Bondy opened in 1973, and they've been serving the same crowd-pleasing, classic curry-rice dishes ever since. Over the past half century they've won numerous curry-world awards, including the very first Kanda Curry Grand Prix. The shop is quite popular but the line moves quickly, and they're open all afternoon if you want to avoid peak lunch hour.

Of the twelve curries on offer, beef is the shop's recommendation and the most popular choice. Big chunks of tender beef swim in a rich European-style roux, built from fond de veau simmered with spices, fruits, and vegetables to achieve a complex sweetness. A topping of gooey cheese is optional, and condiments include extra-crunchy pickled shallots and raisins with coconut flakes.

There aren't many mixed-ingredient options here, but the shrimp, clam and chicken combo is quite good, with plump shrimps and juicy, flavorful clams. It also comes with button mushrooms, almonds and a sprig of watercress on top - a nice touch.

Whatever curry you order, a dish of boiled potatoes is served on the side, and they provide a welcome contrast with the spiciness of the curry. Many curry cognoscenti eat the potatoes by hand, like a piece of fruit, but you can add them to your curry plate if you prefer.

Seating is fairly comfortable, with large six-top tables set up to accommodate four solo diners each. The shop is in the same building as a popular used bookstore, but the entrance is at the back of the building and up one flight, so you no longer need to walk through the bookstore to get here. Bondy also has an annex branch around the corner and a newer branch in nearby Akihabara.