curry at Carvaan Delicatessen (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
I like curry, especially when it has an exotic, crispy aroma, complicated spicy flavors and rich texture. So, whenever I explore the international port cities, such as Yokohama, Kobe and Nagasaki, curry shops are always a strong lunch option.
When I walked around the center of Yokohama City recently, I decided to sample curry, but not standard Indian and Nepali curries, easily found anywhere in Japan. I searched online and found Carvaan Delicatessen, an Arabian deli food chain shop inside Takashimaya Department Store near JR Yokohama Station. The tiny restaurant is in the “depachika,” or basement floor of the department store.
The restaurant’s exterior and interior with golden calligraphy accents and arabesque patterns reminded me of Disney’s “Aladdin.”
The menu offered plenty to fill you up like a King of Arabia including curry, falafel, hummus, basmati rice, desserts and more. The eatery even offers vegan, vegetarian and halal options, so anyone can enjoy a decadent meal. Customers are free to purchase deli items to go or can sit in the small eat-in area next to the shop.
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
I was fortunate to find a spot in the dining area and ordered Zoroaster Curry for 1,458 yen (about $10) and “Arabian Lime Ale” beer for 880 yen. Soon, my meal arrived. The deliciously fragrant curry included a serving of basmati rice and three chunks of roasted chicken.
The Zoroaster Curry was as smooth and melting in texture as I had expected, but different from straightforward and extremely spicy Indian curries. The flavor was more complicated but less spicy and paired perfectly with the sweet basmati rice. The crisp, tender chicken had a strong cumin flavor. My meal was complete with the refreshing lime ale and evoked images of a nice moonlight breeze on an Arabian desert.
If you find yourself hungry and thirsty and see Carvaan Delicatessen, it’s not a mirage. Say “Open Sesame” and take your tastebuds on a trip to the Middle East.
Address: 1-6-31 Takashimaya [B1F], Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Phone: 045-620-7871
Other info: Besides the shop in Takashimaya, Carvaan Delicatessen has four more shops and restaurants in Sakuragicho in Kanagawa, Shibuya (2 shops) in Tokyo and Hanno (2 shops) in Saitama. See webpage for more information.
