In just over four and a half months, I finally visited this restaurant again. I had been looking forward to this visit so much that I forgot about the opening hours, and I arrived in a hurry. Ugh… isn’t it supposed to be closed? I quickly sent a direct message, and they replied right away, saying “We’ll open soon!” So I felt relieved.
After a long time, I had the pleasure of dining at Baghdad’s restaurant again. The curry was just as delicious as always, and there was a wide variety of side dishes, which made it a satisfying experience. And, of course, the green papaya paste was a delight. Although this plate was originally designed to be without any additional flavors, the addition of green papaya added even more aroma and spiciness, making it an excellent choice.
I heard that the master is not a fan of spicy food, so I asked if he often prepared it. He replied that there were customers who wanted spicy food, so he tried his best to make it. Even during the cooking process, when tasting the sauce, or while washing the dishes, he worked there, crying due to the spiciness and volatile ingredients. It made me laugh involuntarily.
It became even more attractive. I will come again.
3.39
Today, I arrived at the restaurant at 11:30. While listening to the nostalgic pop music from the 1980s, I waited for about 10 minutes. Then, I tried the fruits curry with bright beet color, the curry with zunda and small shrimp that has a delicious aroma, and the spicy version of the curry using wheat meat. All these dishes offer a strong flavor. Of course, there are also 13 kinds of side dishes and plenty of parsley, so you can get plenty of vitamins and fiber.
Even though it’s called a “spicy version,” the master isn’t particularly good at making dishes that are extremely spicy. So, the level of spiciness is quite mild. For those who really enjoy spicy food, this might not be enough. However, Baghdad-san’s plate includes three types of curry, along with plenty of side dishes, which ensures a balanced meal. Therefore, there’s no need to add extra spice or change the flavor at all. While talking about this with the master while eating, time passes quickly.
Just as I finished eating, two people arrived at the restaurant. So, before things got too busy, I paid the bill and left. Today too, thank you for providing such delicious lunches.
3.34
In the scorching heat, it’s a bit difficult to walk 8 minutes from Nakano Station. But I really wanted to try delicious Calle Plate, so I returned again. Last week, Momo started serving dishes like Tōkibibe Potage, peach-flavored dishes, and squid-kama with dill. It makes me hungry again.
I know you know that I like basil, so it’s a pleasure to have an extra amount of basil added to my meal. Yesterday, I ate Thai curry at the Basil Farm in Minami-Shinjuku, where the basil was used generously. So, I’ve been enjoying basil every day.
Peperoni have different opinions among people; however, they are rich in vitamins and have strong antioxidant properties. Some say that their effects can even surpass those of antibiotics. Additionally, a component called glucosinolate helps balance female hormones, thereby improving skin condition and preventing menopause symptoms. According to the master chef, “It seems that women prefer peperoni more than men, as most men find them unpleasant. So, it’s natural for women to have a preference for peperoni.”
Well, the curry is, as always, delicious. The kombu-infused shark curry has a sticky texture and a wonderful aroma, with the scent of fennel perfectly complementing it. The bright, refreshing taste of cardamom adds an extra layer of enjoyment! The pork trotter cartilage provides a firm chew, making it truly satisfying. Here, the nutmeg plays a key role in enhancing the sweetness of the pork and the umami of the cartilage. Finally, the peach-infused tonkadi soup offers a soothing, gentle taste.
As always, I am impressed. The three dishes are well balanced and extremely delicious. As a side dish, there’s a pickled turnip with thyme and cumin. At first glance, it might seem like a persimmon… but it’s not. It was very fresh and delicious.
Since it will be a hot summer ahead, next time I’ll bring an umbrella with me.
3.34
By the time I realized it, it was already my 7th visit.
Regarding curry, after the initial phase of new establishments being developed, there has been an increase in repeat visits to satisfactory restaurants. The Bagdad restaurant is one of them. It’s located far from the station, so it might seem inconvenient by day, but since it gets promoted on Instagram, there’s no problem. Today, Friday, the neighboring Highch restaurant was closed. There was only one customer before 1pm. Last time, the restaurant was almost full, which surprised me. But today, as usual, the Bagdad restaurant had a calm atmosphere inside, so I was able to enjoy my meal leisurely.
As always, three delicious original curries are served along with 13 types of side dishes. This time, the dhal curry made with shrimp and edamame was particularly delicious and outstanding. I think that shrimp can sometimes become overly raw and unpleasant, but this curry successfully captures the umami of fish while maintaining its freshness. In contrast, the curry made with lamb or other meats has a meaty flavor, and the difference between these two types of curry is quite appealing. Moreover, the sweet-sour balance of the fruit curry creates a wonderful combination. Additionally, the 13 types of side dishes provide a variety of flavors, while being rich in fiber and vitamins. This makes the meal very filling, and it lasts for a long time. It’s hard not to keep coming back for more.
Today, around 12:30, when I opened the door, I was shocked to see that almost every table was occupied!! Three tables were completely filled, and there were three people at the counter. Only one person managed to squeeze in, but that person became my last customer. I apologized to those who came later, saying, "The curry is already finished. Please accept my apologies." It was a desperate situation!! Moreover, it was very hot inside the restaurant, so I asked the master to turn on the air conditioner.
Usually, the restaurant is usually open when I go there, so I don’t usually worry about that. But today, it felt like some kind of warning from nature—I thought “Let’s go there before it gets too late.” So that was the right decision. Even if the food runs out, there’s still Mr. Highchi next door, and there are plenty of delicious curry shops nearby. So I don’t need to worry about anything in Nakano.
Sitting at the counter, I asked, "Is the curry okay?" and received an answer saying it was fine. So I felt relieved. However, five minutes later, the person who came by said the curry was sold out and had to be declined. So it turned out to be my last chance to try it. I thought it was a hidden gem of a delicious lunch curry, so I wasn't careful. But somehow, it became popular before I even realized it. It's a good thing, but since they have to do all the cooking for the curry plates alone, it seems like the master has a lot of work when there are many customers.
Today's curry was especially delicious, more so than usual.
Melon and Pineapple
Filled with garlic
Pork Casserole
The appropriate firmness of the pork meat, along with the delicious umami of the flesh when chewed, blends perfectly with the curry, creating a truly impressive taste. Moreover, the hulash peppers also possess a flavor similar to that of the meat. With their strong spices, they are equally delicious. The side dishes remain as usual, offering a variety of 13 different options. The mild spiciness of the jalapeños complements beautifully with the gentle curry of melon and pineapple, making it a truly outstanding combination.
At the same time, the two individual servings provided for women were eaten much faster, and they were replaced quickly. While taking a break, I had another short conversation with the master. He said that he prepared enough food for three days of business on weekdays, adding more ingredients as needed. But what will he do if the food runs out? Last week, the curry was changed because the previous one sold out. Maybe he’ll make something different next time. Thinking about these things, I find it enjoyable to wait for my next visit to this individual restaurant.
3.31
This is a Bar lunch that is open only on weekdays for 3 days. The plate consists of 3 types of curry and more than 10 kinds of side dishes, making it very attractive and delicious. I've been frequenting this place recently. One of the curries always contains fruits; this time, it's a purée of pineapple and new garlic. Although not a curry, it's a creamy paste-like soup with a refreshing sour taste, making it delicious. The curry with mackerel and kelp has a fragrant, spicy aroma due to the cardamom. The curry with bone-in chicken thigh and chicken fillet is also quite good.
The side dishes usually number only 13 kinds, but the master said "there are more than that." After counting, there are actually 15 kinds.
“Bagramdut’s curry is really difficult to eat, don’t you? There are so many side dishes that make it hard to decide how to eat them. But since I can savor each side dish carefully, even though I usually eat quickly, here I naturally eat slowly, which is good for my health. Even though the rice amount is small, I still feel full because of the slow eating and the many side dishes. When I asked, they said the rice was only 160 grams. So it’s a little less for men. But it’s a healthy meal with low carbohydrates and plenty of fiber.”
Today, as a treat, they gave me the curry that I had ordered from Katri. When I asked what kind of curry it was, they said it was a self-made curry with various ingredients added. It contained ingredients like fennel, among others. Although there wasn’t a specific name for it, it was still a delicious curry.
The first customer was a single woman who came by bicycle. She seemed to be a fan of our curry plates. This balanced nutritious curry lunch requires a lot of effort, yet it costs only 1,000 yen—which is quite affordable. I feel sorry for that.
※今日のBGMはノラ・ジョーンズの2ndアルバムでした。前回のスティングもそうですが、声が特徴的で好きなアーティストです。マスターとまた音楽について話しながら楽しいランチでした。
Today, I wanted to have a hearty curry or some other delicious lunch. I came to Bagramud’s place.
This curry set includes three varieties, along with numerous side dishes. It seems that this is a "well-rounded" lunch plate, as it appears to be visually appealing and complete.
I arrived around 12:30 and there was no guests. The master had his hair cut, looking refreshed. He wore glasses instead of sunglasses, which definitely changed the atmosphere. The background music seemed to be by Sting. It was daytime on a weekday, but the place felt very pleasant. At first, I thought it might be something like Police, but then I learned that they were playing a cheaper version of Sting’s album. This artist is someone I really like. It was a time when Western music was popular, and various genres of music emerged—it’s quite nostalgic. While talking with the master, I waited for the curry.
Every other week, the fruit pineapple in today’s dish pairs perfectly with bacon’s saltiness. The pork bindaal is spicy yet has a sweet sauce, making it quite delicious. I’ve been experimenting with the vinegar used to marinate the pork bindaal, and so far, the results are good. Another original dish is the curry with salmon and tomatoes, topped with nampura. Among the other side dishes, there are 13 variations this time, including both classic and new recipes. Fortunately, no customers came, so it was a luxurious lunch experience where I could talk with the guests about the ingredients and cooking methods while enjoying the food.
The master will be taking a lunch break starting tomorrow, so we wondered where to go next. We also discussed other curry shops. Despite being small and slender, they seem to eat curry in succession. Recently, we visited another curry shop in Takada-mabara, following the one run by Brother. I can eat ramen in succession, but I can’t eat curry without having half a bowl of rice with it. Among the other nearby shops, there are Trico Curry and Roji Spice. It was enjoyable to discuss curry with them.
Last time it was a year later, but this time it's a month later, so it's a repeat visit.
I was fascinated by Baghdad’s curry plates, which have evolved to focus exclusively on curry. Although it was cold and rainy, I hesitated for a while before going there—but it was definitely worth it!! There were even more varieties of side dishes compared to last time. Each side dish was delicious and attractive. With 30 items to choose from, both fiber and spices are sufficient, making it ideal for detoxification. One of the three curries is a fruit curry. Last time, it contained citrus fruits, but this time, it’s made with strawberries. I can’t wait to see what other fruits will be included. It seems that many customers are women who dine alone. There must be a reason for that. With so many delicious side dishes, people tend to savor each dish slowly and chew thoroughly, which not only increases satisfaction but also makes the meal healthier.
The porterhouse with red cheeks and cauliflower has a subtle sour taste, along with the sweetness of strawberries. The crisp texture of the seeds is truly remarkable.
The cuttlefish with orange sauce does not have a sense of freshness; instead, it has a refreshing aroma that pairs well with alcohol.
The boudin de veau with pork bone is outstanding! The soft tissue is crispy like a piece of sausage, and the boudin’s sour curry is truly satisfying.
There are even 13 types of side dishes, too many to list all of them.
Not only is the garnishing a challenge, but I thought the preparation must also be extremely laborious. Upon inquiry, I learned that they prepare approximately 8 servings per day. If it's just curry in various flavors, perhaps they can handle that amount. But preparing 16 different side dishes would be quite a task. I was truly impressed at how they manage to provide such excellent plates consistently.
The night operations seem to continue as usual. I really want to visit here at night. It says “Dining Bar” on the sign, so there must be various dishes made with care for those who enjoy night-time snacks. Sometimes they even serve boiled fish. When I asked if it’s suitable with whisky, they said they have several options. I really hope they can pair these drinks together. My favorite is the bourbon from Ellyjakley; I think its stock is getting quite low. There must be plenty of dishes that go well with this bourbon. That’s why I really want to come here early at night.
It's my second visit in about one and a half years.
Recently, the owner of the restaurant liked my Instagram post. This was the first time the owner used Instagram to announce business information, so I decided to visit the restaurant for the first time in a long time. In the past, since the owner didn’t use social media, there was no information about lunch options at all. It was difficult to walk from the station to Bugdadou’s restaurant. But after seeing the announcement saying “We are open from Friday to Sunday this week,” I decided to go there right away. Previously, the restaurant opened at 11 AM, but when I asked about the opening time in the comment section, I learned that it was now 11:30 AM. I’ve updated the information on business days and hours according to Yumello’s data.
Previously, the lunch menu included Fujisan-yakitori soba, napolitana, and riben. Moreover, the prices were quite affordable. You could choose between a curry set of 2 or a curry set of 3 varieties. However, now it seems that the options have been narrowed down to only the curry set of 3 varieties.
Today’s curry comes with the following three varieties
This segment describes a potage made with cauliflower.
Shima to Haruko
Takenoko-iri Pork Bindauru
Hmm, none of these restaurants have a taste that I can actually imagine!
And when I saw what was served, I was completely surprised! There was a relatively small portion of rice, surrounded by three types of curry. Moreover, there were about 15 different side dishes surrounding it!! Compared to the previous plate image, the difference was quite obvious—there were almost 10 more items. And the price is still 1,000 yen; so, there’s only a slight increase of 100 yen.
I am confused about which dish to start with. However, all the side dishes are extremely delicious. I eat them gradually, mixing them with the three types of curry and rice. It seems that all the dishes and curries complement each other well. Why doesn’t any one dish stand out? The curry doesn’t have a strong spice flavor, which might be one reason why it doesn’t stand out too much.
Kale, yuba, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, kintonpira, pickled vegetables, achchar, and so on. There are also multiple ingredients for the curry, so it seems that there are almost 30 items as ingredients. The portion of rice and curry is a bit small, but with all these side dishes, it's a satisfying lunch.
The background music was typical of a bar, with a feel reminiscent of Motown records’ love ballads. This suited the somber atmosphere of the dark interior. I had a brief conversation with the owner. The bar is open from 18 to 21 hours this week. It doesn’t seem to stay open until late after midnight. As before, there was a memorable bottle of bourbon called “Eerie Jackrabbit”. So, I said, “I’ll make sure to have a chance to drink Eerie Jackrabbit here.” It seemed like he remembered that I mentioned the same thing last time, which made me feel a little happy.
This is a truly impressive and delicious Calle Plate.
Located 8 minutes walk from Nakano Station, this local-friendly food stall. I visit Doku-bu-chan’s place once a week due to the high praise received by its owner, Captain Enayama. So, I decided to try it today! Since this is my first visit, I went there while still hungry. Looking at the nearby Café Hai-chi, I entered the shop with a black insect-proof net attached. There was one customer already inside the back counter. I sat at the very back of the counter. Smoking is allowed (only at night), so it has a slight smell. Those who are sensitive to such odors should take care.
Arriving at 12 o'clock on a weekday, there was only one prior customer. No other customers came after that, so the restaurant is currently empty.
This curry consists of three varieties: either a two-course or a three-course order. According to the information I received, the menu is changed every 2-3 days, and the choice depends on the ingredients available at the time and the desired taste. Among these options, fruit curry seems to be a category that I want to continue serving—so there will definitely be one variety of this curry. Today’s selection includes peach, white grapes, scallops, and wakame seaweed. Additionally, there are some side dishes served alongside it. The presentation is very beautiful and delicious. I am convinced that a well-prepared curry with such a beautiful presentation must be delicious. And indeed, today’s curry was absolutely delicious!!
Taking a bite of this peach and white grape curry, I was immediately overwhelmed by the fruity aroma. It’s truly a remarkable dish! Since peaches are already in their final season, this is probably the last opportunity to enjoy them. The scallops and wakame are perfectly paired with the shellfish’s umami and freshness, complementing the greenness of the vegetables. The okra puree and mato is well-seasoned with cardamom and other spices, resulting in a mild and delicious dish. This is a truly rare and special curry plate. Moreover, the price of 900 yen is quite surprising. It’s hard to believe that no one has written a review about this restaurant on Eatlog. There are still many delicious curries that are not well-known in Tokyo. The master chef prefers mild-spiced dishes, so all the curries have a gentle spice profile. It’s not a sweet curry at all. Even I, who loves spicy curries, was quite satisfied with the quality of this dish. A happy meal indeed.
The lunch menu includes curry, as well as pasta, yakisoba, and rib soup. All the dishes are reasonably priced. The evening food menu also has low unit prices, making it a convenient choice for diners in the evening. The restaurant is a bit far from the station, but Nakano is a common commuting route, so I would definitely like to visit there again in the future. The evening hours of operation extend from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., which is quite early. Previously, the restaurant was open until 8 p.m., but due to the stay-at-home measures during the pandemic, the opening hours were extended. It seems that this is still an impact of the pandemic.
Master Chiba is very gentle and attentive in his service. I had the opportunity to talk with him about various things, so it was a pleasant lunch experience. I really hope we can have another chance to chat over a drink at night.
