“Speaking of Obihiro, it’s Indian Curry.” In recent years, it has been featured more often on TV and social media, and its name has become known nationwide.Yet it’s not often that people talk about why this curry was born in Tokachi/Obihiro—and why, for more than half a century, it has continued to take root locally as a “soul food.”
Indian Curry’s locations are limited to the Tokachi area and Kushiro City. It isn’t something consumed as a tourist attraction, but a flavor that exists as an extension of everyday life. Precisely because of that, it has become deeply intertwined with the lives and values of Obihiro’s people, nurturing a unique culture of its own.
For visitors, it’s a local specialty; for locals, it’s the usual taste. Through Indian Curry, take a peek into Tokachi/Obihiro’s “everyday food culture.”
One of the joys of traveling is discovering delicious things unique to the destination. Obihiro has three must-eat soul foods: charcoal-grilled pork r...
Contents
- Indian Curry Is Infrastructure That Supports Obihiro’s Table
- Packed with Tokachi/Obihiro Everyday Life, Indian’s Curry Culture
- Make It Your Own: Customizing Indian Curry
- A Store-Selection Guide for Indian That Won’t Confuse You Mid-Trip
- Take Tokachi/Obihiro Memories Home: Indian Curry Takeout
- A Taste of Obihiro Life, Felt in a Single Plate of Curry
Indian Curry Is Infrastructure That Supports Obihiro’s Table
For people living in Tokachi and Obihiro, Indian Curry is an everyday choice. Like buying vegetables at the supermarket, it’s chosen as a routine lunch for office workers—or as a lifesaver on days when you can’t decide what to do for dinner.
Indian Curry’s roots trace back to the long-established Western-style restaurant “Fujimori,” where the curry originally served there became so popular that it led to chain expansion. Even today, “Fujimori” still has menu items that use Indian Curry.
People in Tokachi and Obihiro use Indian Curry very frequently. Some eat it once a week; others say they can eat it three days in a row and somehow never get tired of it. It occupies a position you might even call fast food, yet at the same time it’s loved as a soul food too.
It isn’t a “special occasion” place—yet it’s deeply etched into everyday life. For those living in Tokachi and Obihiro, Indian Curry is a place you go because it’s there, and also a place you choose because you need it.It’s an existence that stays close to the reality of daily living—something the tourist perspective can easily overlook.
Packed with Tokachi/Obihiro Everyday Life,
Indian’s Curry Culture
The reason Indian Curry has been loved in Tokachi and Obihiro isn’t only about taste and price. The city’s own lifestyle and values are deeply tied into it.
Here, we’ll unravel—through specific customs—how Indian Curry has been used as part of Tokachi/Obihiro life, going beyond being simply a “curry shop.”
Bringing Your Own Pot for Takeout
What surprises people from other regions is this: if you bring a pot from home to the shop, they’ll ladle the roux straight into it. This “bring-your-own-pot culture” has been a deeply rooted custom since the first store opened in 1968.
Takeout in the shop’s containers is also possible, but if you bring your own pot, you can take it home without paying for the container.
Taking curry roux home in a pot also makes it easier to adjust portions—for example, for kids who only eat a little, or for dads who want a big serving.
Large Orders for Events and Offices
Indian Curry is also a great fit for group use, and it may be ordered in bulk as a way to fill up at school events, local festivals, meetings, and more.
It’s served quickly, you can adjust the spice level, and it’s a taste everyone loves. That’s why both adults and kids can all enjoy it together.
If you live in Tokachi or Obihiro, you may well be one of many people who has the experience of “eating it at a school event when I was a kid.”
Frozen Roux Arrives, Becoming a New Culture
From October 2023, frozen roux began to be sold. At first, sales were limited to just one store, but now you can buy it at 12 locations—meaning it’s available at most stores.
If you buy this, you can enjoy that taste right away whenever you think, “I want to eat it!”
You can also have fun adding your own favorite toppings that aren’t available in the shop.
For people from Tokachi/Obihiro who now live far away, it’s apparently common to ask family back home to include frozen curry in care packages.
Even visitors can buy it as a souvenir, since there are cooler-bag options and shipping services. We’ll introduce more details about frozen items later in the article.
Make It Your Own: Customizing Indian Curry
Indian Curry becomes even more enjoyable once you know how to choose.
Type of roux, toppings, spice level, portion size—. The appeal is that you can freely combine them to match your taste and mood that day.So that even first-time visitors can order without hesitation, here’s a guide to Indian Curry’s unique customizations.
Start by Choosing Your Roux
At Indian Curry, there are three types: Indian Roux, Basic Roux, and Vegetable Roux.
Basic Roux: A simple curry that draws out umami and sweetness by adding onions to a roux infused with beef extract. Matches well with any ingredients.
Vegetable Roux: A curry with chunky potatoes, carrots, and onions. A gentle flavor with rustic comfort.
The roux used differs by menu item, but customization is possible. For example, if you order “Shrimp,” it’s served with Basic Roux—but if you order “Indian” with “Shrimp topping,” you’ll get shrimp served with Indian Roux.
It’s not written on the menu, but it’s a common way locals order.Because everyone has their own preference, you’ll sometimes hear conversations among Tokachi/Obihiro locals like, “I’m team Basic!” or “I only ever eat Indian Roux!”
Build Your Ideal Plate with Toppings
Toppings are what expand the fun of Indian even further.
Toppings include:
.
You can order as many toppings as you like, in any quantity you like. “Two hamburg steaks!”—or for the ambitious, you can even go for “All toppings!” That’s part of the fun.
Also, don’t miss the three kinds of condiments on the table. Fukujinzuke, gari, and the green one…
The “green one,” whose name many people probably don’t know. It’s actually a pickle made by mixing perilla seeds, daikon, and cucumber. It’s so good that many people pile on a lot.
All of these condiments pair perfectly with curry! They add a crisp texture too, making it even more delicious.
Adjust Spice Level and Portion Freely
You can choose the spiciness from five levels.
From those who dislike heat to serious spice lovers, everyone can enjoy curry their own way.
Extreme Hot is genuinely hot even for spice lovers—so if you’re confident in your tolerance, be sure to give it a try.
There’s also chili oil on the table. It adds heat without ruining the curry’s flavor, so we also recommend choosing a milder roux and adjusting as you eat by drizzling on chili oil.
You can also order your preferred portion size.
Large: 400g
Extra-Large Large: 680g
Small: 200g
In addition, if you want less, you can order “half rice” or “100g rice,” etc. However, please note that even if you reduce the portion, the price remains the same as the regular size.Decide the amount in consultation with your stomach.
A Store-Selection Guide for Indian That Won’t Confuse You Mid-Trip
Indian Curry has multiple locations mainly within Obihiro City, but usability changes depending on “which one you go to.”
Here we’ll整理 the key points for choosing stores, depending on your group size and transportation.
If You Want to Keep Everything Around Obihiro Station
・Esta Obihiro Store (inside Obihiro Station)
・Machinaka Store
If you want to stay in central Obihiro without going far from Obihiro Station, choosing a station-area store reduces travel hassle.It’s also easy to access for those using public transportation like buses, and it’s an advantage that it’s easy to fit in even on a short stay.
Also, the long-established “Fujimori,” the origin of Indian Curry, is located about midway between the Machinaka Store and the Esta Obihiro Store—so you can also eat curry at Fujimori.
However, at lunchtime, every store is often crowded—even on weekdays—so be sure to visit with plenty of time.
If You’re Driving, Prioritize Easy Parking
・Natsuzora Store (inside Michi-no-Eki Otofuke)
・Higashi 5-jo Store
・Satsunai Store
・Nishi 18-jo Store (inside Super Piazza Fukuhara)
・Nishi 21-jo Store
・MEGA Don Quijote Nishi-Obihiro Store (inside MEGA Don Quijote)
・Memuro Store
・Minamino Store
・Otofuke Store (inside Super Piazza Fukuhara)
If you’re traveling by rental car or your own car, choosing a store with parking is the most convenient. Most stores have spacious parking lots and easy entrances/exits, so even around lunch or dinner time, you can use them relatively smoothly.They’re also well-suited for visiting in groups or for takeout.
In fact, the Machinaka Store also has parking, but it only fits about three cars, so it’s not highly recommended.
If You’re with Kids, on a Family Trip, or in a Group of 3+
・Machinaka Store
・Natsuzora Store (inside Michi-no-Eki Otofuke)
・Nishi 18-jo Store (inside Super Piazza Fukuhara)
・Nishi 21-jo Store
・MEGA Don Quijote Nishi-Obihiro Store (inside MEGA Don Quijote)
・Memuro Store
・Otofuke Store (inside Super Piazza Fukuhara)
Some Indian Curry locations have only counter seating.If you’re with kids or in a group of three or more, choosing a store with box seats lets you enjoy your meal more comfortably.
Natsuzora Store is inside the food court at Michi-no-Eki Otofuke, so it’s different from the box seats at other stores—you find an open seat in the food court and use it.
By the way, the Esta Obihiro Store (inside Obihiro Station) is the only location with a standing table. Since it’s inside the station, it’s ideal for people who want to eat quickly before boarding a train.
Bonus: A New Form of Indian Curry—“Konnichiwa”
In July 2025, Fujimori Shokai, which operates Indian Curry, opened “TokachiSpice Konnichiwa” inside Fujimaru Park in Obihiro.
What you can enjoy here are limited menu items not served at Fujimori or Indian Curry. The signature “Special Keema Curry” is a dish based on Indian’s Basic Roux, with ground meat and onions added.
The “Indian Man” is also one of the popular items. Using Indian Roux, it wraps a filling made with Otofuke beef and locally grown onions in a slightly sweet dough made with Tokachi wheat—an experience you can only find here.They also offer curry-flavored fried chicken and alcohol, making it an easy place to stop by not just for a meal.
*Because Fujimaru Park is an outdoor facility, it is closed during the winter season. (Summer opening information is announced on the official website and Instagram.)
Take Tokachi/Obihiro Memories Home:
Indian Curry Takeout
Indian’s curry doesn’t end with eating at the store.Recently, frozen products have appeared, making it possible to enjoy “that taste” at home even after leaving Tokachi/Obihiro.
It’s beginning to take on another role as a souvenir—slowly recalling Tokachi/Obihiro memories at your own table.
Bring It Home as Frozen Curry
As introduced earlier, Indian Curry is also sold frozen.Using “Indian Roux” as the base among the three roux types, it’s made so you can enjoy the store’s taste even when frozen.
Frozen curry can be purchased starting from a single pouch, and boxes of 4 or 10 pouches are also available. There is no mail order; you can only buy it in-store.However, if you put ice packs in an insulated cooler bag, you can carry it for about 3–4 hours, so you can take it home without difficulty even on your way back from a trip.
Frozen curry is sold at most stores, but please note that it is not sold at the “Satsunai Store” and “Nishi 18-jo Store.”(As of January 2026)
Also, the “Esta Obihiro Store” and “Natsuzora Store” sell frozen Indian Man as well.Indian Man drew a huge response after sales began at “Konnichiwa” inside Fujimaru Park.It’s attracting attention as a new way to enjoy Indian Curry.
You can buy them individually, but the “Esta Obihiro Store” and “Nishi 21-jo Store” also sell boxes of eight—perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
Frozen Gift Sets for Gifting
At the Esta Obihiro Store and Nishi 21-jo Store, gift sets combining frozen curry and Indian Man are sold. The set includes eight frozen Indian Man and four frozen Indian Curry pouches, prepared as a shipping-only product.
Also, only at the “Esta Obihiro Store,” it is possible to ship frozen curry. Indian Curry has many fans nationwide. Sending it to someone who lives far away is sure to make them happy.
A Taste of Obihiro Life, Felt in a Single Plate of Curry
Indian Curry isn’t something prepared for tourists—it’s simply something that has remained close to everyday life in Tokachi and Obihiro.People who bring pots to receive it, people who choose it without hesitation as a dinner option, curry that lines up as a matter of course at events and workplaces.In those scenes, the region’s daily rhythm and values are reflected just as they are.
What you touch through a single plate of curry isn’t just flavor, but the everyday life of this region itself.
Eating Indian Curry may be less about “touring” Tokachi/Obihiro—and more like, for just a moment, “trying out living there.”
