Toyo Curry: Korea's Revolutionary Tomato Curry Makes Its Singapore Debut

Singapore's culinary landscape continues to expand with innovative concepts that challenge traditional notions of familiar dishes. Enter Toyo Curry, a Korean import that has quietly established itself at Far East Plaza, offering a distinctive tomato-based curry that stands apart from the typical heavy, spice-laden curries.

A Korean Innovation with Japanese Sensibilities

Toyo Curry trades heavy spices and coconut cream for a clean, tomato-forward curry sauce made entirely from vegetables, representing a fascinating interpretation of curry that prioritises freshness and balance over intensity. The concept has found its home in the bustling Far East Plaza, where it shares space with Korean dessert café Ice Lab.

What distinguishes Toyo Curry from its counterparts is its commitment to vegetable-forward cooking. The curry base is made with about 73% tomato, creating a sauce that leans towards sweet and tangy, with soft notes of onion and herbs. This approach represents a significant departure from the robust, spice-heavy curries that dominate Singapore's food scene, instead offering a lighter, more digestible alternative that doesn't compromise on flavour complexity.

Menu Offerings and Customisation

The restaurant presents two primary curry base options: Spicy and Original, both maintaining the signature tomato foundation whilst offering varying heat levels to accommodate different palates. The menu demonstrates thoughtful curation with a range of protein and vegetable combinations designed to complement the tomato base.

Standout offerings include:

• Hijiki Rice with Toyocurry ($10) - featuring the mineral-rich Japanese seaweed

• Beefball with Edamame Toyocurry ($13) - combining protein with fresh soy beans

• Prawn and Mushroom and Corn Toyocurry ($13) - showcasing seafood and vegetable harmony

• Katsu Chicken and Edamame Toyocurry ($13) - marrying crispy Japanese preparation with Korean curry

• Smoked Duck and Broccoli Toyocurry ($14) - the premium protein option

• Mascarpone Cheese Stick and Corn Toyocurry ($13) - an intriguing vegetarian choice

For those seeking complete customisation, the Create Your Energy bowl (from $6) allows diners to build their own combination from rice or pasta bases with various add-ons including shredded cheese, edamame, kimchi, and other accompaniments.

The Dining Experience

The tomato flavour comes through clearly, and this characteristic may surprise diners accustomed to Singapore's typically robust and fiery curry offerings. However, this apparent restraint is precisely what makes Toyo Curry distinctive – it prioritises clean, balanced flavours over intensity.

The curry's vegetable-forward approach makes it particularly appealing to health-conscious diners and those seeking lighter meal options. The tomato base provides natural umami whilst the subtle herb and onion notes create depth without overwhelming the palate. For those expecting the bold, aggressive flavours of traditional Southeast Asian curries, this gentler approach may initially seem understated, but it rewards diners with nuanced flavours that complement rather than dominate.

Final Verdict

Toyo Curry represents an intriguing addition to Singapore's diverse curry landscape, offering something genuinely different in a market often saturated with similar offerings. If you're used to bold, spice-heavy local curries, this might feel underwhelming. But if you want something cleaner, more balanced, and easy to digest, it may be exactly what you're looking for.

The restaurant successfully carves out a niche for diners seeking lighter, vegetable-forward options without sacrificing the comfort food appeal of curry rice. Its Korean heritage brings a unique perspective to Japanese-style curry preparation, resulting in a dish that feels both familiar and refreshingly novel.

Address: Far East Plaza #01-02, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm daily