Introducing Otsuka Curry & Coffee Yukiko

Hello, I’m Gachako, a writer for [Sarukuma].
As summer approaches, don’t you start craving a bowl of fragrant, spice-packed curry?

Today I’m featuring Otsuka Curry & Coffee Yukiko, located on the grounds of the former Midori Elementary School in Itakusu, Nagomi Town, Tamana District.

The shop is a little tricky to spot from the road.
There’s a sign for Midori Elementary School, but it’s easy to drive right past it.
We recommend slowing down once you’re in the area.

The shop is set up in the old caretaker’s room of the closed elementary school, where the lovely owner Yukiko-san runs the whole place on her own.
There’s parking for around five cars.

And there it is — exactly the spice curry I’d been craving!

The moment you open the door, you’re welcomed by an irresistible aroma of curry.
Guests take off their shoes at the entrance — slippers are kindly provided.

Inside, there are 4 counter seats.

The original classroom chairs fit the space perfectly — just the right size, and adorably nostalgic.

There’s also one table seat for two.

The menu is written on a chalkboard — fitting for a former school!
“This will be on the test, everyone!” (Just kidding)

Chicken Curry…950 yen
Keema Curry…950 yen
Combo (both curries)…1,050 yen
(+250 yen for a drink set)

Drinks:
Hand-ground Coffee…380 yen
Chai (hot/iced)…400 yen
Lassi…380 yen
Ginger Ale…300 yen
Cold-brew Coffee…400 yen

Half Curry & Drink Set…800 yen

Recommended Menu at Otsuka Curry & Coffee Yukiko

I ordered the Half Curry & Drink Set (800 yen).
For the curry, I went with the Chicken Curry.

The side dish was a carrot and pickled-plum (umeboshi) rapée.
The side dishes change daily.
Adding umeboshi to a French-style rapée is the kind of idea only a real pro would come up with.
It was honestly so good — I’d happily buy a jar to take home!

The curry has a distinctive cumin aroma, and the chicken is fall-apart tender.
The rice — locally grown in Nagomi Town and cooked in a traditional hagama (cast-iron pot) — is wonderfully delicious as well.
It’s barely spicy at all, so even kids can enjoy it.

Adults who want extra heat can dial it up with the house-made “Achaar” on the side.
It’s not just a plain chili paste — it adds both heat and umami, doubling the flavor of every bite.

This Achaar is seriously addictive!

For my drink, I picked the Lassi.
Fun fact — it was actually my first lassi ever! A little nervous, a little excited.
It was creamy, almost like a drinkable yogurt, and refreshingly tasty.
And here’s my friend’s Half Keema Curry.
It’s loaded with vegetables and minced meat.
If you can’t decide, the combo plate is highly recommended — you get to enjoy both the chicken curry and the keema curry at once!

Be sure to stop by “Otsuka Curry & Coffee Yukiko” for a truly delicious bowl of curry.

Just a 2-minute drive away, here’s another spot we recommend:

[malou — Itakusu, Nagomi Town, Tamana District] Opened 2022.6.15. Gather here — a creative space with books, café, art, and a kids’ corner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.