B-grade gourmet food

Nibo Keema Curry: A delicious local curry that combines dried sardines and keema curry (Aomori Prefecture)

  • Naka Naka
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In Aomori Prefecture, the birthplace of dried sardine ramen, "Nibo Keema Curry," a fusion of dried sardines and keema curry, has recently been gaining popularity.

This time, we will introduce "Nibo Keema Curry," an exquisite local curry that can also be ordered online, focusing on a taste test review.

What is Nibo Keema Curry?

Nibo Keema Curry is a dried sardine flavored keema curry served at JUSTINE COFFEE, a restaurant in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture

Nibo Keema Curry

Some people may think, "It's hard to imagine the combination of keema curry and dried sardines..." but in fact, it's a surprisingly good match!

Curry and fish stock, loved overseas

"Curry x dried fish stock" is actually a classic combination in Sri Lanka, the home of curry

The type of dried bonito used in Sri Lanka is called "Maldivian fish." Its shape and manufacturing method are similar to Japanese dried bonito, and it is known to add richness to curry when powdered.

The relationship between Maldivian fish and curry is also featured in volume 24 of the popular gourmet manga "Oishinbo," in the chapter "Curry Showdown," where the protagonist, Shiro Yamaoka,

"I can't believe...the secret to Sri Lankan curry's flavor is dried bonito!"

is astonished, saying,

If bonito flakes go well with curry, then dried sardines should go well too!

So I'm looking forward to trying it with great anticipation

Actual food review

Until now, Nibokeema Curry was only available for order via refrigerated delivery, but a version that can be stored at room temperature was just released in October 2022.
The photo below shows the retort pouch type of Nibokeema Curry.

Nibo Keema Curry Package

The word "Nibo Khima" written in Roman letters is very stylish. Let's open it right away!

The package included curry roux and dried sardine powder for finishing

Most retort curries require heating in a hot water bath or transferring the contents to a plate before heating, but this one only needs to be microwaved! It's perfect for lazy people like me. Just put

rice on a plate, pour the curry over it, and it's ready.

It's exciting because it's filled with large chunks of minced meat

The roux already contains dried sardine powder, so try a bite first without adding any powder

It has a mild spiciness and a familiar flavor that is enjoyed by both adults and children. The minced meat tastes strong, and at this point it is already incomparable to the ready-made curry you usually eat

Next, I sprinkled a generous amount of dried sardine powder on it

Dried sardines enhance the flavor of the curry! The curry is the star of the show, but the dried sardines play a supporting role, creating a flavor that is more appealing to Japanese tastes.

If you want to experience the aroma of dried sardines even more, we recommend sprinkling the powder directly on the rice; this will bring out the aroma and allow you to enjoy both flavors to the fullest.

Delicious recipe: Keema Toast

I also tried the modified recipe featured in the enclosed leaflet.
It's an easy recipe where you just put the dried sardine keema and cheese on toast and put it in the toaster.

The curry and cheese each have their own distinct flavors, which are perfectly complemented by the toast. It's a simple yet highly-finished dish, and it makes you feel like you're eating toast from a stylish cafe, even in the comfort of your own home. This is a highly recommended arrangement

Conclusion

Aomori's new specialty, Nibo Keema Curry, is an addictive local curry that uses the flavor of dried sardines, familiar to Japanese people, to enhance the delicious flavor of the keema curry

Niboritan is recommended for the following people!

  • I like dried sardines
  • I like curry
  • Looking for a unique Aomori souvenir?

For those who love dried sardines, we also recommend "Niboritan," a combination of dried sardines and Neapolitan spaghetti, which was released at the same time as the Nibokeema Curry.
Please give it a try!

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT
Niboshi and Neapolitan!? A review of the addictive Niboritan [Aomori Prefecture]
https://jp.neft.asia/archives/17338
Have you heard of the addictive dish that's become a hot topic in Aomori Prefecture, combining dried sardines with Western cuisine? This time, we'll introduce "Niboritan," a delicious dish that combines the deliciousness of napolitan, a dish loved by people of all ages, with dried sardines. What is Niboritan? Niboritan is a napolitan with a niboshi flavor, sold by JUSTINE COFFEE, a restaurant in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Napolitan is a pasta dish that originated in Japan. It's a timeless classic, with noodles generously coated in sweet and sour ketchup. "Do ketchup and dried sardines really go together?"...
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