Savoy

Don’t you find yourself inexplicably drawn to those small curry shops that have a distinct Showa-era vibe? Those kinds of places are usually located near train stations, operating quietly in the background, yet somehow they manage to draw in customers of all ages and genders… Just like Indian Curry in Osaka or Monsnack in Tokyo—curry shops with a rich history and distinctive character—there’s one right here in Sannomiya, Kobe. There was a time when I had an overwhelming craving for their curry, so I headed to Savoy, a curry shop located in the basement of the Sannomiya Center Plaza East Building…

Dedicated to Beef Curry for 38 Years… Savoy is a curry shop like this…

Savoy opened in 1992 in the Sannomiya underground shopping arcade, Sanchika, and is celebrating its 38th anniversary this year. Not just this shop, but the entire floor exudes a Showa-era atmosphere as if time has stood still, and it quietly stands in a spot that makes the hearts of retro enthusiasts flutter just by walking by. It’s a truly tiny curry shop with low ceilings, narrow aisles, and just 10 counter seats. Despite its size, when I visited around 12:40 PM one day, there was a line of over 10 customers waiting outside.

After waiting about 20 minutes, I was finally able to enter. Savoy’s menu offers only one option: beef curry. But the moment I sat down, the staff immediately asked, “Would you like a large, regular, or small portion of rice?” This brisk pace feels even more lively than a standing-style soba shop, which is really refreshing. Somehow, even though I’m just a lone customer passing by, it makes me feel like a regular who’s been coming here for ages.

The aroma of 16 different spices fills the air… Savoy’s Beef Curry—so, how did it actually taste?

Well then, let me introduce the only item on the menu I ordered at Savoy this time: the Beef Curry. I asked for a “large” portion of rice, and the total came to 850 yen, including a 50-yen surcharge for the extra rice…

Once I placed my order, they first brought out a small salad like this. This little detail kind of reminds me of Indian curry, doesn’t it? In addition, there are four types of pickles on the table: Fukujinzuke, rakkyo, carrots, and cucumbers. I guess I’ll just nibble on these while I wait for the curry to arrive…

That said, it is curry after all, so it comes out quickly. Just as I was thinking, “Maybe I’ll eat the salad…” the beef curry I ordered was brought right in front of me. A complex aroma of spices wafts strongly from the curry bowl. This scent has my mouth watering.

So, when I actually took a bite… first, the tangy acidity of the tomatoes hit me fairly strongly, followed by the umami and aroma of the beef, vegetables, and the blend of 16 spices filling my mouth. The spiciness is a bit mild, but as I kept eating, I noticed my body was getting warmer without me even realizing it. While the beef isn’t chunky, this curry sauce is definitely addictive.

On the other hand, it was a bit of a disappointment that the turmeric rice was a bit sticky. If the grains had been cooked to be separate and fluffy… this curry would surely have been of incredible quality. Still, being able to eat this curry for just 800 yen (plus 50 yen for a large serving of rice) is, to put it mildly, an absolute steal, isn’t it? As far as I’m concerned, Savoy’s beef curry is definitely a repeat order for me.

Takeout and online ordering available… Savoy is a 4-minute walk from the nearest station, Kobe Sannomiya Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line.

It seems you can pick up Savoy’s curry roux through their sister shop, Sabo Voice…

It looks like you need to reserve it by the day before, but one serving (220g) costs 550 yen (tax included). Isn’t that a great deal? You can also order this curry roux directly from the restaurant’s online store. The site includes a recipe and instructions for making turmeric rice, so you can perfectly recreate the beef curry you’d enjoy at the restaurant. Even if you don’t have a chance to visit Kobe Sannomiya, be sure to give Savoy’s curry a try.

Now, here are the restaurant details…