Zen Curry - S San Diego

Popped in here for the 1st time and very pleased I did! We were greeted warmly and seated right away at one of many 1/2 booth tables, the waitress was great from the time we were seated until we headed out -continously refilling drinks, getting our order and making recommendations and giving us details on the menu items. A great place to sit and chat over lunch.I had the Steamed Chicken Curry at a level 5 with white rice and cheesy Naan bread and let me tell you it was amazing!!! The sauce was so flavorful with a slow burn...could damn near drink it like a soup!

Wow. I don’t eat curry based foods often, but decided to give it a go. Start off with attentive service. The waitress patiently answered all my questions and made some good suggestions. The plate was exceptionally good. Beef patty over rice, with veggies, fried egg drizzled with brown vegetable based curry. Great comfort food.

I wanted curry and Cocos ichibanya messed up on the waiting list and I decided yo come to Zen. Located in a big but little shop center, I wanted to find Curry spot and better than Cocos(it's not the same compare to Japan/Hawaii).A simple decor, zen wasn't busy(2pm). I ordered the beef stew curry, garlic Nan, and takoyaki(still can't find an authentic takoyaki spot in SD). I'm not big on spicy food and I got a level 3 and that was good enough for me. Good flavor and tender meat. Maybe I didn't see the menu more, I think I had to add the potato and carrots. Nan bread went well with the curry and the tokoyaki was fried but top with bonito(not alot of other spots do this).After looking at the menu, there wasn't additional toppings of potatoes or carrots. In all, it's okay curry. Wish they had that options or maybe I didn't ask. I'd go back only cause Cocos isn't the spot. It's just well known. After curry, you can get some milk tea next door. On to the next.

If you're craving Japanese curry in San Diego, this is the place to go! The chicken katsu was perfectly crispy and juicy, the korokke was a side added that was also perfectly crispy plus fluffy on the inside. The pickles tasted super fresh. The rice was on point. This was just awesome. And the curry came out so quickly! Prompt service and kind staff.

I'd give this place 4.5 stars if I could but that's not an option so I'll give them 5 to support small businesses. The food is really good here but a bit pricey after all the inflation increases considering its a fried cutlet over rice. If you can come on the right days for their daily specials, that's the move and the curry is delicious here. Other than the price, which isn't purely on the business, the only other reason I'd give 4.5 stars is because they don't sell just the curry by itself or even a curry and rice option. A curry place that doesn't sell just the curry just isn't right... Coco does this and it's a great option to bring home and add to home made meals, but that's my only negative here.