Coco Ichibanya

Quick spot for a warm plate of Japanese curry 🍛 They have several options and add ons for different diets. I especially love them have a scale for how spicy you want your food. I would highly recommend getting something with the egg on top. The curry itself is warm and filling - perfect for a cold day.

After visiting Coco Ichibanya in Japan this summer I was happy to see I would not have to miss it in the UK! I wanted to do a comparison between and can say its very similar! I had the vegetable spinach curry which is vegan. Not all the vegetable curries are vegan. So be cautious for that. Good tasting curry though so I can for sure recommend it. I just wish the interior was more like the authentic Japanese style

I’ve been to branches of Coco in Japan, China and Hong Kong and it’s one of my favourite Asian chain restaurants. I only recently discovered they’ve got 2 branches in London and had to try it. Prices are more than in Asia but still good value for London standards and the food is just as delicious as it is in Japan.

One of my favourite chains of late, straight out of Tokyo. There aren't enough seats in this branch to match the demand, but that just means a longer span of intrigue, inspecting the menu's clinical food photography. After my fourth visit, I think I've cracked it: Japanese BBQ Beef Curry (level 5 spice + set menu). Tough menu, so just go with the above. £21, mind.

Level 4 hotness is alright— finally some nice kick. My friend from Sichuan had level 5, not very spicy for her but good. The curry is not exceptional, but as a chain, it’s solid comfort food— I can’t believe I am finishing all the curry. And the okra and tofu work well here. Tonkatsu is mediocre. The pork is a little dry and tough, though not too bad, and the crust separates easily (you can consider it lean protein if you only eat the fresh :). The omelette is a little thin and cooked than expected.

Great place for a quick and filling meal. The lady serving us was very friendly and went out of her way to help accommodate our large group. Had the Chicken Katsu salad. The veggies were fresh and the Katsu was fluffy - not like they’d fried in advance and then just reheated. The Chicken Basket was also very freshly made. Defo would return, and I hope they open other branches in London as this store doesn’t have much seating.