One of my favorite foods of all time has got to be Japanese-style curry. Often referred to as “golden curry”, this rich savory sauce accompanies pretty much anything to absolute perfection. It’s spicy enough for you to feel the heat but with an added secret ingredient (spoiler: it’s usually honey) that rounds it out with an exquisite sweetness. Now, with so many options – from seafood to poultry to veggies and more – to pair with this modern classic of Japanese cuisine, how does one choose? Well, luckily for Marylanders, this Ellicott City restaurant has us covered. Kare Bar has just opened its doors in the Enchanted Forest shopping center, and as the sign out front boasts, the menu includes a wide selection of “curry and more” for you to enjoy!
The humble storefront can be difficult to spot, but look for the tables out front full of happy diners and you’ll get your bearings pretty quickly.
The interior is beautifully decorated and bright, creating a welcoming and open environment. There are also pull-curtain booths to the side if you prefer a bit of intimacy, but patrons often gaze wide-eyed at the dishes being served while they are brought to the table, so why miss out on the fun?
One of the unique highlights of the drink menu is the soju sangria, which, as the name suggests, is sangria made with Korea’s favorite distilled beverage. It’s light, crisp, and refreshing, particularly in the summer months, and it goes well with the osinko - Japanese pickled veggies.
Of course, the curry is Kare Bar’s claim to fame, served with a wide selection of meat dishes and an easy-fried egg. It’s a worthy example of this famous dish!
Kare Bar also plates up - beautifully, we might add - other traditional Japanese meals, such as the shrimp katsu rice bowl. This is an excellent choice if you’re not feeling up to the spicy punch of the golden curry.
And if you’re sticking around for dessert, you cannot go wrong with the baked yuzu cheesecake. Yuzu is a remarkable and rare fruit with a flavor profile like something in between a lemon, a grapefruit, and an orange, which balances wonderfully with the creaminess of the cheesecake.
Be sure to check out Kare Bar’s website for the menu and the Facebook page for any updates to hours. If you want to finish your adventure through Japanese cuisine in Ellicott City while you’re here, then head down to this charming community staple cafe for a perfectly-prepared cup of tea!
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