Hiden - Japanese Curry Lab -

My experience was great overall. Someone in our party messed up a reservation at another place in Camden so we were scrambling to find something and ended up at Hidden Japanese Curry Lab. First of all, the location is amazing and so central. Other major pros: fair prices, unique culture, friendly staff, fast service, and seating options (or just takeaway). If you want a meal and a Japanese drink you've never seen in your life, great. Want a beer, sake, exotic teas, etc - they have it - along with their own merchandise. The menu is simplified, which I feel makes choices easier. The person working there was nice enough to take our picture, explain the history of the place, and was also real authentic Japanese, like myself. This institute is of great credit to Japan, Japan's culture, and all Japanese in London.

We had the veggie lentil curry (probably vegan). Loved the flavors, just the right spiciness for me. Amazing kimchi. Very good rice. Very good but overprices I think.

Do not come here if you are hungry. Absolutely not worth it for the price - I got original beef curry. It was literally three bites of beef, 50% rice and 40% sauce. Mid-taste as well. I also asked for corn topping - considering it was an extra 1.5£, I expected at least half a cup, not a small spoon.

Tried this place for the first time while exploring Coal Drops Yard, and overall, I was pretty happy with it. I went for the Chicken Katsu Curry, which came out quickly and was presented in a clean, minimal style that matched the small, modern vibe of the shop. The curry sauce itself was the standout — really fragrant, comforting, and well-balanced. Not overly rich or salty, just a smooth, gently spiced Japanese-style curry that felt clean and satisfying. The rice was nicely cooked and held up well with the sauce. The chicken katsu, while still enjoyable, was on the dry side. The coating had a nice crisp, but the meat inside could’ve been a little juicier. That said, the flavorful curry helped carry the whole dish and made up for it somewhat. The space is compact but well thought-out, with a few counter seats inside. It’s perfect for solo diners or a quick lunch on the go. You don’t come here expecting a long, slow sit-down experience — it’s more of a "pop-in, eat well, and carry on" kind of place, and for that, it absolutely delivers. Staff were friendly, service was efficient, and everything was clean and well-organized. It feels like one of those “hidden gem” type of spots (fitting, given the name), tucked away just off the main hustle of King’s Cross.

Great entry restaurant into Japanese cuisine, slightly more pricey than an average chain restaurant but I did enjoy their rich and flavourful katsu curry sauce. Their drinks were the main highlight for me, I had ordered the yuzu refresher and it wad a subtle refreshing and delicious drink combined with subtle notes of lemon. Great service from their staff as I arrived a couple minutes before closing but was still happy to serve and gave recommendations as well, which was great to see. Would definitely recommend the drinks and would probably come back to try their matcha offerings and their alternative hot food.

I got the original beef curry and as you can see in the photo, there are maybe 2 tiny pieces of dry beef in the curry. Not worth £11.90 :(. I’ve seen this on social media so I was excited to try it but I was ultimately disappointed. Flavour was decent, not enough rice for the sauce, and the curry was powdery. Was served with a smile, and it was a very brief interaction but I don’t mind, service was quick and efficient.

The Japanese staff member was very polite and took her time explaining the different curries and drinks available. We ordered the Katsu Chicken Curry, which was delicious and very filling. It reminded me of the curry I had in Japan. The staff was overall very attentive. Would recommend! ありがとうございました!

Best Curry in London! I've tried many curry restaurants in Japan, but I think this place is even better than some of them. I've tried all the curries, I especially like the beef curry the best. The meat is very tender, the curry is rich and flavorful with lots of spices, and it's an addictive curry made with a lot of time and effort. I'll definitely go back.