朝寢坊の咖哩 新竹店
The Japanese curry specialty store located in Hsinchu, Chao Qinfang no Curry, features a low-key overall style and reasonable prices, making it a satisfying place to enjoy a hearty meal of curry 🍛.
Upon entering the store, the most attractive feature is their self-service bar. Here, you can find room temperature water, ice water, kelp and egg drop soup, and pickled radish, all available for free. Especially the kelp and egg drop soup, with its refreshing broth and smooth egg drops, is a perfect starter that pairs well with curry and makes you want to grab a couple of bowls.
You can customize the curry by adding minced garlic or meat sauce according to your preference, which is a thoughtful touch and showcases local characteristics. I chose to add minced garlic and found that its slight spiciness complemented the curry spices perfectly, enriching the overall flavor. It's definitely worth trying! As for spiciness, the mildest curry in the shop is slightly spicy; I don’t usually eat spicy food, but upon tasting it, I found the heat to be very gentle, just offering a hint of flavor without being overwhelming 🌶️.
Hamburger Curry
The hamburger patty is thick and has a firm texture with a hint of pepper flavor. The seasoning is on the heavier side but not overly salty, perfectly balancing with the curry sauce. It’s not bursting with juices, but overall, it's quite tasty.
Chicken Nugget Curry + Cheese
The chicken nuggets are fairly standard and not particularly impressive. Adding cheese for an extra 50 NT dollars does make it richer, but it’s a bit pricey; however, the portion is generous and still satisfying 🧀.
Pork Cutlet Curry
The pork cutlet is fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with enough thickness and a chewy texture that retains its juiciness and sweetness. It’s delicious on its own and pairs wonderfully with the rich curry!
Additionally, the egg option is quite flexible, with choices of raw egg yolk or boiled egg. This time I chose the raw egg yolk, which added to the curry rice significantly.
Overall, Chao Qinfang no Curry is a Japanese curry shop that emphasizes affordability and satisfaction. While not every dish may be awe-inspiring, great care is put into the self-service bar, customizable toppings, and overall portions. Whether you are a fan of bold-flavored curries or simply want a warm and filling Japanese meal, this place is worth a try. Especially in Hsinchu, where there are not many high value-for-money eateries, the presence of Chao Qinfang gives a sense of comfort and satisfaction!