Botani:Curry

Located in the Hanshin Department Store, Botani:Curry serves up hearty and authentic Osaka “spice curry,” with great flavor, aroma, and texture.

The Botani shop inside the Hanshin Department Store Food Hall floor © Angelino Donnachaidh

In Japan, the term “spice curry” refers to a style of curry distinct from the usual traditional Japanese curry rice. Whereas the more commonplace curry rice is a homegrown derivation from the curry eaten by British sailors docked in Japanese ports, modern-day Japanese spice curry is modeled more on South and Southeast Asian styles, though incorporating characteristically Japanese ingredients and sensibilities.

More specifically, spice curry eschews the use of pre-made flour-and-oil-based “curry roux” in favor of fresh spice blends prepared by the chef. This makes for a far more aromatic curry, with far more complexity of flavor and texture, than the more traditional stew-like Japanese curry rice.

One of the best places to try this style of curry in Osaka is at Botani:Curry, which began in the office area of Honmachi but has recently opened up a much more tourist-friendly location in the Osaka/Umeda station area. Botani’s curry brings out the best qualities of Osaka-style spice curry, with a great balance of fragrant spice that blooms across the palate with each bite. As is usually the case with spice curry, it isn’t overly oily or salty, with a light finish that is relatively gentle on the stomach.

Botani:Curry interior © Angelino Donnachaidh

The menu is tight and focused, offering only six different types of curries (two of which are blends of the others) and three topping options: the shop’s specialty cream cheese tofu, pickled egg, and pickled veggies. Four different spice levels are available, but anything above the “normal” level costs a little extra – which as someone who loves a spicy burn in my curry, is a bit unfortunate.

That said, for first time diners at Botani, it might even be a good idea to start with the “normal” level even if you’d usually go for something more piquant. Not having your taste buds crowded with capsaicin can help you appreciate the full bouquet of Botani’s spice blend – which is, after all, the restaurant’s big draw.

About Angelino Donnachaidh
Angelino Donnachaidh is a Mexican-American father, author, Japanese-English translator, and longtime resident of Osaka, Japan. His works include the middle grade (pre-)historical fiction novel Tamiu: A Cat’s Tale (Winner of the North Street Prize and CWA Muse Medallion), the YA post-cyberpunk heist adventure screenplay Brother (Winner of the HollywoodGenre 2025 Scifi Screenplay Competition), and the upcoming samurai scifi-fantasy action-thriller novel The Mayhem Protocols.

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BOTANI:CURRY Umeda Information

Name in English:
BOTANI:CURRY Umeda

Name in Japanese:
ボタニカリー 梅田店

English address:
〒530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 1 Chome−13−13 9F
Located in the Hanshin Department Store Dai-Shokudo (Restaurants & Food Hall)

Japanese address:
〒530-0001 大阪府大阪市北区梅田１丁目１３−１３ ９階

Opening hours:
11:00am-3:30pm every day

Non-smoking area: Yes

Price:
¥1000-¥2000 per person

Nearest transport:
5-minute walk from Osaka Umeda station on the Hankyu Line
1-minute walk from Osaka Umeda station on the Hanshin Line
2-minute walk from Osaka Station on the JR Line
1-minute walk from Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro (Subway) Midosuji Line
1-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro (Subway) Tanimachi Line
3-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro (Subway) Yotsubashi Line
4-minute walk from Kitashinchi Station on the JR Tozai Line

Website: Official website (Japanese)

Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Botani:Curry on TripAdvisor.

Near To Here:
Botani:Curry is located in Osaka’s Kita and Umeda district. See our complete list of things to do in the Kita and Umeda district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Best Osaka Restaurants
See our list of the best Osaka restaurants for even more ideas about great places to eat in Osaka and our other recommended curry rice restaurants in Osaka.

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