Fast Food & Grill · Practical guide
Curry Shop C&C
1968 Shinjuku Station 30-Second Stand Curry & Sangenton Katsu
Prices, ordering steps, payment details, and common mistakes — in one place.
Quick Facts
Last checked against official information: 2026-11-10.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Japanese name | カレーショップC&C (Curry Shop C&C) |
| Category | Dining / Fast-Casual Train Station "Stand Curry" & Crispy Pork Cutlet Specialty (Curry Shop C&C Official Website) |
| Store Count | Approximately 20 locations situated directly inside railway stations (Ekinaka) and busy subway concourses across Tokyo (flagship: Shinjuku Station Keio Mall, Shibuya, Akihabara, Kichijoji, Fuchu), operated by Restaurant Keio Co., Ltd. (Keio Group) (Store Locator) |
| Ordering Style | Rapid ticket vending machine counter dining: buy a meal ticket at the automated multi-language machine at the entrance; select spice level; hand ticket to counter staff; piping-hot curry served in under 30 seconds; eat quickly at counter stools; return tray to cleanup ledge upon exit |
| Membership Required? | No reservation, membership, or ID required |
| Approximate Price Range | Basic pork curry ~¥520–¥620; signature Sangenton Pork Katsu Curry ~¥780–¥920; jumbo double-topping sets ~¥950–¥1,100; strictly zero cover charge (¥0 Otoshi); all tax-included (subject to revision) |
| Payment Methods | Ticket vending machines accept Japanese transit IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA), cash, and smartphone QR code payments (PayPay) |
| Multilingual Support | Ticket machines feature English language toggles; display boards show clear photographs and portion guides |
What it is
Curry Shop C&C (カレーショップ C&C), founded deep inside the underground labyrinth of Shinjuku Station in 1968 by rail operator Restaurant Keio, is universally revered as the legendary godfather of Tokyo's fast-casual "Stand Curry" culture. Named after "Coffee & Curry", C&C was engineered to feed millions of busy Tokyo commuters with superhuman speed: when you hand your ticket to the chef, your piping-hot curry platter is assembled and placed before you in literally 20 to 30 seconds! Simmered with over 28 whole spices and slow-cooked onions blended into a rich, savory pork broth, C&C's curry has a sharp, invigorating spice kick that cuts through morning fatigue. Renowned for its Sangenton Pork Loin Katsu Curry, crispy sausages, and spicy cheese toppings, it is an essential slice of authentic Tokyo transit life.
How to order
Dining at Curry Shop C&C is rapid, voice-free, and exhilarating:
- Approach the ticket machine outside: Walk up to the automated touch-screen kiosk at the entrance.
- Switch screen to English: Tap the "English" button on the touchscreen.
- NO Otoshi cover charge: Enjoy honest dining—C&C charges strictly zero table fee and zero cover charge (¥0 Otoshi)!
- Choose your curry dish:
- Sangenton Loin Katsu Curry (三元豚ロースカツカレー): The #1 Best Order! Crispy panko-breaded pork cutlet over steaming rice, bathed in rich pork curry.
- Pork Curry (ポークカレー): The 1968 classic baseline; tender diced pork in savory 28-spice roux.
- Chicken Katsu Curry / Fried Sausage Curry: Crispy chicken or sizzling sausages.
- Omelet Curry (オムレツカレー): Fluffy scrambled Japanese egg draped over curry rice.
- Mixed Deluxe Curry: Katsu, sausage, and cheese all on one plate!
- Select your Spice Level (Karasa):
- Mild (甘口 - Amakuchi): Gentle, sweet, and kid-friendly.
- Medium-Spicy (中辛 - Chukara): Standard & Recommended! Nicely balanced savory heat.
- Hot (辛口 - Karaguchi): Bold, punchy black pepper and chili heat for spice lovers!
- Pay and collect your ticket: Tap your Suica/PASMO card or insert cash. Take your ticket stub.
- Take an open counter stool: Step inside beneath the yellow sign. Sit at any open wooden counter stool and place your ticket on the elevated counter.
- The 30-Second Miracle Delivery: The chef sweeps up your ticket, ladles hot rice from a massive automated dispenser, slices a warm pork katsu with two swift strokes, floods the plate with simmering 28-spice curry roux, and places the platter in front of you—often in under 30 seconds!
- Add sweet Fukujinzuke pickles: Open the red container on your counter and ladle crunchy sweet red radish pickles onto your plate.
- Eat and exit: Scoop up rice, crispy katsu, and curry with your spoon. When finished (typically in 5 to 10 minutes!), place your empty plate onto the elevated counter shelf, say "Gochisousama deshita," and walk right back to your train!
What to order first
Dishes below reflect core brand staples officially featured on the Curry Shop C&C Official Website:
- Signature Sangenton Loin Katsu Curry (三元豚ロースカツカレー): Tender Sangenton pork cutlet fried golden crisp, served over hot rice with 28-spice rich pork curry (~¥780–¥880 tax-included).
- Classic 1968 Pork Curry (名物 ポークカレー): The time-honored original; savory pork and caramelized onion curry (~¥520–¥580).
- Fluffy Omelet Curry (ふんわりオムレツカレー): Soft, creamy Japanese egg omelet over spicy curry rice (~¥650–¥750).
- Deep-Fried Sausage Curry (ソーセージカレー): Sizzling crispy Japanese pork sausages with rich roux (~¥680–¥780).
- Melted Cheese Topping (トッピングチーズ): Rich shredded mozzarella cheese that melts into gooey strings under hot curry (~¥120).
Payment & practical info
Prices and details checked: October 2026.
- Pricing & Value: One of the cheapest sit-down meals in central Tokyo; a freshly fried Sangenton pork katsu curry costs barely ¥800 ($5.50 USD).
- Cover Charges: Strictly zero cover charge and zero seating fees (¥0 Otoshi).
- Payment Methods: Accepts Japanese transit IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA), cash, and mobile QR codes (PayPay).
- Atmosphere: Ultra-fast, clean, and retro commuter energy. Rapid turnover, counter seating, rhythmic sounds of ladles, and the rich scent of roasting curry powder.
- Shinjuku Station Flagships:
- Shinjuku Main Store (Keio Mall underground concourse): Iconic 1968 birthplace; bustling commuters day and night.
- Shibuya, Akihabara, and Kichijoji Station branches: Equally convenient for quick train transfers.
Good to know / Common mistakes
- Have your ticket ready: C&C moves at lightning speed. Step inside, sit down, and place your ticket on the counter immediately—the chefs begin scooping rice the moment your ticket hits the ledge!
- Select "Chukara" (Medium) for the authentic taste: C&C's 28 spices are formulated specifically around the Medium-Spicy (Chukara) profile, delivering that perfect balance of onion sweetness and lingering pepper heat.
- Morning Breakfast Curry (Open to 11:00 AM): C&C serves an ultra-cheap Morning Breakfast Curry Set (Asa Curry) for barely ¥400–¥450 with a sausage and boiled egg—a lifesaver for early-morning travelers!
- Eat and go etiquette: C&C is a commuter stand; people eat quickly and leave so waiting passengers can sit down. It is not designed for lounging with laptops.
- No tipping: Tipping is never accepted. Pay at the ticket machine.
FAQ
Q1: What does "C&C" stand for? "C&C" stands for Coffee & Curry. When the first shop opened in Shinjuku Station in 1968, it served hot coffee alongside curry, though today it is celebrated almost exclusively as Tokyo's fastest curry bar.
Q2: Is the pork katsu freshly cooked? Yes! Pork katsu is fried continuously in small batches during peak hours in high-efficiency commercial fryers, ensuring you receive a warm, crispy cutlet every time.
Q3: Can I get curry to go? Yes! All ticket machines have a "Takeout" (Omochikaeri) button that dispenses your curry, rice, and katsu in sealed dual-compartment plastic containers with spoons and napkins.
Sources
- Curry Shop C&C Official Website: https://www.curry-cc.jp/ (Verified: 2026-10-03)
- Restaurant Keio Corporate Directory: https://www.keio-restaurant.co.jp/ (Verified: 2026-10-03)