I wasn’t planning to eat at Maji Curry that afternoon. I’d ducked into Square 2 to escape the Novena lunch heat, half-thinking I’d grab something forgettable. Then I caught the smell of Japanese curry rice drifting out of a small red-walled corner unit, and that was that.
I joined the short queue, and forty minutes later I walked out fuller than I’d expected — in more ways than one.
A Small Room With a Lot of Heart
Let’s be honest about the space first. The interior is tight. There are maybe twenty-six seats indoors, the walls are painted a deep, almost smoky red, and the tables sit close enough that you’ll get to know your neighbour’s order whether you want to or not.
There’s some outdoor seating too, which I’d recommend if you’re going during peak hours. You order from a vending-machine kiosk near the entrance, take a number, and find a seat. No fuss. No menus handed over with a smile. Just you, a screen, and a decision to make.
The Japanese Curry Rice Is the Whole Point
Here’s the thing about Maji Curry — the curry itself is what you remember. It’s thicker and more spice-forward than the usual sweet Japanese curry rice you might know, with a blend of ten spices including cinnamon, black pepper, paprika, and ichimi togarashi. This gives the curry sauce a warm, layered aroma rather than that one-note sweetness typical of many Japanese curries.
You pick your spice level. Level 1 has a gentle kick. Level 2 has more backbone but still won’t set your mouth on fire. If you came here chasing real heat, manage your expectations — this is comfort, not punishment. The spicy option caters well to those who want a bit more heat without overwhelming the palate.
What I’d Actually Order: Tonkatsu Omelette Curry
The Hamburger Steak Cheese Sauce Curry Rice (from about $17.88) is the signature dish, and it’s the one that earned Maji Curry the Kanda Curry Grand Prix recognition at the annual curry festival in Japan. It arrives on a big oval plate, and they pour the cheese fondue—a luscious mix of gouda, mozzarella, and cheddar—over it at the table.
I’ll be straight with you: the cheese-and-curry combination is rich and genuinely satisfying. The hamburg steak itself, a mix of beef and pork, was decent but not the star—a little firmer than I’d hoped, not as juicy or succulent as expected. The curry sauce carried the plate with its aromatic and salty flavour. If you want the full award-winning experience, this is your order.
But if I’m being honest, the dish I’d return for is the Tonkatsu Omelette Curry (from around $18.13). The omelette is soft with creamy folds that gently mix into the rice, the pork cutlet gives you that satisfying crunch, and the whole plate just feels like a warm, complete meal. It’s a safer, more comforting choice with a good balance of savoury curry and fluffy omelette texture.
If you want something different, the pork cutlet curry rice (from roughly $15.63) is solid, and the cream croquette and fried prawn toppings are worth a look too—quietly some of the better things here. The menu also includes options like fried chicken, chicken cutlet, pork shabu, eggplant, and sausages for those who want to mix up their curry rice experience.
A nice touch: the fried shallots and free-flow pickles on the side. They cut through the richness and keep each bite feeling fresh. The pickles, prepared without artificial dyes, include cucumber, radish, eggplant, and kelp, adding a crunchy, vegetal sweetness that complements the dish well.
Service, Timing, and the Small Stuff
The kiosk system means service is quick rather than warm. Food landed at my table in about five minutes, which honestly surprised me. They don’t take reservations, so it’s strictly walk-in.
A word on timing: the Novena lunch crowd is real. Square 2 sits in a busy medical-and-office cluster, so the rush hits hard around peak hours. Go before twelve or after 1.30pm if you want a calm indoor seat. Check the opening hours before heading down, but it’s generally open through to evening.
Getting there is easy — it’s on the second floor of Square 2, about a five-minute walk from Novena MRT.
If you want a fuller picture of the city’s curry scene before you go, I’ve written more here: https://eatplaystay.com.sg/japanese-curry-singapore-best-curry-rice-restaurants-comfort-food/
The Verdict: Maji Curry Review
So is maji curry square 2 worth it? For a solo lunch, a casual dinner, or a Japanese curry craving in Novena — yes. Browse the maji curry square 2 menu and lean toward the omelette curry if you’re unsure.
It’s less ideal for big groups, slow lingering meals, or anyone expecting fiery spice. One more thing worth flagging: it isn’t halal-certified.
It’s not a place that begs you to take photos. It’s a place that quietly fills you up and sends you back into the day. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
For a quieter, slower kind of afternoon, you can read more here.