A staff cafeteria for vegetarian Indians becomes a restaurant
Exterior
Spice Magic Calcutta South Exit is located a four-minute walk from Nishikasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. The Nishikasai area, famous for its Indian town, has become even more popular since being featured in a Tokyo Metro advertisement. Of course, this restaurant is no exception. On this day, the restaurant was packed with customers during lunchtime.
Exterior
Actually, before becoming a restaurant, this restaurant was originally a staff cafeteria for Indians. Back then, it was hard to find places for Indians to eat, let alone vegetarian-friendly restaurants. In this climate, the restaurant opened as a place for vegetarian Indians to dine out, and later became a restaurant, allowing Japanese people to enjoy curry. Spice Magic Calcutta South Exit was established.
The biggest attraction of Spice Magic Calcutta South Exit is South Indian cuisine
Food photos inside the restaurant
Spice Magic Calcutta has a wide network of locations throughout Tokyo. There are two locations in Nishi-Kasai alone. So why did we choose to feature Spice Magic Calcutta South Exit Branch? The main reason is that it serves South Indian cuisine. While many people associate Indian cuisine with naan and curry, there are regional variations. Naan and curry are primarily found in North India. South Indian cuisine offers a different kind of curry. This branch offers South Indian dishes exclusive to the South Exit branch that aren’t available at the main branch. There’s also a wide selection of vegan options.
Seating inside the restaurant
By the way, this was the first South Indian restaurant to open east of the Sumida River. You can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine, something only a long-established establishment can offer.
Vegan-friendly South Indian cuisine
South Indian Thali
Spice Magic Calcutta South Exit Branch serves a full range of South Indian cuisine. Instead of naan, South Indian cuisine is served with rice, lemon rice, and a flour-based dish called tiffin. Tiffin comes in a variety of varieties, including dosa and idli. Each dish is characterized by its unique flour and preparation. Curries and side dishes are also distinct from North Indian cuisine. These include smooth curries and chutneys, which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as with or mixed with other dishes.
Lemon rice
Moreover, the restaurant’s South Indian cuisine is generally vegan-friendly. If you’re interested, please ask the staff.
Curry and vada
Rasam and idli
The thali I enjoyed this time was truly sumptuous! The smooth, soup-based curries, such as sambar and rasam, are salty and just the right amount of spice, making them incredibly appetizing. Starting with the snack called vada, you’ll find yourself munching away on food like never before. Thanks to the power of spices and vegetables, it’s easy to digest, and even a large meal won’t leave you feeling bloated. That’s the great thing about South Indian cuisine!
A portion of the South Indian lunch menu
Takeout is also available, so if you want to try even more South Indian food, consider ordering it home. South Indian dishes are available even at lunchtime, making them a great option for takeout.
Stay tuned for more vegan dishes!
Part of the North Indian Lunch Menu
Biryani Menu
While we’ve focused on South Indian cuisine, this restaurant also serves North Indian dishes. They also offer a wide variety of popular dishes, including biryani. You’ll find plenty of must-try dishes.
And in addition to the numerous vegan options already available, they plan to add even more new vegan dishes in the future! This is even more exciting. One visit is too much to fully appreciate, so be sure to return again and again to enjoy the vegan South Indian cuisine at Spice Magic Calcutta South Exit.
Text: Kaho Masumura
Supervisor / Recommender
-
VegeProject Japan (NPO) Representative Director
Click here for introduction
Kyoto University Faculty/Graduate School of Agricultural, Master of Agriculture, Kyoto University.
Founded “VegeProject Japan(NPO)” when she was a student. From then, she introduced a veg-menu to the student cafeteria of Kyoto University.
She is currently working with universities, companies, restaurants and municipalities to expand vegan and vegetarian options.
Also active as teacher/advertiser of vegetarian vegans. Interviews with well-known vegetarians Paul McCartney and Colin Campbell.
Latest entries
Tokyo2022年5月29日Spice Magic Calcutta South Exit
Tokyo2022年4月9日Delhi Heights
Tokyo2022年3月26日Azabu Juban Medicinal Curry Shinkai
Tokyo2021年3月15日Chipoon
