I’ll be honest. I’ve eaten my way through a fair share of Japanese curry spots in Singapore, including usual Japanese curry chains like Coco Ichibanya, and most of them blur together after a while. So when I heard that Maji Curry, the award-winning brand that won the Kanda Curry Grand Prix in 2018, had opened its eatery at Square 2 in Novena, I was curious but a little sceptical. An award is one thing. Living up to it on a Tuesday lunch in Singapore is another.
I went in hungry and ready to be impressed (or disappointed). Here’s exactly what I found, from the food to the service to the small details that might make or break your visit.
The Atmosphere at Maji Curry Singapore Square 2
The first thing you’ll notice about Maji Curry Singapore is the deep red walls that surround the compact dining area. It gives the place a warm, slightly moody feel that’s different from the bright, fast-food vibe of many curry rice chains. Seating is tight, with 26 seats indoors and 12 outdoors, so during peak hours, you might find yourself opting for the outdoor tables.
This is the original Maji Curry Singapore outlet, which adds a bit of charm if you ask me. The brand, which also has outlets in Japan and Thailand, opened this location in 2022 and has since expanded with a second branch at Funan in 2025.
How to Order Your Japanese Curry Rice at Maji Curry
Ordering at Maji Curry Singapore is done entirely through self-service kiosks at the front of the eatery. The menu offers a good option of dishes, including staples like pork cutlet, chicken cutlet, and hamburger steak, as well as more adventurous choices such as spinach curry rice and eggplant curry rice.
You can customize your curry rice by selecting from three levels of spice, or even a non-spicy option if you prefer. The curry sauce here is known for its depth of flavour, prepared using ten different spices, giving it a distinctive taste compared to the usual Japanese curry. For those who want more heat, you can add extra Maji Curry powder available at the counter.
Set meals include a salad and a drink, making for a more complete dining experience.
The Hamburger Steak Cheese Sauce Curry Rice: Maji Curry's Award-Winning Dish
The Hamburger Steak Cheese Sauce Curry Rice is the dish that earned Maji Curry the Kanda Curry Grand Prix title. When served, the cheese fondue—made from a mix of gouda, mozzarella, and cheddar—is poured over the hamburger steak tableside, creating a creamy, luscious cheese sauce that blends beautifully with the rich curry sauce.
The curry itself is velvety and spicy, with a peppery kick that sets it apart from sweeter Japanese curry rice dishes. The hamburger steak is a mix of ground beef and pork, baked rather than grilled, which means it lacks a deep brown crust but remains juicy and succulent inside. While some may find it slightly processed, the combination with the cheese sauce and curry makes for a satisfying bite.
Tonkatsu Omelette Curry: A Creamy, Crispy Delight
Another popular dish is the Tonkatsu Omelette Curry, which features a crispy pork cutlet sitting atop a fluffy, creamy omelette surrounded by the thick curry sauce. The texture mix of the crunchy tonkatsu and the soft omelette is delightful. The pork cutlet is panko-coated and fried to a satisfying crisp, though on occasion it can be a bit dry.
The curry sauce here shines without being overshadowed by the usual carrots or potatoes, allowing its complex flavour to stand out.
Fried Prawn and Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice: Crunchy and Juicy Choices
For seafood lovers, the fried prawn curry rice is a good option. The prawns are coated in panko and fried to a crunchy texture that holds up well against the creamy curry sauce. Similarly, the chicken cutlet curry rice features juicy chicken thigh meat with a crispy exterior, praised for maintaining its texture even when surrounded by curry.
Beyond the Classics: Diverse Menu and Toppings at Maji Curry Singapore
Maji Curry Singapore offers more than just the usual Japanese curry rice dishes. Their menu includes pork shabu, spinach curry rice, eggplant curry rice, and crab croquettes. The eatery also provides over 20 toppings to customize your curry rice, letting you mix and match to your heart’s content.
The curry sauce is simmered for 100 hours to develop a deep, rich flavour that balances sweetness, spice, and savoury notes. The texture is creamy yet thick enough to coat the rice and toppings perfectly.
The Taste and Flavour of Maji Curry Singapore
What really sets Maji Curry apart is its curry’s flavour profile. Unlike the sweeter, milder curry sauces typical of many Japanese curry rice restaurants, Maji Curry’s curry has a spicy option that delivers noticeable heat even at the lowest level. The balance of ten spices, including cinnamon, paprika, and ichimi togarashi, creates a complex, aromatic curry that lingers on the palate.
The addition of crunchy fried shallots and free-flow Japanese pickles provides texture contrast and refreshes the palate between bites. These accompaniments are easy to overlook but essential for the full experience.
Basic Information about Maji Curry Singapore to Fully Enjoy the Experience
Service and Dining Experience
The service at Maji Curry is efficient and casual. Since ordering is self-service via kiosks, there is minimal staff interaction, which suits a quick lunch or dinner. The food arrives promptly, typically within five minutes, making it a good option for those on a tight schedule.
The restaurant does not accept reservations, so visiting outside peak hours is advisable to avoid waiting or having to sit outdoors.
Prices and Portion Sizes
Most dishes at Maji Curry Singapore range from S$11.50 to S$20.50, with the portion sizes generous enough to satisfy most appetites. Adding cheese sauce or extra rice is available for a small additional charge.
Location and Opening Hours
Maji Curry Singapore is located at 10 Sinaran Drive, #02-07 Square 2, Singapore 307506, just a one-minute walk from Novena MRT Exit A. Parking is available at Square 2 mall car park.
The restaurant’s opening hours are generally from 11 am to 9:30 pm daily, but it’s best to check for any updates before visiting.
Maji Curry Review: Is It Worth Visiting?
In summary, Maji Curry Singapore offers an award-winning Japanese curry rice experience that stands out from the usual Japanese curry options in Singapore. The Hamburger Steak Cheese Sauce Curry Rice is a must-try, showcasing the brand’s signature creamy cheese fondue and spicy curry sauce.
While some proteins like the hamburger steak and tonkatsu pork cutlet can be a bit dry or processed, the overall taste, texture, and flavour depth of the curry elevate the dining experience. The variety of toppings, spicy option levels, and thoughtful accompaniments like pickles and fried shallots make it a good option for both curry enthusiasts and casual diners.
If you’re looking for a Japanese curry eatery with a bit more heat and complexity than the usual Japanese curry rice places, Maji Curry Singapore is definitely worth a visit.
Discover the best must-try dishes in Singapore by visiting SG Dining Guide. Whether you’re craving award-winning Japanese curry like Maji Curry or exploring other local and international flavors. Make your next meal unforgettable by exploring the top eats featured on SG Dining Guide today.
