Japanese curry was introduced from England in the 19th century. It was first served in the Japanese Navy, and then spread to ordinary cafeterias and homes. Curry is based on Western spices and arranged to suit Japanese tastes.
Curry rice is a typical form of Japanese curry, with curry sauce poured over rice. Common ingredients include potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat (such as beef or chicken). This is sometimes topped with fries or eggs.
There are curry specialty stores all over the country, and you can enjoy curry that is tailored to each store and region. There are also local curries sold as retort curries, so you can easily enjoy them online while staying at home.
Other popular curry arrangements include curry udon and curry bread.
Hayashi rice is a type of Western food in Japan, consisting of rice topped with meat and vegetables in a rich demi-glace sauce.
While curry has its roots in England, hayashi rice has its roots in French cuisine at the end of the 19th century. A Japanese version of French demi-glace sauce was introduced to Japan, and Hayashi rice was born. Hayashi rice is said to have been served for the first time at French Tei, a Western restaurant in Kanda, Tokyo.
Hayashi rice is commonly made with beef, but there are also variations using chicken or sausage. Vegetables such as onions, carrots, and potatoes are also added, and these ingredients combine with the sauce to create a delicious dish. It is characterized by a rich, sweet and rich demi-glace sauce.