Looking for an unforgettable street food experience during your Miyajima sightseeing? The Miyajima curry bread at Hiroshima Curry Bread Lab should be at the top of your must-try list. This isn’t your ordinary curry bread—each variety features inventive fillings like Wagyu beef, soft-boiled eggs, Hiroshima oysters, and stretchy mozzarella cheese, all encased in custom-crafted doughs that are engineered specifically for each filling. With a mild-to-medium spice level that’s perfect for families and kids, this award-winning shop has become one of the island’s most talked-about food destinations. Whether you’re wondering what to eat in Miyajima beyond the famous grilled anago rice (conger eel) and fresh oysters, or you’re simply craving a “crisp, juicy” bite between temple visits, we’ve gathered everything you need to know—from why lines form and the best times to visit, to where to enjoy your curry bread with the best views—all from a local mom’s perspective based on real family experiences.
What Makes Hiroshima Curry Bread Lab Special?
Born and bred in Hiroshima, this curry bread specialty shop operates several locations throughout the region: the Noborimachi store in Hiroshima City, the Koyo Factory (home of their Curry Bread Grand Prix award-winning creations) which serves as the production base, and the Miyajima Main Store that we’re focusing on here. The Miyajima location sits right at the gateway to the island’s main sightseeing area, about a 7-minute walk from the ferry terminal—making it incredibly convenient to grab a snack between your visits to Itsukushima Shrine and seaside strolls along the waterfront. This is primarily a takeout spot, beloved by everyone from local students to families with young children, and on their busiest days they sell an astounding 2,500 pieces of curry bread. The bold signboard out front declares their philosophy: “A one-of-a-kind curry bread, unconstrained by convention.”
What truly sets them apart is their research-lab approach to curry bread creation. They collaborate with experts in both Japanese and Western cuisine, along with spice specialists, to develop recipes that stay delicious even after they’ve cooled down—perfect for takeout and eating while you explore. Here’s where it gets really interesting: they’ve developed five distinct doughs, each matched to complement specific fillings. You’ve got classic curry bread dough, white bread dough, tomato dough, black dough, and spicy chili dough—each one balanced to deliver the perfect chewy bite and rich aroma for its particular curry filling. This attention to detail, backed by over 40 years of professional baking expertise, makes this Hiroshima’s first truly authentic curry bread specialty shop.
Insider tip from local residents: if you want to skip the weekend rush entirely, weekdays between 2-4 PM tend to be the quietest hours. That’s when you can browse leisurely and chat with the staff without feeling rushed!
Visiting the YouTube-Famous Curry Bread Sensation
The shop’s popularity has absolutely exploded thanks to YouTube features and their Grand Prix award wins, which means the Miyajima main store often has lines stretching down the street on weekends and holidays. The good news? The line moves surprisingly fast, so don’t let it discourage you. The completely flat path from the ferry exit makes this spot super stroller-friendly—a huge plus for families with young children—and the location fits perfectly into any street-food tasting route around the island.
Important payment note: cash is the primary (and usually only) payment method accepted, so make sure to bring small bills and change with you. This will speed up your checkout and keep the line moving smoothly. If you’re lucky enough to catch a batch fresh from the fryer, enjoy it while it’s still piping hot—just remember to open the paper bag slightly at the top if you’re sharing with kids, so the steam can escape and it cools to a safe temperature. Popular flavors tend to sell out fast on busy days, especially during peak tourist season, so your best bet is to arrive sometime between morning and early afternoon to get the full selection.
Fun family moment: if you happen to spot the staff member who’s become famous from their YouTube videos, it’s always a treat for kids! Our youngest daughter got so excited when we met them, waving enthusiastically across the counter—and they kindly waved back with a big smile. It made the whole experience feel even more special for the kids and turned a simple food stop into a memorable part of our day.
This is the well-known curry bread specialty shop that’s become a Miyajima landmark. Passersby constantly stop in their tracks, drawn by the absolutely irresistible aroma wafting out onto the street—instant curry bread curiosity activated.
This shop is highly acclaimed, having won the prestigious Curry Bread Grand Prix and been featured across multiple YouTube channels.
On the day I visited, I was thrilled to meet the shop’s star employee—the friendly face famous from those YouTube videos—holding down the fort behind the counter. They looked incredibly busy keeping up with the steady stream of customers, so I just sent silent cheers of support their way.
My Experience: Wagyu Beef Curry Bread
This rich, sweet, and intensely flavorful Wagyu beef curry bread (¥600) feels just a bit indulgent in the absolute best way possible.
It’s a seriously generous size, so you definitely get great value for your money. Mine came out freshly fried and still wonderfully warm—the perfect comfort bite on a chilly Miyajima morning.
I absolutely loved the clever visual design element they’ve incorporated: colorful arare (rice cracker) sprinkles decorating the golden fried coating, which serve as a quick visual cue to identify the Wagyu version even if you’re buying several varieties at once. It’s both beautiful and functional.
Rating
・Taste …………………………………. ★★★★★
・Visual Impact ………………………. ★★★★☆
・Addictiveness ………………………. ★★★★☆
My Experience: Soft-Boiled Egg Curry Bread
This wildly popular Soft-Boiled Egg Curry Bread (¥600) features a tomato-based curry paired with a perfectly jammy soft-boiled egg, all tucked inside a roll that’s topped with chunky, crunchy croutons before frying.
The outside achieves this incredible ultra-crispy texture, while the mildly sweet curry mingles beautifully with that rich, jammy egg yolk for a mellow, genuinely one-of-a-kind flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else.
The spice level leans quite mild, making this an ideal choice for anyone who prefers gentle heat or for families with children who might be sensitive to spicy foods. The large, substantial size is just right when you get those mid-sightseeing hunger pangs while exploring Miyajima’s temples and shrines.
Rating
・Taste ……………………………. ★★★★☆
・Visual Impact ……………………. ★★★★☆
・Addictiveness ……………………. ★★★★☆
Please note: Information is subject to change. Always check the shop’s official website or social media for the latest details, hours, and any seasonal menu changes before making a special trip.
Popular Menu Items & Taste Impressions from a Local Mom’s Perspective
One of Miyajima’s signature offerings is the Miyajima Oyster Curry Bread, which features two plump, fresh oysters sourced directly from Hiroshima Prefecture. The carefully balanced spice blend works magic to soften that initial briny punch that oysters can have, making this a surprisingly great choice even if someone in your travel group isn’t typically an oyster fan—just like my husband, who’s usually quite picky about seafood but actually enjoyed this version! If you’re traveling with cheese lovers (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), they’ll absolutely adore the Stretchy Mozzarella variety and the tomato-cheese options loaded with a luxurious blend of five different cheeses. These cheesy varieties are especially popular with kids—our eldest always makes a beeline for the cheese options without fail, no matter how many times we visit.
Craving something more substantial and meaty? Go for the Wagyu Beef (which I raved about earlier), the Beef Tendons in Black Sauce for that rich, deep umami flavor, or the Braised Pork Belly in Whey if you want something truly indulgent. Here’s what I really appreciate about this shop: many of the curry flavors lean slightly on the sweet side rather than aggressively spicy, which means you won’t have to pause mid-bite to catch your breath from too much heat while you’re out exploring in the Miyajima sunshine. Each bun is quite substantial in size, so our family strategy is usually to buy two or three different kinds to share among us—our go-to routine is to find a nice seaside bench with a view, carefully cut each curry bread in half, and do a fun taste comparison. It’s become one of our favorite little Miyajima rituals. Just remember that the most popular items tend to sell out earlier in the day, so buying first thing in the morning or definitely before noon is highly recommended if you have your heart set on specific flavors.
Pro tip: The adjacent Omotesando Shopping Street is also absolutely perfect for food walks and discovering other local treats, and it’s just a short, easy stroll away from the curry bread shop!
Wondering what to eat in Miyajima? The answer lies along Omotesando Sh...
How to Buy: Avoiding Crowds & Practical Tips for Families with Kids
On weekends and holidays, your best strategy is to aim for the window right after opening until just before noon for the smoothest experience. While lines do form, they genuinely move quite quickly thanks to the efficient staff. If you’re traveling with kids, here’s a time-saving tip: decide what flavors you want to try as soon as you arrive and spot the menu board, rather than waiting until you reach the counter. This makes the whole process much smoother and keeps everyone happy.
Safety warning for parents: freshly fried curry bread is extremely hot—I’m talking molten-lava-hot filling. For small children, I always tear off a small, bite-sized piece from the cooler outside edge first to test the temperature before letting them dive in. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after a close call that nearly resulted in a burned tongue!
Since takeout is the primary style here (there’s no real seating area), it’s quite handy to request a few extra paper bags and plenty of napkins when you’re ordering, especially if you’re buying multiple items or have messy little eaters in tow. Payment is typically cash only as I mentioned earlier, so having exact change or small bills ready will speed up your checkout considerably and keep that line moving for everyone. As a courtesy when you’re eating while walking around the island, please be mindful of Miyajima’s beautiful scenery and the free-roaming sacred deer that wander everywhere—designated sitting areas or benches along the waterfront are ideal spots to enjoy your curry bread. If you’re planning to pick up more curry bread later before catching your return ferry, make sure to buy while stock lasts rather than assuming they’ll still have everything available late in the day.
Another local tip worth knowing: the soft serve ice cream at Omotesando Shopping Street tends to be much less crowded after 5 PM, making it perfect for a sweet dessert finale after your savory curry bread adventure!
For another fantastic crispy morning treat while you’re on the island, definitely check out the fresh agemomiji tempura (deep-fried momiji manju)—these are absolutely best enjoyed first thing in the morning when they’re at their absolute crispiest straight from the fryer.
Planning your Miyajima food adventure and wondering what unique treats...
Awards and the “Research Lab” Philosophy Behind the Curry Bread
The shop’s dedication to perfection has earned serious recognition. Their Luxury 5-Cheese Tomato Cheese Curry, produced at the Koyo Factory location, won the prestigious Gold Prize in the Q.B.B. Award category of the Curry Bread Grand Prix 2024, which was announced on July 15, 2024. For those unfamiliar with Japanese food competitions, the Q.B.B. Award is a special sponsor prize that specifically recognizes entries demonstrating exceptional use of Rokko Butter cheese at the highest levels of quality and flavor—essentially, it’s an award that celebrates truly masterful cheesework and ingredient integration.
Behind this award-winning success is a genuine design philosophy that goes far deeper than most bakeries: they actually adjust and customize the dough recipe to perfectly suit each specific ingredient and filling combination. Their product development system involves active collaboration with specialists across multiple culinary disciplines—Japanese cuisine experts, Western cuisine professionals, and dedicated spice specialists all contribute their expertise. Operating under the motto “delicious even when cold” (which is crucial for takeout street food), every single detail receives careful attention and fine-tuning: from achieving the perfect clean finish and optimal viscosity of the frying oil, to balancing those lingering spice notes that develop as the curry bread cools.
Rather than simply chasing fleeting food trends or viral flavors, their approach involves steady, methodical, almost scientific improvements—true to their “lab” name—all built on a rock-solid foundation of over 40 years of professional bread-making expertise and experience. This patient, detail-oriented approach is what creates their truly distinctive taste that keeps locals and tourists coming back again and again.
If you’re interested in exploring more artisanal bread experiences while on Miyajima, the island has another hidden gem called Shimauma Pan that offers locally beloved specialty breads worth seeking out.
Just a 1-minute walk from Miyajima Pier, "Shimauma Pan" is an authenti...
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiroshima Curry Bread Lab
Q. Where exactly is the Miyajima Main Store located? How do I get there from the ferry?
A. The shop is located about a 7-minute easy walk from the Miyajima ferry terminal, right along the island’s main sightseeing route. You literally can’t miss it as you head toward Itsukushima Shrine, making it incredibly convenient to stop by as you explore the island’s attractions.
Q. What payment methods does the shop accept?
A. Currently, the Miyajima location accepts cash only. Credit cards, IC e-money cards like Suica, and QR code payment systems are not accepted at this time. Having small bills and change ready will make your visit much smoother and faster.
Q. What time is best to visit and buy curry bread? Do popular items sell out?
A. On weekends and holidays, the sweet spot is right after opening until just before noon—this window offers relatively smooth service with the full menu available. Popular items and special flavors often sell out by early afternoon, so arriving earlier in the day is definitely recommended if you want the complete selection.
Q. Are the curry breads suitable for children? How spicy are they really?
A. Most items on the menu range from quite mild to medium heat levels, making them very family-friendly. The soft-boiled egg and cheese varieties are especially gentle on young palates and easy for kids to enjoy. Just remember that freshly fried items come out extremely hot, so definitely let them cool for a few minutes before sharing with small children to avoid burns.
Q. What are considered the signature must-try items?
A. The shop’s signature offerings include the Miyajima Oyster Curry Bread (featuring two plump local oysters), the luxurious Wagyu Beef Curry Bread, the various tomato-cheese varieties, and the popular stretchy mozzarella version. The meat-based options tend to be more hearty and substantial, while the cheese-focused items are consistent favorites among kids and cheese enthusiasts.
Q. Has the shop won any major awards or recognition?
A. Yes, absolutely! Their Tomato Cheese Curry with 5 Luxurious Cheeses, which is produced at their Koyo Factory location, won the Gold Prize in the Q.B.B. Award category at the prestigious Curry Bread Grand Prix 2024 competition. This is a significant achievement in Japan’s competitive curry bread scene.
Q. What makes the Noborimachi Store different from the Miyajima location?
A. The Noborimachi Store is located near Ginzan-cho Station in Hiroshima City and serves more as a neighborhood shop with a small eat-in area where you can sit down. It opens early in the morning, making it particularly convenient for local commuters and shoppers who want to grab breakfast or a quick snack.
Perfect Spots to Visit Together with Your Curry Bread
Once you’ve picked up your delicious curry bread from Hiroshima Curry Bread Lab, let’s talk about where to enjoy it and what else to explore nearby! Your first stop should absolutely be the magnificent world heritage site Itsukushima Shrine, which is truly the crown jewel of Miyajima. The shrine reveals completely different personalities at high tide versus low tide—the famous “floating” torii gate appears to hover on water at high tide, while at low tide you can actually walk right up to it on the exposed sand—so visiting twice at different tide times during your stay is highly recommended if your schedule allows.
When you think of Miyajima, the first image that comes to mind is Itsu...
For families who love hands-on cultural experiences that the kids will actually remember, Yamadaya’s momiji manju making workshop is absolutely perfect. You get to shape and fill your own traditional Miyajima maple-leaf cakes, then eat them fresh and warm straight from the mold while the kids have an absolute blast with the whole interactive experience. It’s educational, delicious, and genuinely fun for all ages.
Handmade Momiji Manju Experience at "Yamada-ya Miyajima Main Store" ...
Serious food lovers should definitely not skip Miyatoyo, a beloved local favorite that’s been perfecting their craft for generations. This renowned anago rice (grilled conger eel over rice) restaurant is so incredibly good that you’ll somehow manage to finish every last bite even after filling up on curry bread—the flavors are just that irresistible and the quality is outstanding.
Miyatoyo Main Store is the only shop in Miyajima specializing in hand-baked momiji manju. Since 1984, this long-standing confectioner has delighted visitors with Cheese Momiji Manju, Belgian Chocolate, Belgian White, and classic Koshian. Discover the shop’s atmosphere, flavor tips, and how to buy for souvenirs.
Final Thoughts: Why Miyajima Curry Bread Belongs on Your Itinerary
For an easy, accessible, and genuinely delicious taste of what makes Hiroshima’s food scene special, the inventive, award-winning curry breads from Hiroshima Curry Bread Lab are an absolute must-try during your Miyajima visit. Their well-deserved popularity stems from multiple factors: the clever, creative fillings perfectly paired with custom-engineered doughs, the serious craftsmanship that’s been recognized by prestigious national awards, and the traveler-friendly prices that won’t break your vacation budget. These curry breads are remarkably easy to share during family trips, the line moves surprisingly quickly even when it looks long—which is a huge plus when you’re sightseeing—and the convenience factor of grabbing great food right along your walking route can’t be overstated.
Just remember to bring cash, plan to arrive on the earlier side of the day, and bite into a fresh, hot curry bread as you soak in the beautiful sea breeze and island atmosphere. Trust me when I say this will become a highlight of your Miyajima experience. Our kids literally ask “When are we going back to get that curry bread again?” every single time we even mention Miyajima in conversation—it’s become that much of a cherished family favorite and a core part of our island memories.
If you’re currently compiling your essential list of what to eat in Miyajima—right alongside the famous grilled anago rice (conger eel) and fresh Hiroshima oysters—Hiroshima Curry Bread Lab absolutely deserves a top spot in your street food plans for Miyajima. It’s affordable, delicious, fun for the whole family, and offers a uniquely Japanese take on comfort food that you simply won’t find back home.
