Meibutsu Bandai Soba

Meibutsu Bandai Soba is a standing-style eatery located on the 1st floor of the Bandai City Bus Center building. Although the name includes “soba,” the most popular menu item is curry rice. The old-fashioned yellow curry is beloved as “Bus Center Curry,” and has even been released as a retort (ready-made) product. Even though it is “soba shop curry,” it is not a typical curry you might find elsewhere. The yellow appearance may look mild, but the taste features a unique blend of spices with concentrated umami from onions and meat—an authentic curry rice. It is delicious as-is, but regulars add tabletop sauce as a “taste change.” The sauce’s sweet-and-tangy flavor tightens the curry’s taste, keeping it enjoyable to the last bite. If you want to try multiple items, there are mini curry options and half-soba/half-udon sets you can combine. Access: about a 7-minute walk from JR Niigata Station, or about 3 minutes by bus.