Yokosuka Kaigun Curry
Yokosuka Kaigun (Navy) Curry is a famous local “gourmet dish from Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The Japanese Navy had been based here since the nineteenth century, and its forces were served Japanese-style curry. In 1908 an official Naval cooking reference book was published, which included curry recipes. Today the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is based in Yokosuka, and they serve curry on Fridays. In 1999, Yokosuka popularized this curry to promote and revitalize the city. Official gourmet Yokosuka Kaigun Curry is based on a recipe in the official cooking reference book that calls for curry powder, flour and beef tallow, instead of ready-made curry roux; it includes beef or chicken, carrots, onions and potatoes, with chutney served on the side. Variations of this curry can be found throughout Yokosuka, as individual restaurants strive to create their own unique signature dish. To be considered official Yokosuka Kaigun Curry, however, the dish must be accompanied by salad and a glass of milk to make it nutritionally balanced.
Photo courtesy of Yokosuka City
