Unveiling the Legacy of Japanese Curry and Celebrating Curry Day with Echigo Koshihikari Beer

The Origins of Japanese Curry

日本咖喱起源

In the 18th century, Indian curry found its way to England during the time when India was under British rule. A transformative moment occurred in the 19th century when the British, seeking a milder flavor, crafted their own curry powder by reducing the spice levels and incorporating flour for added body. This modified version of curry made its way to Japan during the Meiji era (1868–1912) when the country opened its ports to foreign trade.

在18世纪，在英国统治下印度咖喱传到了英国。19世纪发生了一个革命性的时刻，当时英国人为了寻求更温和的口味，通过降低香料含量和加入面粉来增加口感，制作了自己的咖喱粉。这种改良版的咖喱在明治时代(1868-1912)传入日本，当时日本向对外开埠。

Adoption by the Japanese Military

日本军方采用

While curry had a slow start in Japan, its popularity soared in the early 20th century when it was embraced by the Japanese Navy and Army. The positive reception within the military circles paved the way for the dish to become a staple in school cafeterias. According to Japanese food writer Morieda Takashi, by the year 2000, the average person in Japan consumed curry more frequently than traditional favorites like sushi or tempura.

虽然咖喱在日本推广缓慢，但在20世纪初被日本海军和陆军采用后，它的受欢迎程度飙升。在军界的好评为这道菜成为学校食堂的主食铺平了道路。根据日本美食作家森田隆的说法，到2000年，日本人平均食用咖喱的频率超过了寿司或天妇罗等传统美食。

Curry Day and School Lunch Tradition

咖喱日与日本学校午餐传统

January 22 holds a special place in Japan's culinary calendar as Curry Day. In 1982, the School Dietitian Conference of Japan, marking the 35th anniversary of school meals (Kyushoku or 給食), decided to designate January 22 as the day to serve curry rice in schools. If January 22 falls on a school day, Japanese schools typically feature this beloved dish on their lunch menus, a choice driven by its immense popularity among children.

1月22日在日本的烹饪日历上有一个特殊的位置，那就是咖喱日。1982年，为纪念学校供餐35周年，日本学校营养师会议决定将1月22日定为学校供应咖喱饭的日子。如果1月22日是上学日，日本学校的午餐菜单上通常会有这道菜，孩子们中非常受欢迎这道菜。

Recommended Pairing for Curry

咖喱推荐搭配

When it comes to enhancing the curry experience, pairing it with the right beverage is crucial. Light lagers, renowned for their crisp and refreshing taste, serve as an ideal companion for spicy dishes. Their clean and crisp profiles can effectively cut through the spiciness, providing a refreshing contrast. For the perfect curry and beer pairing, Echigo Koshihikari Beer stands out. This flagship brand from Echigo Brewery is a rice-style lager with 5% alcohol, using the time-consuming German decoction method to highlight the naturally sweet flavor of Niigata-grown Koshihikari rice.

为提升咖喱的体验，搭配合适的饮料是至关重要的。拉格啤酒以其清爽的口感而闻名，是辛辣菜肴的理想伴侣。他们的干净清爽可以有效地减轻辛辣，提供一个清爽感官。要想将咖喱和啤酒完美搭配，越后越光啤酒脱颖而出。这款来自越酒造的旗舰品牌是一款含有5%酒精的大米啤酒，采它用耗时的德国酿制方法来突出新泻种植的越光大米的天然甘甜。

Echigo Koshihikari Beer – The Ultimate Choice

越后越光啤酒-最终选择

Echigo Koshihikari Beer, with its balanced and refreshing qualities, emerges as the top pick for a Curry Day celebration. Brewed with care by Echigo Brewery, this beer complements the flavors of curry rice impeccably. Elevate your Curry Day experience by pairing a plate of delicious curry rice with a bottle of Echigo Koshihikari Beer.

越后月光啤酒由越后酒造精心酿造，这款啤酒完美地搭配了咖喱饭的味道。搭一盘美味的咖喱饭配上一瓶越后越光啤酒，足以提升你的咖喱日体验哟！