The curry buffet at BLUE KITCHEN, the restaurant on the 13th floor of Hotel Oriental Express Kagoshima Tenmonkan in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is receiving a major update. Starting May 1, 2026 (Friday), the lunch buffet will introduce a live kitchen featuring freshly fried dishes and just-baked sweets.
The buffet was featured in media in December 2025 and drew attention for its rotating selection of three curries from a lineup of 14 varieties, plus a wide array of toppings to mix and match — all at an approachable price. The new additions bring made-to-order freshness to the already popular spread.
Freshly Fried Dishes
The live kitchen will prepare fried items to order for each guest. In addition to horse mackerel fry, a daily-rotating cutlet selection — including beef, pork, and chicken — will be available. Guests can pair them with their choice of curry for a fully personalized plate.
Just-Baked Sweets: Croffle
The sweets lineup adds the "croffle," a Korean-originated treat made by pressing croissant dough in a waffle maker. Baked right in front of guests, each croffle comes out crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Two sauce options — maple and strawberry — are available to choose from.
A Variety of Handmade Toppings
The topping selection includes karaage (Japanese fried chicken), sausage, chunky vegetables, and more, all prepared in-house to complement the curries.
With daily rotating curries, customizable toppings, and freshly made live kitchen items, the buffet offers a different experience with each visit.
Curry Buffet Overview
The buffet features approximately 20 menu items, including daily rotating curries, a wide topping selection, a salad bar, a drink bar, and freshly fried and baked items from the live kitchen.
Curry
Three varieties served daily on rotation from a lineup of 14, including green curry, keema curry, and butter chicken curry.
Live Kitchen
Fried items: Horse mackerel fry, daily-rotating cutlet (beef, pork, chicken, etc.)
Sweets: Croffle
Toppings
Karaage, sausage, chunky vegetables, scrambled eggs, potato, steamed rice, saffron rice, naan, pickled scallions (rakkyo), fukujinzuke relish, fried onion
Salad Bar
Green salad, cherry tomatoes, corn, beans, sesame dressing, Japanese dressing, orange dressing
Drinks
Coffee, black tea, green tea, cold water, oolong tea
Price
Adults: ¥1,300 per person (tax and service charge included)
Ages 4 and above: ¥600 (tax included)
Ages 3 and under: Free
Hours
11:30 AM to 2:00 PM (last order 1:30 PM)
Closed
Sundays and public holidays
Hours are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm details.
About BLUE KITCHEN
Located on the 13th floor of the hotel, BLUE KITCHEN is an open and airy restaurant inspired by the blues of Kagoshima's sky and sea. The dining room offers sweeping views of Sakurajima volcano and Kinkowan Bay. Breakfast features a buffet themed around Kagoshima's traditional food culture and island ingredients. At lunch, the daily curry buffet with around 20 menu items is available alongside the spectacular scenery.
Location: 13th floor of the hotel
Seating capacity: 60 seats
