Okumino Curry, the Local Curry with a Secret of Gujo Miso

Okumino curry is a local specialty born in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, and its great distinguishing feature is the use of Gujo miso, long beloved in the area, as a secret ingredient. The richness and savory depth of the miso give the curry a mellow, deeply flavored finish. Making the most of local ingredients and serving it with the warm hospitality of its makers is the spirit of this curry.

Highlights

The charm of Okumino curry lies in the rich individuality of each shop. Many shops across Gujo serve it, and the menus are remarkably varied, ranging from set meals and rice plates to applications such as doughnuts and pizza. From a luxurious plate using Hida beef to an omelet-rice style, encountering a completely different Okumino curry at each shop is the joy of it.

Enjoying the Seasons

Warm curry is perfect for the cold season, but it is also recommended as a sightseeing lunch in summer, when Gujo-Hachiman bustles with the Gujo Odori dance. Stopping by while strolling or driving and touring the flavor differences between shops is a travel-style pleasure. Processed items such as crackers also make good souvenirs.

Access and Basic Information

Okumino curry can be enjoyed at restaurants throughout the city, centered on the area around Gujo-Hachiman Station on the Nagaragawa Railway and the Shirotori district of Gujo. From Nagoya it is about an hour and a half by car via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway to the Gujo-Hachiman interchange. It is easy to drop in while exploring the castle town, and a set meal or curry-rice plate is generally around a thousand yen. Roadside stations and souvenir shops sell retort packs and crackers, and touring several shops to compare is also fun.

Practical Travel Notes

Okumino curry varies greatly in style from shop to shop, so looking up a few shops that interest you in advance lets you tour efficiently even on a short stay. Midday, while walking around sightseeing, is a good time. In summer it also suits a cooling lunch amid the excitement of the Gujo Odori. Gujo-Hachiman is known as a town of water, and combining it with spring-water spots or a stroll through the canal-lined castle town adds to the travel feel. To round out the meal, keichan from the same Gujo area and Hida beef from the Hida direction both pair well. Retort packs are easy to bring home as souvenirs, letting you enjoy the afterglow of the trip at home.

A Quick Tip

Even with the same name, the ingredients and style of Okumino curry differ greatly from shop to shop. Look up a few shops that catch your eye in advance and make it a journey to find your favorite plate. Paying attention to each shops signature dish, such as a Hida-beef version or an omelet-rice style, is also recommended.