Japanese Curry Roux Brands, Kewpie Mayo, Bulldog & Shichimi

Japanese curry roux is the boxed block (sold as curry cubes, bricks, tablets or a curry sauce mix) that turns meat and vegetables into thick, mellow Japanese curry rice in about 20 minutes. This guide compares the main Japanese curry brands (House Vermont Curry, Java Curry and Kokumaro, S&B Golden Curry, Torokeru and Dinner Curry) with a spice-level chart from mild to hot, listed prices in Japan as of November 2026, ingredients for vegetarian, halal and gluten-free shoppers, and box instructions in English. It then covers the rest of the Japanese pantry: Kewpie mayonnaise and dressings, Bull-Dog tonkatsu sauce, shichimi togarashi, yuzu kosho, retort curry pouches, and what is shelf-stable enough to ship from Japan to the US.

What Is Japanese Curry Roux?

S&B Foods describes Japanese curry as less pungent than its Asian counterparts: a mild, harmonious blend of curry powder and spices in which no single spice stands out, thickened with flour into a gravy that tastes savory and mild, typically served with rice.^[45] That is the main difference in Japanese curry vs Indian curry (or Thai curry): Japan’s curry industry association notes that curries in India are mostly thin and built on onion and tomato, and that flour thickening came after curry reached Britain. Japan received curry and British curry powder in the early Meiji era, and potatoes, carrots and onions became the standard vegetables.^[46]

What is Japanese curry roux made of? The word comes from French roux, flour cooked in butter or oil and loosened with stock or milk.^[47] A roux block is that thickener pre-mixed with fat, curry powder, salt, sugar and seasoning, set in a tray you snap into cubes; curry flakes and powder roux are loose versions. Curry powder vs curry cubes: powder is pure spice, with no flour, fat or salt. Japanese eat curry often: S&B estimates about 79 times per person per year.^[48]

Japanese Curry Brands Compared

Prices are suggested retail prices in Japan before consumption tax, as of November 2026:

Which Japanese curry brand is good, or best? All four are famous, long-running brands; pick by flavors: Vermont for a sweet, kid-friendly curry, Java for spice and heat, Kokumaro for richness, Golden Curry for spice aroma. We don’t publish a ranked tier list or taste test review; the tables are the comparison. Mixing two boxes works: House says Kokumaro came from customers who blend two or more roux.^[9] House’s catalog also lists Prime Vermont, Prime Java, X-BLEND CURRY, White Curry, Black Curry and The Curry.^[49]

House Vermont Curry

Vermont Curry is House Foods’ mellow curry with a touch of apple and honey, made so small children and adults can eat the same pot; the box lists 100% Japan-grown apple paste, honey and dairy.^[1] The name’s meaning: House says the recipe applies an apple-and-honey health tradition handed down in the US state of Vermont.^[24]

• Sizes and prices: 115g ¥273 and 230g ¥446 before tax.^[1][4]
• Spice levels: mild (甘口, amakuchi) is rank 1, medium hot (中辛, chukara) rank 2, hot (辛口, karakuchi) rank 3 on House’s spice meter, where a higher number is hotter.^[1][2][3]
• Ingredients: edible fats (a beef tallow and lard blend, palm oil), wheat flour, sugar, salt, starch, curry powder, pork extract, banana paste, honey and apple paste; the medium hot lists milk, wheat, soy, chicken, banana, pork and apple.^[2] So standard Vermont Curry is not vegetarian, vegan or halal, and not gluten free. Peanut is not in its allergen list.^[2]
• Allergen-free version: a Vermont medium hot made without the eight specified allergens (wheat, milk, egg, peanut, buckwheat, shrimp, crab, walnut) uses rice flour, but still contains pork extract and pork collagen.^[50]

Search バーモントカレー (Vermont Curry) on OneMall.

House Java Curry

Java Curry is House’s spicy line: a refreshing spice aroma and heat with the depth of roasted onion.^[6] On House’s meter Java mild is already rank 3, medium hot 4, hot 5, and the Spicy Blend (roux plus a separate garam masala packet) rank 6.^[5][6][7][8] The 185g box is ¥447 before tax.^[5] Java medium hot lists beef tallow and lard, chicken extract, pork extract, cheese and coconut milk powder, so it is not vegetarian or halal; Java medium hot (med hot) lists no coffee, though Kokumaro mild lists coffee powder.^[6][10] A salt-reduced Java medium hot has 25% less salt per plate.^[51] Search ジャワカレー (Java Curry) or ジャワカレー スパイシーブレンド (Spicy Blend).

House Kokumaro Curry

Kokumaro (こくまろ, “rich and mellow”) launched in 1996 and blends two roux in one box: a rich roux with amber onion and butter and a mellow roux with fresh cream.^[9][10] The 145g box is ¥267 before tax; mild is rank 2, medium hot 3, hot 4.^[10][17][18] The lineup adds Kokumaro butter chicken curry, keema curry, retort Kokumaro, stew and hayashi.^[9] Kokumaro vs Java: Kokumaro is creamier and milder at each label. Kokumaro vs Golden Curry or Vermont: Kokumaro leans on dairy, Golden Curry on spice aroma, Vermont on fruit. Kokumaro lists beef tallow, lard, butter and cream, so it is not vegetarian or halal.^[10] Search こくまろカレー (Kokumaro).

S&B Golden Curry, Torokeru and Dinner Curry

S&B Golden Curry launched in 1966 as an instant curry built around spices, and S&B says it was the first roux in Japan to print heat labels (its Q&A dates the mild / medium hot / hot labels to 1972).^[15][52] In Japan the series uses 35 spices and herbs, and Golden Curry Powder Roux uses roasted rice flour instead of wheat flour.^[11]

The US-market Golden Curry Mix comes in 92g (mild, medium hot, hot) and 220g (mild, medium hot, hot, extra hot) boxes, and S&B states it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients.^[12][13][19] The medium hot lists wheat flour, palm and rapeseed oils, salt, sugar, curry powder, monosodium glutamate (MSG), caramel color and spices. Nutrition facts: one serving (1/12 of a 220g box, 18 g) is 90 kcal, 4.5 g fat, 10 g carbohydrate, 1 g protein and 800 mg sodium.^[13] Extra hot is “spicier than hot”.^[19] A Golden Curry mix for vegetarians, without meat-derived ingredients, onion or garlic, is sold only in Taiwan.^[53]

• Golden Curry vs Vermont Curry: Vermont is sweeter and contains pork extract; Golden Curry is more spice-driven.^[2][12]
• Golden Curry vs Java Curry: Java mild is already House rank 3.^[5]
• Tasty Curry: mellow and vegetable-forward, for people who dislike spicy food; no meat-derived ingredients.^[14]
• Torokeru Curry (とろけるカレー): launched in 2001 with slow-simmered richness and a vegetable-thickened body.^[15]
• Dinner Curry: Fond de Veau Dinner Curry is built on veal stock, S&B’s top-end European-style curry; its predecessor dates from 1973.^[16][15]
• Curry no Oujisama: Japan’s first children’s curry roux (1983).^[15]

S&B curry powder (the red tin): S&B made Japan’s first curry powder in 1923 and launched the Red Can (赤缶) in 1950; the export Original Curry Powder 85g tin is that blend of turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, cumin, chili, cinnamon and other spices, with no wheat in the list.^[23][54] Search ゴールデンカレー (Golden Curry), とろけるカレー (Torokeru) or 赤缶 カレー粉 (Red Can curry powder).

Japanese Curry Spice Levels: Mild to Hot Chart

Heat labels are set by each maker. They reflect pungent spices such as chili, pepper and ginger, not saltiness, and the spice-rank charts are each company’s own.^[22] S&B measures capsaicin (chili) and piperine (pepper), then adjusts with tasting panels, so one brand’s medium hot can feel different from another’s.^[52]

Japanese spice level terms: 甘口 (amakuchi) = mild, 中辛 (chukara) = medium hot, 辛口 (karakuchi) = hot, 激辛 (gekikara) = very hot. Is Japanese curry spicy? Mild and medium hot are gentle; even Vermont hot (3) sits below Java medium hot (4). For non-spicy curry for kids, pick Vermont mild, Tasty Curry mild or Curry no Oujisama.^[1][14][15]

Using Japanese Curry Cubes: Box Instructions in English

Cooking instructions and directions on the back of the box follow one quick, easy pattern. S&B’s for Golden Curry (カレー, kare): cut 450 g of beef (or chicken, lamb or shrimp), onions, carrot and potato into bite-size pieces; stir-fry about 5 minutes; add water and simmer until tender (about 15 minutes); turn the heat off, break in the roux, stir until melted, then simmer about 5 more minutes, stirring.^[55]

• How much water (ratio): a 92g pack of Golden Curry takes 540 ml water for 5 servings; half of a 220g box (6 servings) takes 660 ml.^[55] How many cubes (how much roux) to use? The whole box, or the half-box line; a cube-to-water ratio is not printed, so follow the box total. Japanese curry using curry powder instead needs your own flour-and-fat roux.
• Why turn off the heat? Roux dropped into boiling liquid forms starchy lumps.^[21]
• Not thickening or too watery? Simmer about 10 minutes on low; if still thin, add flour mixed with water. Honey and some add-ins contain amylase, which breaks down starch, so add them early and simmer 20 minutes or more.^[21]
• Too salty? Roux is about 10% salt (1.8–2.0 g per serving); fix it with more vegetables and water, not more roux.^[22]
• Veggies to add, upgrades and enhancements: chicken, beef, pork, ground beef or ground turkey, tofu, lentils, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin, mushrooms, a grated apple, coconut milk, yogurt, a spoon of ketchup or oyster sauce, or extra curry powder. S&B also suggests the sauce over noodles, bread and buns, or as a dipping sauce for steamed vegetables.^[12]
• Toppings, garnish and sides: fukujinzuke, a sweet soy pickle of seven chopped vegetables named after the seven lucky gods, is the classic.^[56]
• Dishes, leftovers and meal prep: curry udon, curry noodles, curry bread, katsu curry, curry fried rice, curry fries, omelette, loco moco, meatballs, pot pie, quiche, orzo or quinoa bowls, curry mac and cheese, or a thinned curry broth base for soup.
• Slow cooker, crock pot, rice cooker, pressure cooker or Instant Pot: cook the meat and vegetables first, then dissolve the roux off the heat.

Shelf Life and Storage: Does Japanese Curry Roux Expire?

Every box has a best-by (expiration) date, but unopened roux keeps a long time at room temperature, and you do not need to refrigerate unopened curry cubes. Once opened, wrap the remaining roux airtight, refrigerate and use within about 3 months.^[21] White, yellow or green patterns on the surface are fat and turmeric color that rose in warm storage (“blooming”), not a quality problem.^[21][22] Expired roux past the date is a judgment call we can’t make for you. Can you freeze Japanese curry? You can freeze cooked curry, but S&B does not recommend it because texture changes; cool leftovers in shallow containers.^[21][22]

Retort Curry: Japanese Curry Pouches

Retort curry (レトルトカレー, retort-packed or pouch curry) is premade, pre-cooked curry sealed in a heat-treated pouch, so it keeps at room temperature; the association lists 2–3 years unopened for cooked curry.^[22] Otsuka Foods’ Bon Curry, launched in 1968, was the first retort curry sold to consumers in the world.^[57][58]

• House: Vermont, Java and Kokumaro come in retort pouches, alongside Curry-ya Curry, Kukure Curry and The Hotel Curry.^[49] Retort Java medium hot 200g is ¥352 before tax and can be microwaved in its opened box; retort Vermont contains beef with Hokkaido potatoes and carrots.^[40][24]
• S&B Golden Curry Sauce with Vegetables: ready-made sauce with potatoes, carrots and onions and no meat; boil the unopened pouch 3–5 minutes, or pour into a microwave-safe dish (the pouch is not microwave safe).^[25]

Search レトルトカレー (retort curry) or ボンカレー (Bon Curry).

Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Gluten-Free Japanese Curry

• Vegetarian or vegan: House Vermont, Java and Kokumaro list beef tallow, lard and meat extracts.^[2][6][10] S&B’s US Golden Curry and Tasty Curry state no meat-derived ingredients, and the Golden Curry vegetable retort has no meat; vegans should still check dairy.^[12][14][25]
• Halal or kosher: roux with pork extract or lard is not halal. We found no halal or kosher certification on the curry pages we read, so check the package.
• Gluten free (GF): standard roux uses wheat flour.^[13] Rice-flour options: House’s Vermont made without the eight allergens and S&B’s Golden Curry Powder Roux; neither page claims gluten-free certification.^[50][11]
• No MSG, no palm oil, dairy free: US Golden Curry lists MSG and palm oil; Japanese labels show 調味料（アミノ酸等）for amino-acid seasonings. Golden Curry Mix lists no milk.^[13][2]
• Calories, macros, keto, low FODMAP: we don’t call foods healthy, unhealthy or bad for you, and we can’t say whether a product is keto or low FODMAP. The label numbers above (calories, fat, carbs, sodium) are the facts we can give.^[13][22]

Kewpie Mayonnaise: Japanese Mayo Explained

Kewpie (キユーピー; how to pronounce it: “KYOO-pee”) made Japan’s first mayonnaise in 1925, and it has always been an egg-yolk type; the founder, Toichiro Nakashima, chose the name so the product would be loved by everyone.^[59][60] Kewpie mayonnaise originated in Japan; the owner and maker is Kewpie Corporation. The main ingredients are egg yolk, vegetable oil and vinegar; a 450 g bottle contains 3.6 egg yolks, and Kewpie makes its own mayonnaise vinegar.^[61][26]

Kewpie mayo vs regular mayo: Kewpie USA says the difference is that it uses only egg yolks, not whole eggs, which gives its creaminess, bold umami flavor and off-white color.^[34] That yolk-only recipe is the core of any Japanese mayo vs American mayo comparison, whether you set Kewpie against Hellmans, Dukes or Miracle Whip; Kewpie also contains MSG.^[33]

• Japan vs US version: the Japan-made 450 g uses malt vinegar from barley and apple cider vinegar; the US-made 12 fl oz (made in California) is certified gluten free and kosher.^[33][34] Both list MSG, and egg is the only allergen; does Kewpie mayo have dairy? No dairy is listed.^[33][34]
• Egg-free and vegan: Kewpie USA’s Vegan Mayo; in Japan, GREEN KEWPIE plant-based mayo and the eggless Egg Care.^[36][37]
• Sizes in grams, packaging and types: the familiar bottle has a red cap, and other types use other cap colors.^[62] In Japan 50g, 6g × 20 packets, 130g, 200g, 350g, 450g, 700g and 1kg; Japan also sells glass-jar mayo (250g).^[37] Kewpie USA lists a half-gallon 64 fl oz bulk bottle ($29.99), sachets (0.42 fl oz × 200, $69.99) and food-service (wholesale) sizes.^[63][35] The red net pattern appeared in 1958.^[60]
• Expiration and storage: 12 months unopened for some sizes. Unopened bottles keep unrefrigerated at room temperature away from sunlight; after opening, refrigerate in the door pocket (oil separates below 0°C), use within about 1 month, and don’t leave it out overnight.^[26][27][34]
• Kewpie mayo museum and factory tour: Mayo Terrace in Tokyo (reservation), 7 minutes from Sengawa Station; Kewpie also runs Open Kitchen factory tours at plants in Ibaraki, Saga and Hyogo.^[64]

Usage: egg salad and egg sandwiches, potato salad, cucumber salad, tuna mayo onigiri, okonomiyaki (with okonomi sauce), sushi, ramen, burgers, pizza, elote, lobster rolls, dips, coleslaw and salmon. Search キユーピー マヨネーズ (Kewpie mayonnaise).

Kewpie dressings: roasted sesame, yuzu kosho, wafu

Kewpie’s Deep Roasted Sesame dressing (深煎りごま, goma dressing) is nutty with soy undertones and a sweet finish, used as a marinade for chicken, a pasta salad sauce or a glaze for fish. The US 12 fl oz is $9.49 ($8.07 on sale), contains egg, soy, wheat and sesame, and should be refrigerated after opening; unlike plain tahini (sesame paste), it lists soy sauce, brown sugar and vinegar.^[65] The Yuzu & Kosho dressing pairs yuzu with a gradual green jalapeno heat that Kewpie calls milder than sriracha ($8.49).^[66] The US range also has Savory Soy (wafu), Spicy Sesame Oil (chuka), Caesar and Roasted Garlic Onion.^[35] In Japan, Kewpie’s Tasty Dressing line includes basil & cheese, black vinegar onion, Italian, sesame & almond and Caesar; it keeps 6 months unopened, then about 1 month refrigerated (check the expiry date).^[67] In Japan, roasted sesame dressing packets are ¥43, while chilled (冷蔵品) dressings are refrigerated and cannot be shipped.^[37] Search キユーピー 深煎りごまドレッシング.

Bull-Dog Sauce: Tonkatsu, Chuno and Worcester

Bull-Dog Sauce Co., Ltd. started in 1902 as the grocer Misawaya, began making sauce in 1905 and took its current name in 1962.^[68] Why a bulldog? Bulldogs were a symbol of Britain, the birthplace of sauce, and a popular pet in late-Taisho Japan.^[69]

What is tonkatsu sauce made of? Bull-Dog Tonkatsu Sauce lists vegetables and fruits (tomato, apple, prune, lemon, carrot, onion), brewed vinegar, sugars (high-fructose corn syrup and sugar), salt, starch, yeast extract (contains soy) and spices; allergens are soy and apple, with no nuts, wheat or ketchup and no oyster sauce in the list. It is JAS special grade with no added colorings, thickeners or sweeteners; nutrition facts: 23 kcal per tablespoon.^[28] About 30% of Bull-Dog sauce is vinegar, with seven or more spices.^[70] The Worcester (usuta, usta) sauce contains dried-sardine extract, so it is not vegetarian.^[30] Is tonkatsu sauce spicy? No: tonkatsu sauce is the mildest and thickest, Worcester the spiciest.^[29]

• Tonkatsu sauce vs katsu sauce: the same thing; chuno is the closest similar sauce and replacement. Vs Worcestershire: Worcester sauce is named after Worcestershire in England; Japanese Worcester is thin and sharp.^[71][29]
• Vs teriyaki, eel sauce, Japanese BBQ sauce and hoisin: teriyaki is a glaze of soy sauce, sake and mirin, and eel kabayaki is basted with a soy-based tare; tonkatsu sauce is a fruit, vegetable and vinegar sauce.^[72][73][28]
• Vs okonomiyaki, takoyaki and yakisoba sauce: dish-specific sauces; Bull-Dog makes its own, and Otafuku specializes in them (its site also has halal and vegan recipes).^[74][75]
• The rest of the lineup: Uma Sauce, J Sauce, an organic sauce, 50% salt-cut Worcester and chuno, a calorie-half sauce, special-grade versions, a sesame tonkatsu sauce tube and &Bull-Dog dressings.^[74]
• What it goes with: tonkatsu, katsudon, karaage, croquettes, shredded cabbage or lettuce, salads, tempura, fried eggs, potato salad, natto.^[29]
• Does Bull-Dog sauce expire? Unopened about 2 years at room temperature (25 months on the label); opened, refrigerate and use Worcester within about 60 days, chuno or tonkatsu within about 30. Expired sauce: Bull-Dog says the best-by date marks peak flavor, not an instant safety limit.^[29][28]
• Regional taste: Kanto sauces lean sweeter, Kansai more sour. All Bull-Dog products are made in Japan.^[71][29]

Search ブルドック とんかつソース (Bull-Dog tonkatsu sauce) or ブルドック 中濃ソース (chuno).

Shichimi Togarashi: Japanese Seven Spice

Shichimi togarashi (七味唐辛子; translation: “seven-flavor chili”) blends ground chili with sesame, hemp seed, sansho, dried citrus peel (chinpi), poppy seed, and aonori seaweed or shiso; it is also called nanairo togarashi, and shops grade it as very hot, medium hot or mild.^[76] It was first sold in 1625 at Yagenbori in Edo (Tokyo); Japan’s three great shichimi are Yagenbori in Asakusa, Shichimiya Honpo in Kyoto and Yawataya Isogoro at Zenkoji in Nagano.^[77]

• What spices are in it? It varies. Yawataya Isogoro: chili, ginger, shiso, sansho, chinpi, sesame, hemp seed.^[32] House Foods (17g, ¥189 before tax): chili, chinpi, sesame, sansho, poppy seed, ginger, aonori.^[31] S&B’s US Nanami Togarashi: chili, orange peel, black and white sesame, Japanese pepper, ginger, seaweed.^[78]
• Shichimi vs nanami togarashi: two names for the same blend; S&B describes it as two hot spices and five aromatic ones.^[79]
• Shichimi vs ichimi togarashi: ichimi is ground chili only, and hotter.^[80] Substitute, replacement or alternative: ichimi plus sesame and orange peel is the closest equivalent; cayenne pepper and gochugaru are chili only, while Tajin and Chinese 5 spice are different blends.
• Usage (what to put it on): udon and soba, hot pot and soups, grilled foods, seafood, meat and dumplings, according to S&B; other dishes include ramen, yakitori, pork chops, prawns, edamame and fries.^[79]
• Does it expire? House lists 2 years 7 months unopened, but Yawataya notes the aroma fades once opened, so buy small bags rather than bulk.^[31][32]

Yawataya sells its shichimi in a 14g can, 12g bottle and 8g, 18g and 35g bags, plus yuzu shichimi (shichimi con yuzu), sansho shichimi and ramen shichimi.^[81] Search 八幡屋礒五郎 七味 (Yawataya) or 七味唐辛子 (shichimi).

Yuzu Kosho: Japanese Citrus Chili Paste

Yuzu kosho (柚子胡椒 in kanji; meaning “yuzu and chili”; pronunciation “YOO-zoo KOH-show”) is finely chopped yuzu peel and chili ground with salt and matured. It is a specialty of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, said to come from Hita, and contains no pepper: in parts of Kyushu “kosho” means chili.^[82] Green yuzu kosho (green chili) is the common type; red or yellow versions use ripe chili.^[82] S&B’s definition: grated yuzu with raw green chili and salt.^[83]

• Taste: bright citrus, salty, with sharp green-chili heat; use a small dab.
• Usage: hot pot (nabe), dashi broths, sashimi and nigiri, udon, yakitori, gyoza, steak, fish, chicken, ramen, pasta and sandwiches.^[82][83] Ideas and dishes: stir it into mayo, aioli, hollandaise, beurre blanc, butter, vinaigrette, ranch, pesto, chimichurri, hummus, yogurt or deviled eggs; dab it on oysters, crudo, yellowtail (hamachi), wings, meatballs or slaw.
• Brands, alternatives and replacement: S&B’s 43g tube lists yuzu peel, green chili, salt, water and thickeners, plus a blue coloring in the US version.^[43] Kewpie’s Yuzu & Kosho dressing is a milder, pourable substitute.^[66]

Search 柚子胡椒 (yuzu kosho).

Japanese Pantry Staples List: Types of Japanese Sauces and Seasonings

The basics of a Japanese cooking pantry, beyond curry, mayo and tonkatsu sauce:

• Dashi: stock simmered from katsuobushi (bonito), kombu (kelp) and shiitake; kombu’s umami is glutamate.^[84]
• Shoyu (soy sauce): brewed from a koji of wheat and soybeans with brine; koikuchi, usukuchi, tamari and shiro types.^[85]
• Miso: soybeans (soya beans) fermented with koji and salt; rice, barley or soybean koji, red or white.^[86] It is the Japanese condiment made from koji and soybeans.
• Teriyaki and eel (unagi) sauce: teriyaki is a tare of soy sauce, sake and mirin brushed on while grilling; kabayaki eel is basted with tare.^[72][73]
• Ponzu: from Dutch pons; citrus juice with vinegar for hot pot, the Japanese condiment with a citrus flavoring.^[87]
• Yakiniku and edamame seasoning: S&B’s Yakiniku Seasoning Mix gives Japanese BBQ (barbecue) sauce flavor of sweetness, soy sauce and spices for steak; its Wasabi Garlic Edamame mix is stirred with water and edamame.^[88][89]
• Mirin: sweet rice wine from glutinous rice and koji.^[90]
• Sansho: Japanese pepper, a citrus-family shrub’s fruit.^[91]
• Furikake: rice seasoning with sesame seeds and seaweed (nori); the egg-and-nori noritama (1961) made it mainstream.^[92]

For tea, see our Japanese tea brands guide; for snacks, our Japanese snacks guide.

What Ships from Japan and What Doesn’t

Food ships only if it is shelf-stable and accepted by the carrier and the destination. OneMall does not ship fresh, frozen or refrigerated food, and sprays and flammable liquids are on the prohibited list.^[44]

• Meat-containing products: US Customs and Border Protection’s “Bringing Food into the U.S.” page says many agricultural products are prohibited from certain countries, and prohibited or restricted items may include meats and products made from animal materials.^[41] Many retort curries contain beef or pork, and House roux contains pork extract and lard.^[24][2] Check whether meat-containing items are allowed before you buy; we do not promise any food item will clear customs.
• Liquids and glass: mayo, dressings and sauces may be refused by a carrier or need extra packing, and they add weight; volumetric weight counts for bulky boxes.

See also our guide to what you cannot ship from Japan.

How to Buy Japanese Curry Roux and Condiments from the US

US Japanese grocery stores often carry export versions, but Japan-only items (Kokumaro, Java Spicy Blend, Torokeru, Dinner Curry, 1kg Kewpie, smoked mayo, regional shichimi) are easier to find for sale online in Japan.

1. Search in Japanese: カレールウ (curry roux), こくまろカレー 中辛, キユーピー 燻製マヨネーズ (smoked mayo), ブルドック ソース (Bull-Dog sauce).
2. Read the label: heat (甘口 / 中辛 / 辛口), meat (牛脂, 豚脂, ポークエキス = beef tallow, lard, pork extract) and best-by date (賞味期限).
3. Buy dry first: roux, curry powder and spices are light and shelf-stable; add liquids sparingly.
4. Bundle and check: consolidate into one parcel, ask for reinforcement for glass, and add unboxing photos (¥500 / ¥700) or a wrong/missing item check (¥200) at the Tokyo warehouse.

OneMall buys from Japanese marketplaces such as Mercari, Yahoo Auctions, Rakuten and Amazon Japan, and from other Japanese online stores (including maker web shops) through LinkBuy. Items that need a lottery entry, purchase limit, Japanese identity verification or a merchant account cannot be purchased. International shipping is charged on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 5,000) of the box the warehouse uses.

Service fees are ¥300 per item on most marketplaces; from ¥200 per item on Yahoo Auctions and LinkBuy. The first six orders consolidate free; each additional order costs ¥100. Storage is free for 90 days after arrival (30 days after consolidation). Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal, settled in USD.

US buyers: since August 29, 2025, US-bound parcels of any value go through customs and pay applicable duties, taxes and fees — the $800 de minimis exemption no longer applies. OneMall currently ships to the United States by ECMS, DHL and Japan Post EMS (DDP — declared value up to USD 2,500, duties prepaid with the shipping fee); the live quote at checkout shows which lines accept your parcel.

If something breaks: damage caused inside the warehouse by OneMall is refunded at the item’s purchase price; damage in international transit is compensated up to the international shipping fee paid, and must be reported within 24 hours with the order number, photos and a full unboxing video. Loss in transit is handled by the carrier, and OneMall helps confirm with the carrier and file the claim within 72 hours. Duties and customs fees are paid by the buyer.

Compare the best Japan proxy services and proxy costs by total landed cost. For the kitchen side, see our Japanese cookware brands guide, Japanese knife brands guide, Japanese chopsticks guide and bento box guide; for cheap pantry items, our Daiso Japan buying guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Japanese curry is the mildest?

House Vermont Curry mild (rank 1 on House’s scale); S&B Tasty Curry mild is made for people who dislike spicy food.

Is Golden Curry vegetarian?

The US-market Golden Curry Mix states no meat or meat-derived ingredients. House Vermont, Java and Kokumaro contain beef tallow, lard or meat extracts.

What’s the difference between Kewpie mayo and normal mayo?

Kewpie uses only egg yolks and its own vinegar blend, and it contains MSG.

Does Vermont Curry have gluten, MSG or peanuts?

It has wheat flour and amino-acid seasoning (調味料), and peanut is not in its allergen list.

Does tonkatsu sauce have nuts or pork?

Neither is in Bull-Dog’s ingredient and allergen list (soy and apple only).

Can I ship Kewpie mayo and tonkatsu sauce from Japan?

Unopened bottles are shelf-stable, but as liquids a carrier may refuse them or they may need extra packing. Refrigerated dressings cannot be shipped.

References

1. House Foods: Vermont Curry 115g mild (甘口). https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,090602,curry,roux,vmt.html
2. House Foods: Vermont Curry 115g medium hot (中辛). https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,090601,curry,roux,vmt.html
3. House Foods: Vermont Curry 115g hot (辛口). https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,090600,curry,roux,vmt.html
4. House Foods: Vermont Curry 230g medium hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,091399,curry,roux,vmt.html
5. House Foods: Java Curry 185g mild. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,089586,curry,roux,java.html
6. House Foods: Java Curry 185g medium hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,089587,curry,roux,java.html
7. House Foods: Java Curry 185g hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,089588,curry,roux,java.html
8. House Foods: Java Curry Spicy Blend. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,089590,curry,roux,java.html
9. House Foods: Kokumaro brand site. https://housefoods.jp/products/special/kokumaro/
10. House Foods: Kokumaro Curry 145g mild. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,092737,curry,roux,koku.html
11. S&B Foods Japan: Golden Curry products (35 spices, powder roux). https://www.sbfoods.co.jp/golden/products/
12. S&B Foods Global: Golden Curry Mix Mild 92g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/004.html
13. S&B Foods Global: Golden Curry Mix Medium Hot 220g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/008.html
14. S&B Foods Global: Tasty Curry Mix Mild 200g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/055.html
15. S&B Curry.com: history of S&B curry roux. https://www.sbcurry.com/history/roux/
16. S&B Foods Japan: Fond de Veau Dinner Curry. https://www.sbfoods.co.jp/dinner/
17. House Foods: Kokumaro Curry 145g medium hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,092738,curry,roux,koku.html
18. House Foods: Kokumaro Curry 145g hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,092739,curry,roux,koku.html
19. S&B Foods Global: Golden Curry Mix Extra Hot 220g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/010.html
20. House Foods: retort Java Curry 200g “extra hot for adults” (大人の激辛). https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,092057,ret,curry,jabar.html
21. S&B Foods Global: Curry Q&A. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/curry/faq/
22. All Japan Curry Industry Cooperative Association: Curry Q&A (shelf life, salt, heat labels). https://curry.or.jp/qanda/index.html
23. S&B Foods Global: Curry Powder (history, Red Can). https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/currypowder/
24. House Foods: retort Vermont Curry 200g medium hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,092040,ret,curry,vmt.html
25. S&B Foods Global: Golden Curry Sauce with Vegetables Medium Hot 230g (retort). https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/017.html
26. Kewpie: secrets of the taste (egg yolks, shelf life). https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayonnaise/product/secret.html
27. Kewpie: recommended storage. https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayonnaise/tips/door-pocket.html
28. Bull-Dog Sauce: Tonkatsu Sauce 300ml. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/products/home/item0103_300ml.html
29. Bull-Dog Sauce: FAQ. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/company/faq.html
30. Bull-Dog Sauce: Worcester Sauce 300ml. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/products/home/item0101_300ml.html
31. House Foods: shichimi togarashi 17g. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,090589,spice,toga,house.html
32. Yawataya Isogoro: shichimi ingredients. https://www.yawataya.co.jp/about/ingredient/
33. Kewpie USA: KEWPIE Mayonnaise 450 g (Product of Japan). https://www.kewpieshop.com/products/kewpie-mayonnaise-450-g-product-of-japan
34. Kewpie USA: KEWPIE Mayonnaise 12 fl. oz (Product of USA). https://www.kewpieshop.com/products/kewpie-mayonnaise
35. Kewpie USA: KEWPIE Mayonnaise collection (US lineup and prices). https://www.kewpieshop.com/collections/kewpie-mayonnaise
36. Kewpie USA: Vegan Mayo Dressing & Spread 64 fl. oz. https://www.kewpieshop.com/products/kewpie-vegan-mayonnaise-kosher-plant-based-gluten-free-64oz
37. Qummy (Kewpie online shop, Japan): mayonnaise & dressing, page 2. https://qummy.kewpie.co.jp/category/seasoning/mayonnaise-dressing?page=2
38. Bull-Dog Sauce: Chuno Sauce 300ml. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/products/home/item0102_300ml.html
39. S&B Foods Global: Golden Curry Sauce with Plant-Based Protein 230g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/064.html
40. House Foods: retort Java Curry 200g medium hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,092055,ret,curry,jabar.html
41. U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Bringing Food into the U.S.. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/agricultural-items
42. Qummy (Kewpie online shop, Japan): mayonnaise & dressing, page 1. https://qummy.kewpie.co.jp/category/seasoning/mayonnaise-dressing
43. S&B Foods Global: Prepared Spicy Citrus Paste (Yuzu-kosho) 43g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/026.html
44. OneMall: Prohibited Items List for Japan. https://support.onemall.jp/prohibited-items-list-for-japan/
45. S&B Foods Global: Explore Japanese Curry. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/curry/
46. All Japan Curry Industry Cooperative Association: What is curry?. https://curry.or.jp/whats/index.html
47. S&B Curry.com Q&A: what “roux” means. https://www.sbcurry.com/faq/faq-465/
48. S&B Curry.com Q&A: how often Japanese eat curry. https://www.sbcurry.com/faq/faq-463/
49. House Foods: curry product catalog (roux and retort lineup). https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cat_1,curry.html
50. House Foods: Vermont Curry medium hot made without 8 specified allergens. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,091851,curry,roux,tg_v.html
51. House Foods: Java Curry salt-reduced (25% off) medium hot. https://housefoods.jp/products/catalog/cd_1,088085,curry,roux,java.html
52. S&B Curry.com Q&A: how mild / medium hot / hot is decided. https://www.sbcurry.com/faq/faq-457/
53. S&B Foods Global: Golden Curry Sauce Mix for Vegetarians (Taiwan only). https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/011.html
54. S&B Foods Global: Original Curry Powder 85g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/023.html
55. S&B Foods Global: Japanese Curry recipe (Golden Curry, water amounts). https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/recipes/010.html
56. Kotobank: 福神漬 (fukujinzuke). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E7%A6%8F%E7%A5%9E%E6%BC%AC-124039
57. Otsuka Foods: Bon Curry site. https://boncurry.jp/
58. Otsuka Foods: company history. https://www.otsukafoods.co.jp/company/history/
59. Kewpie: Kewpie Mayonnaise (Japan). https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayonnaise/
60. Kewpie: mayonnaise history. https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayonnaise/history/
61. Kewpie: mayonnaise ingredients. https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayonnaise/product/ingredients.html
62. Kewpie: mayonnaise lineup (cap colors). https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayonnaise/lineup/
63. Kewpie: mayonnaise size variations. https://www.kewpie.co.jp/mayonnaise/product/capacity.html
64. Kewpie: Mayo Terrace visitor facility. https://www.kewpie.co.jp/entertainment/mayoterrace/
65. Kewpie USA: Deep Roasted Sesame Dressing & Marinade 12 fl. oz. https://www.kewpieshop.com/products/deep-roasted-sesame
66. Kewpie USA: Yuzu & Kosho Dressing 8 fl. oz. https://www.kewpieshop.com/products/kewpie-yuzu-kosho-dressing-8oz
67. Kewpie: Tasty Dressing Basil & Cheese (lineup, storage). https://www.kewpie.co.jp/products/detail/4901577019746/
68. Bull-Dog Sauce: company history. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/company/history.html
69. Bull-Dog Sauce: origin of the name and mark. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/company/name.html
70. Bull-Dog Sauce: what sauce is made of. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/special/sauce/01.html
71. Bull-Dog Sauce: sauce trivia. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/special/sauce/03.html
72. Kotobank: 照り焼き (teriyaki). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E7%85%A7%E3%82%8A%E7%84%BC%E3%81%8D-335718
73. Kotobank: 蒲焼 (kabayaki, eel). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E8%92%B2%E7%84%BC-465614
74. Bull-Dog Sauce: home-use product list. https://www.bulldog.co.jp/products/home/
75. Otafuku Sauce (English site). https://www.otafukusauce.com/e/
76. Kotobank: 七味唐辛子 (shichimi togarashi). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E4%B8%83%E5%91%B3%E5%94%90%E8%BE%9B%E5%AD%90-73880
77. Yawataya Isogoro: origin of shichimi togarashi. https://www.yawataya.co.jp/about/history/
78. S&B Foods Global: Assorted Chili Pepper (Nanami Togarashi) 15g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/027.html
79. S&B Foods Global: Nanami Togarashi. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/spices/nanami/
80. Kotobank: 一味唐辛子 (ichimi togarashi). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E4%B8%80%E5%91%B3%E5%94%90%E8%BE%9B%E5%AD%90-433708
81. Yawataya Isogoro: Shichimi Togarashi product page. https://www.yawataya.co.jp/products/01.php
82. Kotobank: 柚子胡椒 (yuzu kosho). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%9F%9A%E5%AD%90%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92-1780402
83. S&B Foods Global: Yuzu Kosho. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/spices/yuzu/
84. Kotobank: 出汁 (dashi). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%87%BA%E6%B1%81-849926
85. Kotobank: 醤油 (shoyu, soy sauce). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%86%A4%E6%B2%B9-79930
86. Kotobank: 味噌 (miso). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%91%B3%E5%99%8C-138723
87. Kotobank: ポン酢 (ponzu). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E3%81%BD%E3%82%93%E9%85%A2-1417895
88. S&B Foods Global: Yakiniku Seasoning Mix 30.8g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/060.html
89. S&B Foods Global: Wasabi Garlic Edamame Seasoning Mix 24g. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/products/search/061.html
90. Kotobank: 味醂 (mirin). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%91%B3%E9%86%82-139901
91. Kotobank: 山椒 (sansho). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%B1%B1%E6%A4%92-513744
92. Kotobank: ふりかけ (furikake). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E3%81%B5%E3%82%8A%E3%81%8B%E3%81%91-1586931