Located in Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Taiyo to Himawari to Leon is a small restaurant tucked away in a back alley. Despite its hidden location, it has gained attention for its stylish and open atmosphere where you can enjoy spice curry. This time, I focused on the chicken curry and lamb curry, and organized the features of this shop.
1. Basic Information of the Shop
Name: Taiyo to Himawari to Leon
Address: 4-30-5 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Watanabe-dori Station, 5 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Bus “Sumiyoshi” stop
Business Hours: 11:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays (announced on Instagram, etc.)
Seating: 8 seats, non-smoking. No parking lot (coin parking nearby)
Payment: Credit card, e-money, QR code payment available
The restaurant opened in October 2022. The space pays attention even to dishes and lighting, and is described as having a “stylish atmosphere unlike a typical curry shop.” When I actually stepped inside, the high ceiling and soft light streaming through the windows lifted my mood even before the curry arrived. It felt like a café, and I think it’s a comfortable place even for a woman to visit alone.
2. Style and Characteristics of the Curry
The curry here is “waterless spice curry.” Since it is made only with the moisture from the ingredients themselves, it has a rich flavor with concentrated umami.
It uses more than a dozen different spices, giving it an aromatic and complex taste. There is also a medicinal concept behind it, with consideration for beauty and immunity.
The menu changes daily, with staples like “Chicken,” “Lamb,” and “Keema,” as well as unique variations such as “Japanese-style Chicken” and “Fruit Chicken.” Every time you go, you may encounter a different menu, so I felt that even regular customers wouldn’t get bored.
There are plenty of toppings too, from soft-boiled eggs and cheese to limited-quantity hamburg steaks. Looking around at the tables of other customers, I saw curries topped with melting cheese or plates crowned with hearty hamburg steaks—it made me want to try them next time as well.
3. Characteristics of the Chicken Curry
Price: ¥1,100.
The chicken, cooked waterless, becomes so tender it falls apart, with a light and refreshing flavor that doesn’t get tiresome. The standard spiciness is around medium, with noticeable spice but a clean aftertaste.
When I actually tried it, I was surprised at how the chicken crumbled the moment my spoon touched it. It was rich yet not too heavy, and as I kept eating, I could taste the natural sweetness and tang of the vegetables, making it enjoyable all the way to the end. With variations like “Fruit Chicken” and “Japanese-style Chicken,” it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to return multiple times to compare the differences.
4. Characteristics of the Lamb Curry
Price: ¥1,300.
Thanks to waterless cooking, the flavor and aroma of the lamb are concentrated, and its unique richness shines through. The spiciness is around medium, but the depth of the spices and aroma stand out.
From the very first bite, the presence of the lamb is clear, spreading the satisfaction of “I’m really eating meat!” throughout my mouth. The combination of spices and lamb aroma creates a distinctive depth, and by adding cheese or a hamburg steak, the dish transforms into an even bolder, richer experience. Personally, I felt it was more of a “special dish” compared to the chicken.
5. Comparison Points Between Chicken and Lamb
Meat Flavor
Chicken is lighter, tender, and refreshing. Lamb is rich, with a strong meaty presence.
Spiciness and Spice Profile
Chicken is mild to medium and easy to eat. Lamb has a stronger aroma and deeper spice flavor, with a richer finish.
Satisfaction
Chicken feels lighter and could be eaten every day. Lamb delivers a punch of satisfaction for those wanting something hearty.
When I actually compared them side by side, I was fascinated by how differently they expressed themselves, despite both being waterless spice curries. On days when I feel like something light, I’d go with chicken; on days when I want something hearty, I’d choose lamb. Having the flexibility to switch based on mood is part of this restaurant’s charm.
