Craving that rich, comforting and slightly sweet flavour of an authentic Japanese curry you've enjoyed in restaurants? Many home cooks assume that recreating this iconic dish is a complex, time-consuming process. The good news is that it doesn't have to be. With the right ingredients, you can prepare a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Japan into your kitchen with minimal fuss.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find practical and high-quality products for your home. This guide focuses on S&B Golden Curry, a staple in Japanese households, to help you understand how to choose the right mix and prepare a perfect curry every time.
Before you add a product to your basket, a few key considerations can help you select the ideal curry mix for your household.
The secret to the convenience of S&B Golden Curry lies in its format: a solid curry roux block. This block is a carefully prepared mixture of flour, oils and a signature blend of spices. When you're ready to cook, you simply break off a portion and dissolve it in your pot of simmered meat and vegetables. It thickens the liquid and infuses it with a deep, savoury flavour, creating a perfect S&B curry sauce without the need to measure out multiple spices. This makes it an incredibly easy curry recipe base for cooks of all skill levels.
S&B Golden Curry is available in several heat levels, allowing you to tailor the dish to your personal preference. The choice is generally between Mild, Hot and Extra Hot.
While the box provides a straightforward recipe, one of the joys of making Japanese curry at home is customisation. Common additions to enhance the flavour include a grated apple for sweetness, a dash of soy sauce for umami depth, or even a small square of dark chocolate for richness. The S&B Golden Curry roux provides a reliable foundation for your culinary experiments.
Here are our recommendations from the S&B Golden Curry range, each suited to different tastes and preferences.
Why It Stands Out: This mix is all about the classic, comforting flavour of authentic Japanese curry. It delivers a rich, aromatic and savoury sauce with a very gentle profile, allowing the taste of the meat and vegetables to shine through.
Pros:
Who is it for? Ideal for families, individuals who are sensitive to spice, or anyone trying Japanese curry for the first time. It provides a genuine taste experience that is welcoming to all palates.
Why It Stands Out: The "Hot" variety strikes a perfect balance between flavour and fire. It has the same rich base as the mild version but is enhanced with a distinct and satisfying level of spice that warms you from the inside out.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is a great all-rounder for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food. It’s the go-to choice for anyone looking to replicate the standard curry served in many Japanese restaurants.
Why It Stands Out: This is the boldest option in the Golden Curry lineup. It uses a higher concentration of chilli pepper and spices to deliver a powerful and lingering heat that will appeal to true spice lovers.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is for the adventurous eater and the seasoned curry fan who believes that more heat means more flavour. If you regularly add extra chillies to your dishes, this is the mix for you.
S&B Golden Curry is a fantastic starting point for exploring Japanese home cooking. If you're interested in discovering other authentic ingredients, from udon noodles and miso paste to fiery gochujang and fragrant Thai green curry paste, there is a whole world of flavour to uncover.
Explore our full Japanese, Thai & East Asian range
Making curry with an S&B block is simple. Here is a basic method:
Compared to many South Asian or Thai curries, Japanese curry is typically thicker, milder and sweeter. Its flavour profile is more savoury and less focused on intense, complex spice blends. It often has a stew-like consistency and is considered a comforting, everyday meal in Japan.
Once you open the package, the curry roux should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve its flavour and texture for future use. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.