Bunkyo, Tokyo

Yushima Food: Delhi Ueno Curry and Isen Tonkatsu Sandwiches

After visiting Yushima Tenmangu I would choose either an intensely spiced curry at Delhi Ueno or soft tonkatsu and small katsu sandwiches at Isen Honten. Both are in Yushima, Bunkyo, despite being frequently grouped with Ueno restaurants.

Two meals with different rhythms

Delhi makes sense when I want a complete curry-and-rice lunch for myself. Isen is a better fit when someone wants a tonkatsu set or a sandwich to share or take away. There is no reason to eat both large meals just to collect names. I would also check the day and time of my Yushima Shrine visit before walking to the restaurant.

Delhi Ueno: where and when

Delhi Ueno is at 3-42-2 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, and dates to 1956. It is a small 15-seat shop, not a venue for a large lingering party. The original article records 11:50–21:30 as the listed operating period, with 21:30 as last order; the New Year period is an exception. Other Delhi locations have their own addresses and menus.

Kashmir and Korma curry

The celebrated Kashmir curry has a dark, thin sauce with a powerful layered spice aroma, bitterness and building heat. Chicken and potatoes make it a proper plate with rice. Korma is another choice if I want onion-based richness and spice but not necessarily the famous Kashmir intensity. According to the original source’s menu, Kashmir was ¥1,350, Korma ¥1,450 and Delhi curry ¥1,230; prices can change.

Isen Honten: tonkatsu or katsu sando

Isen Honten is at 3-40-3 Yushima. The kitchen is known for tender tonkatsu rather than very chewy meat fibers. The katsu sando uses soft white bread, a sauced cutlet and small bite-sized pieces. I would decide whether to sit down for a loin or fillet set, or order sandwiches for sharing or takeaway.

Hours, portions and ordering

The original hours for Isen are 11:30–15:00 (last order 14:50) and 16:30–20:10 (last order 19:45); it closes on Wednesdays. Its source-listed in-house nine-piece katsu sandwich was ¥1,800, loin set ¥1,800 and fillet set ¥2,200. Confirm current prices and whether a particular sandwich is available for takeaway. The afternoon break matters if I am planning a late lunch.

How I would finish a Yushima walk

From the Confucian buildings around Ochanomizu through Origami Kaikan to Yushima Tenmangu, I would plan food as the last stop. Travelers comfortable with strong chili can pick Delhi; those wanting a milder pork cutlet or shareable sandwich can pick Isen.

Facts checked: 2026-10-28