For the first stop on the "Curry Tour Tokyo 2020-2021," TANGTANG designer Masato Tanno and curry-loving office worker and Instagrammer Sato2 headed to "SPICY CURRY Roka," a popular curry restaurant in Hyakunincho, Okubo, just a few minutes' walk from Shinjuku.

Sato2 says he's looking for "the idol curry that everyone recognizes," and he's going to uncover the secrets of this restaurant.

Related article: "Curry Tour Tokyo 2020-2021" Interview with Mr. Tanno and Mr. Sato2
Limited-edition collaboration T-shirt with a renowned curry restaurant that will impress even the most discerning curry lovers | TANGTANG x Sato2 x ISETAN

The ultimate spice curry! "Tokyo's idol curry you can meet tomorrow"

When asked about the meaning of the catchphrase "Tokyo's idol curry that you can go see tomorrow" that Sato2 came up with for "Roka," he replied, "The owner, Eritsin, is kind and cute, and Eritsin herself is an idol, and the curry is loved by everyone, so it's truly a naturally born idol curry. Having a lovable character is also a talent."


When asked about the appeal of curry, Eritsin said, "Of all foods, curry is exceptionally addictive. When you eat curry, you want to eat more. I think of curry as 'something you eat for its aroma,' and the scent soothes you, energizes you, and leaves a lasting impression. I love spices. I'm captivated by the charm of spices."

Regarding her long-time acquaintance, Sato2, she said, "She's a woman with an amazing palate and sense of taste. Looking at her curry travelogue on Instagram, her vocabulary for food reviews is outstanding. I think she's a wonderful 'curry lover's evangelist' who conveys the charm of food to the younger generation."


Regarding Tantan's curry T-shirt, Eritsin said, "I'm really looking forward to it becoming a T-shirt. I hope that even people who aren't interested in food will be drawn in by the fashion aspect and that at least one more person will go out to eat curry wearing a curry T-shirt. Please come eat while wearing Roka's curry T-shirt!"

The owner's secret to enjoying the curry at "SPICY CURRY Roka"!

Q. What are your most popular menu items?
This is a "filter plate"!


Q. What are the key features and unique aspects of the "filter plate"?
This one-of-a-kind dish combines authentic spice curry with Taiwanese street food's popular braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan). Mix them together halfway through for an amazing multiplicative flavor experience!

Q. What kind of mood would you like people to be in when they eat the "Roka Plate"?
This is perfect for when you're craving something spicy! It will satisfy your spicy food cravings all at once. It's also recommended when you want to boost your energy. It will give you the vitality you need for tomorrow.

Q. What are the unique flavor strengths of "SPICY CURRY Roka"?
Located in Okubo, one of Japan's premier spice hubs, we personally source our spices to ensure their exceptional freshness. You can enjoy the vibrant aromas and fresh colors of our spices.

Q. What are some restaurants or curry shops that the owner frequents?
I often go to "Ethiopia" in Jinbocho and "Yoshida Curry" in Ogikubo!

Q. What are your honest thoughts on being interviewed about the "Curry T-shirt"?
As someone who runs a curry shop, I never imagined I'd be asked to participate in a T-shirt collaboration project with a famous designer, and honestly, my first thought was that I'd want to wear it myself (laughs).

Q. Finally, could you tell us about a shop that isn't very well known yet, or a secret story that only the staff knows? I like ramen as much as curry, so I'm planning to develop a spice ramen in the future.

The long-awaited curry at "Roka" is a tangible manifestation of the owner's love for curry (Tanno)

I finally visited "Roka," a restaurant I'd always wanted to try, and I felt like, "This is where this curry is born." It was even more delicious than I expected, and while it was spicier than I anticipated, the balance was exquisite, and the taste exceeded my imagination.


If someone asks me, "What does Roka's curry taste like?", I'd answer, "It's a curry that curry lovers should try." The unique, fresh spice profile is challenging yet truly delicious. It's a tangible representation of the owner, Eri's, love for curry. I'd love to create a T-shirt that conveys the freshness of the spices.

Fresh spice curry, Eritsin-san, I "love" both! (Sato2)

For those who want to float with spices, get high, or enter a trance-like state, I recommend "Roka". This was my fourth visit to the restaurant, and it had been a year and a half since I last ate there, but it was still delicious. The contrast between the cute personality of the owner, Eritsin, and the sadistic spiciness of the food is also delicious.



Today I had the limited-time "Roka Plate," which is a medicinal oyster curry. It's strange, but I don't usually sweat much when I eat curry, but when I eat Roka's curry, I start to sweat. Even in winter, it warms you up nicely. The oyster flavor, which I love, is incredibly strong, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mitsukoshi Isetan Limited Edition TANGTANG "SPICY CURRY Roka" T-shirt

[Information about the store that cooperated with us] SPICY CURRY Roka

Address: 1F, Cheminée Building, 1-24-7 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3367-7111
Opening Hours: [Monday, Wednesday, Friday] 11:00-15:00 [Tuesday, Thursday] 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:00 Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Twitter https://twitter.com/spicycurryroka
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spicycurryroka/