There is some debate among our family as to who “discovered” “Bolcano Curry” (as Ria calls it). Usually, I am the one who finds all the cool places to food adventure to, but I am going to concede and give this one to my hubby.
In the cold, foggy depths of the Inner Richmond (19th & Geary) this pint-sized restaurant serves some of the best Japanese curry I have ever had. This is true comfort food for us and we find ourselves drawn back way too often. This place manages to be kid-friendly as well as it offers their curry in four levels of “hotness” – “mild”, medium”, “hot” and their namesake, “volcano”. I dare you to try “volcano” – I have seen a good many “chilli heads” sweat and tear up. :) In a city where truly spicy food is a tough find, this place is a God-send for those of us who crave searingly hot food from time to time.
Japanese curry is known to be less aromatic, slightly sweeter than Indian and Thai curries and is thickened with a roux. At Volcano, they cook their curry base for 8 to 10 hours and then they let is sit overnight to allow the taste to develop. This is apparently the traditional way to make Japanese curry. The menu is simple but the “combination” possibilities are endless. I am huge fan of restaurants that make just a couple of things but do them exceptionally well. They care about their craft at Volcano and it shows.
Ria loves this place as well and orders her curry at the “mild” level. If all fails with the kids – get the curry on the side and give them some deep fried chicken katsu and rice. Perhaps a potato croquette on the side. Don’t let the name of the restaurant or my obsession with hot food lead you to believe that you cannot ‘venture here with your kids.
If you want to try and make your own Japanese curry at home try this Pork Curry from one of our favorite bloggers, Nami at Just One Cookbook. I am going to try this one soon.
I really want to try this place! I never get tired of eating (Japanese) curry! I can cook curry at home and eat the curry at this restaurant in a same week!! Thanks for mentioning my blog.🙂
I heard this can also serve as a great brunch option for picky eaters as well!
Yes, some of us are “rude” and take this along when invited to other people’s homes🙂
Yummy! I love curry, and this place looks right up my alley. I’m going to see if my hubby wants to try it out. Thanks!
Do check it out, you will not regret it. And let us know if you liked it!
We went there this past weekend and I really liked it! I got the beef curry soup, my hubby got the chicken katsu curry. Both were yummy. I also got the potato and onion croquette to try. My youngest son really liked them. When we walked in, it smelled divine. We’ll definitely go back. Thanks for posting about it!
So glad you checked it out. Totally addicted to this place! Surprisingly kid friendly!
Sounds like a great restaurant to try. I grew up in that n’hood and remember when there was just one Japanese restaurant per mile. Love that there are so many options now.
Let’s plan to check it out someday together. We need to do a food adventure together.🙂
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Ria sounds incredibly cute😛 Thanks for sharing all this information, it is incredibly interesting.
i love this place! i’ve tried it once but never had a chance to go back. they’re yummy!🙂
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