If you’ve ever visited Japan and craved something warm, comforting, and customizable to your exact taste, there’s a good chance someone pointed you to CoCo Ichibanya—better known as CoCo Ichi. It’s not just Japan’s biggest curry chain, but also a place that holds a special spot in my heart. I actually worked at a CoCo Ichi branch when I was a student, and even after all these years (and countless curry plates served), I still find myself going back.
What Is CoCo Ichibanya?
CoCo Ichibanya was founded in 1978 in Nagoya, Japan, and has since become the largest curry rice restaurant chain in the world. As of now, it operates over 1,200 locations globally, including spots in the U.S., U.K., China, Thailand, and more. The name might be a mouthful, but once you’ve had a taste of their curry, you’ll never forget it.
The Appeal of CoCo Ichi
So what makes CoCo Ichi so popular? Three words: customization, consistency, and comfort.
You can customize almost every element of your meal—from the spice level (ranging from mild to “I-need-a-fire-extinguisher”) to the rice portion and toppings. Whether you’re craving crispy pork cutlet, fried shrimp, cheese, or even natto (fermented soybeans), CoCo Ichi has something for you.
And no matter which location you visit, the quality is always consistent. That’s something I appreciated even more while working there—CoCo Ichi’s training and systems are so solid that the food quality rarely misses the mark.
What You Should Definitely Try
If it’s your first time, go for the pork cutlet curry (ロースカツカレー). It’s a fan favorite, and for good reason. The golden, crispy tonkatsu paired with rich, savory curry sauce is just irresistible.
Want to level up your order? Try adding a boiled egg, cheese, or even fried chicken as toppings. And don’t forget to adjust the spice level to your liking. (Pro tip: Level 3 is already pretty hot, so go higher only if you’re confident!)
Vegetarian options and seasonal specials are also worth checking out—they rotate throughout the year.
Don’t Miss the Lucky Bag at New Year!
If you happen to be in Japan around New Year’s, definitely stop by a CoCo Ichi and ask about their fukubukuro (福袋), or “lucky bag.” For just a small price, you’ll get a tote bag filled with discount coupons and limited-edition goods like CoCo Ichi-themed merchandise. It’s a fun, very Japanese way to start your year—and hey, who wouldn’t want curry coupons?
Final Thoughts
Working at CoCo Ichi taught me a lot about customer service, food prep, and teamwork—but more than anything, it taught me how comforting a simple plate of curry can be. Whether you’re a spice-seeker, a picky eater, or just someone who wants a fast, hearty meal in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is always a solid choice.
So next time you’re in Japan (or near a branch overseas), give it a try. You might just become a lifelong fan like me.
