Spice-filled Indian Spots in Kobe 【Traveling in Kobe Abroad】 – Feel KOBE Kobe Official Travel Guide
2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India.
Since many Indian merchants moved to Kobe as an international trading port, there are still many Indians living in Kobe, and there are many Indian restaurants and spice shops in the city.
This time, we will introduce places in Kobe where you can feel the atmosphere of India.
A gift campaign to win a 100,000 yen air ticket and a special tour project are underway!
The only Jain temple in Japan “Bhagwan Mahabir Swami Jain Temple” (Kitano)
The first place to introduce is Bhagwan Mahabir Swami Jain Temple, about 11 minutes walk from Shin-Kobe Station, close to Kitano Street where there are many Ijinkans. It is the only Jain temple in Japan.
Jainism is one of the Indian religions practiced mainly in the West Indian state of Gujarat. The founder is Mahavira. Known for his strict vegetarianism and non-violence, he seems to have millions of followers in India.
Bhagwan Mahabir Swami Jain Temple is a Jain worship facility. It was built in 1985 at the expense of believers living in Kobe.
Since October 2022, non-believers are prohibited from entering the building, but can observe it from the outside. It’s also very close to Kitano Ijinkan Street, how about adding it to your sightseeing plan?
address | 3-7-4 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City |
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right to use | About 11 minutes on foot from Sanyo Shinkansen/Subway Shin-Kobe Station |
telephone number | 078-241-5995 |
business hours | ︎Sunday 12:00-15:00 |
Comment | *Do not wear shoes, smoke, eat, drink or take pictures inside the temple. Menstruating people are not allowed to enter. *Non-believers are not allowed to enter during Corona. It will open to the public as soon as it is safe to do so. Observation from the outside is possible. |
“Indusley” (Motomachi) where you can taste authentic South Indian home cooking
The next thing I will introduce is “Indusley”, a home-cooked restaurant in Andhra Pradesh, South India.
With the concept of “home-cooked dishes made by mothers for the family”, this restaurant is well-received because it allows Japanese customers to enjoy authentic delicacies without making any arrangements.
From October 22, 2022, the store will be relocated and refurbished, allowing you to enjoy the same taste of mother in the newly renovated store.
The special feature of the new store is the gate with a width of 160 cm. Anyone can come in and enjoy mom’s meals in a comfortable space.
The popular lunch “Dosa set meal” is a set meal where you can eat dosa, which is pancake-like dough made of fermented beans and rice, and baked on an iron plate. People who see it for the first time are often surprised by the protruding dosa on the plate.
To eat, tear off the crepes and dip them in “chutney,” a pastey seasoning, or “sambal,” a curry containing beans and vegetables. Each has a different taste, and one of the real joys of eating dosa is that you can enjoy the variety of flavors.
“I want you to eat delicious Indian food” and “Indusley” Indian food that does not cut corners in the preparation that requires time and effort.
Highly recommend this restaurant even if you are new to Indian cuisine.
address | 4-1-4 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City |
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telephone number | 078-332-1660 |
business hours | ︎Lunch 11:00-15:00 (last order 14:30), dinner 17:00-21:00 (last order 20:30), Sunday only for lunch |
regular break | ︎ Wednesday |
Official website | https://www.indus-ray.net/ |
“Kobe Spice Kobe International Convention Center SOL Shop” where you can buy spices as you like (Sannomiya)
“Kobe Spice” imports and sells spices, herbs, and Indian ingredients collected from all over the world with the concept of “Spice of the world from Kobe! ‘Spice’ that enriches your life.” A specialty store.
Among them, the Kobe International Convention Center SOL store, which is about 3 minutes on foot from Sannomiya Station on each line, is “I hope people can enjoy spices easily.”
Bottled spices are convenient because they can be quickly shaken up for cooking. A ship is painted on the bottle, which is very characteristic of the port city of Kobe and looks very stylish.
In addition to “flour” that can be easily cooked in a frying pan, set meals such as “5-piece spice set” and “handmade curry chicken set” are also popular. Even beginners in spices can easily challenge because of the included recipe.
Kobe Spice also sells tea leaves from “chai,” an Indian-style milk tea. You can choose products with or without spices, tea leaves or tea bags.
Plus, it seems fun to pick your favorite spice (like cinnamon) and make your own chai.
“The depth of spice is how many different flavors you can mix and match. If you are a beginner, please feel free to contact us,” said staff member Nishioka. If you want to enjoy your favorite Indian flavors at home, then have a look.
address | B2F, 8-1 Miyuki-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe |
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telephone number | 078-414-8177 |
business hours | ︎10:00~20:00 |
regular break | ︎ Meet Kobe International Exchange Center SOL |
Official website | https://kobe-spice.jp/ |
One of the charms of Kobe is that you can experience different cultures during your stay in Japan. What kind of scenery is waiting for you?
(Interview and text) Yurina Nakata
Writer living in Kobe. Responsible for planning, interviewing, writing, photography, focusing on Kansai tourism and food. So far, Kobe has covered more than 200 sightseeing spots, hotels and shops. With the desire to spread the charm of his hometown, he often walks around Kobe in search of stories.