-8 Minatomachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 801-0852