Curry Shop

The first stop on Horsepowar’s quest is the Philippines. To help Horsepowar answer some of her burning curry questions, she’s teaming up with the hilarious Filipino comedian and food philosopher Jo Koy. At Maharlika in NYC, Jo drops some knowledge about Bicol Express—a spicy, coconut-based stew that bares a striking resemblance to some of the curries Horsepowar has sampled in her travels. But the feast doesn't end there: From remixed chicken and waffles, to 7-Up–cured pork tenderloin, Jo and Horsepowar also explore the cultural roots of Filipino fusion before making a final verdict on Bicol Express. Is Bicol Express truly a curry? Is curry really just a stew? Find out the answers to these existential food queries on the series premiere of the Curry Shop.

Indian food has been lumped in the “cheap eats” category for decades in America. But in NYC, there’s a rich tradition of high-end Indian restaurants that challenge this stereotype, serving up inventive South Asian cuisine in a white tablecloth setting. To help Horsepowar learn more about the world of Indian fine-dining in New York City, she’s teaming up with the hilarious actor, comedian, and “Daily Show” vet Aasif Mandvi. At Junoon, a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Manhattan, Aasif and Horsepowar sample some of chef Akshay Bhardwaj’s most creative dishes while discussing spice, price, and the stereotypes that still surround “ethnic” cuisine in the U.S. in 2018. From ghost pepper-laced tandoori chicken, to a massive, curry-topped lamb shank, Horsepowar gets a crash-course in Indian haute cuisine from a certified comedy legend.

Sean Paul is a dancehall icon and certified hit maker. But he’s also a ride-or-die obsessive when it comes to the food of his native Jamaica. Anxious to learn more about Jamaican curry goat, Horsepowar follows Sean and his latest Dutty Rock signee, Chi Ching Ching, to Glady’s Jerk Center in Brooklyn—a new-school home for Caribbean cuisine on Rogers Avenue. From a crash-course in patois, to a heated beef-patty taste test, Sean and Chi Ching school Horsepowar on all things Jamaican before diving into a couple heaping bowl of curry goat and oxtail. The Curry Shop heads to the Caribbean this week, and who better to breakdown the dos and don’ts than two generations of dancehall legends? Jeesam peas!

Sushi and ramen might get most of the shine in the U.S., but in Japan kare raisu—or Japanese curry rice—is practically a national obsession. A little sweet, a little savory, and poured over deep-fried cutlets of meat like gravy, Japanese curry is a quintessential comfort meal. To find out more about Japan’s rich curry tradition, Horsepowar teams up with Japanese-British pop singer Rina Sawayama for a three-course introduction at Suki in Manhattan’s East Village. From the classic chicken katsu curry, to more unique takes on the dish—like curry ramen and a cheese-topped yaki curry—Horsepowar eats her way through Japan’s curry fixation. Thanks to a surprise visit from Emmymade in Japan, our host gets a full picture of Japanese curry culture, from specialty restaurant recipes, to the instant roux blocks used to make curry at home.

Hot pot is the perfect cold weather comfort meal. So when Horsepowar heard about a Malaysian curry hot pot bubbling up in NYC, you know she had to check it out. Joined by Crazy Rich Asians star Ronny Chieng, Horsepowar gets a crash course in Malaysian-style feasting at Hometown Hot Pot & BBQ in Chinatown. While breaking down communal dining etiquette and DIY barbecue techniques, Ronny explains how Indian, Chinese, and Malay flavors combine to form one of the world's most diverse culinary traditions. Complete with a hot pot master class from Mike Chen, Horsepowar goes from Malaysian-soup simpleton to curry-broth boss in the course of a single afternoon.

Jay Park is a K-Pop heartthrob turned Roc Nation rapper. But these days he's also become an ambassador for Korean drinking culture thanks to his hit single "Soju." Bar snacks—or anjus—are a huge part of turning up in Korea, and Horsepowar is anxious to find out how curry fits into the mix. From curry-infused fire noodles, to Korean-style curry rice, Horsepowar learns the ins and outs of Korean feasting at Toe Bang Cafe in L.A.'s legendary Koreatown. Curated by chef Chris Oh of Seoul Sausage Co., the Korean curry tasting menu culminates with a heaping plate of curry chicken and corn cheese—a unique spin on a dish that's been blowing up Instagram feeds in 2018. How will K-Town curry stack up to other bowls Horsepowar has tackled this year? Find out on the SEASON FINALE of the Curry Shop.