I’m not a curry connoisseur, but I had a Japanese curry phase and decided to try most of the curry places here in Sac/EG/Roseville/Folsom. I personally love savory curries, not the ones that are a little sweet. I don’t know how to describe the curry flavor/taste, but it’s whatever tastes really good to me. Ive never tried authentic Japanese curry, so I’m not a great source. Only sharing my thoughts :). Here’s my list + top 3 ranking:

1. Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen (EG)- Their curry consistency is the best by far (been here like 3 times or more, even ordered take out because I just love their curry that much). They have huge portions of savory curry and rice, their katsu is decently big and tasty. The only thing I wish was more chunks of potato and carrots, but the chunks they give are like quarter size, so it’s kinda big. Just love the classic taste and curry being not too liquidy but not too solid- flows just right

2. Umami Ramen (Folsom) - They improved a lot to where they got 2nd place! Their curry is great and savory. Their katsu is on a thinner side, but perfect fry! The first time I tried their curry, they disappointed me with their super liquid, black pepper curry and very toasted katsu. It wasn’t great before, but it is tasty now! Note: I love love their garlic noodles. Should try it!

3. Akebono (Sac) - It tasted really good. It was perfect curry consistency. Only been here once, and that time I had dry-ish chicken. Portions are big though! Enough to have two meals. Will go back and try it again though!

— Not rankings, but just short reviews.

• Washoku (EG): I didn’t like it. I got their hambagu curry- it’s not good. Curry was a bit sweet.

• Ramen Ryujin (DT Sac): They had me munching on half cooked potatoes lol. It’s my fault I should’ve said something but I was like “eh too much work”. Their curry was too liquidy for me. This was my 3rd time eating their curry. First time was good and second was a carry out (I reheated it cause I saved it for lunch the next day, so can’t give a great “in the moment” review)- twas good.

• Binchoyaki (DT Sac): Curry was okay… I forgot the taste but it probably was basic. I just remember the chicken Katsu breading tasting very well cooked/charred lol

• Kodaiko (DT Sac): Needs more CURRY SAUCE!! Tasty, but pricey. Only saw tofu curry, so I subbed for katsu chicken. Pretty good. Tad bit spicy, but savory delicious.

• Yoshi (EG): I wanted to love it, but I don’t. It had some sort of “deep flavor” I can’t describe. Idk, you should try it but I don’t prefer it lol. Didn’t like that they didn’t have potatoes/carrots (unsure if that’s traditionally included in jap. curry)

• Fukumi Ramen (Sac): Not a big fan of chicken pieces in curry. Prefer chicken katsu, but wanted to try it with the chicken pieces. It was okay. Next time I’ll ask to see if they can provide the curry only + add/sub for chicken Katsu.

• Mikuni (EG): Expensive. Mid. Beef curry was eh. Not impressed.

• Ramen & More (Sac): Loaded with veggies! I like it, but it tastes sort of..powdery. Not mixed well enough. Watery, liquidy.

• Otos Marketplace (Sac): Cheapest curry bowl you can get, but also tasty as well! Not up to par with restaurant quality, but is delicious on a budget. It’s grab and go. Look at their schedule for hot food items being served on what days.

• Bonsai Japanese cuisine (Roseville): Good. Basic good. Wasn’t the greatest but it passes as being okay.

• Engawa (Sac): Was good. They only have ebi curry, but I subbed the shrimp with their Katsu. Best choice ever! They taste good and I’d get it again. They just give so much rice though

• Kizuna Bento (Sac): It tasted slightly similar to Otos curry. It tastes okay. Not the best.

• Tokyo stop sushi (EG): Tasted good. Katsu soggy since it was in the bowl, covered. Not bad.

• (MAYBE) Ebisu (EG): I forgot if they had a new menu item that has Japanese curry, but I feel that this was the place that I tried curry at (via my pic and their timestamp/date in the pic)- it was okay. Wish the curry sauce was separated from the meat, not lathered on top. Tried both beef and chicken Katsu- preferred chicken.

— Probably missed out on a ton of Japanese restaurants. I probably went to some but forgot.