CoCo Ichibanya Guide: Customize Your Japanese Curry Like a Local

If you’re traveling in Japan and craving a comforting, flavorful meal, CoCo Ichibanya (often called “CoCoICHI”) is a must-try. It’s Japan’s most popular curry chain, known for its delicious Japanese-style curry and its incredible level of customization.

What Can You Eat at CoCoICHI?

CoCoICHI specializes in Japanese curry rice, a thick and mildly sweet curry sauce served over white rice. But what makes it so special is how you get to build your perfect plate. Here’s what you can customize:


1. Choose Your Base

You start by choosing the base of your curry:

  • Pork curry
  • Beef curry
  • Chicken curry
  • Vegetable curry
  • Seafood curry
  • Hashed beef (like demi-glace stew)

There’s even a plant-based curry option available at many locations!


2. Choose Your Toppings

CoCoICHI is famous for its wide variety of toppings, letting you personalize your dish however you like. Some popular choices:

  • Fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu)
  • Fried chicken (karaage)
  • Shrimp cutlet
  • Sausages
  • Cheese
  • Boiled eggs
  • Natto (fermented soybeans)
  • Okra, spinach, eggplant, corn, and other vegetables

You can mix and match as many toppings as you want!


3. Choose Your Rice Size

Don’t worry about portion sizes—CoCoICHI lets you control that too:

  • Standard rice: 300g
  • Smaller sizes available: 200g or 150g (discount applies)
  • Larger sizes up to 600g (extra fee applies)

Perfect for both small appetites and big eaters!


4. Choose Your Spice Level🔥

Unlike traditional Japanese curry (which is often mild), CoCoICHI lets you choose how spicy you want it:

  • Level 0: Very mild
  • Level 1–2: Lightly spicy
  • Level 3–5: Medium heat
  • Level 6–10: Extremely hot – recommended only for spice lovers!

If you’re not sure, start at Level 1 or 2 and work your way up next time.

Source: ichibanya.co.jp

5. Add Side Dishes or Set Menu

Many locations also offer:

  • Small salads
  • Mini curry sets with fried items
  • Soup or miso soup
  • Dessert (e.g. matcha ice cream, pudding)

Available Nationwide

CoCoICHI has over 1,000 locations across Japan, and even a few overseas branches. The menu is often available in English and some shops offer tablets with multiple language options for ordering. Some shops are open late or even 24 hours.


💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • Ordering is easy: Many locations have English menus or ordering tablets.
  • Cash or card: Most shops accept both.
  • Takeout available: You can also order to-go if you’re in a hurry.
  • Vegetarian-friendly: Ask for the plant-based curry option.

Why You Should Try CoCoICHI

If you’re looking for a meal that’s flavorful, filling, affordable, and customizable, CoCoICHI is the perfect choice. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or a rural town, you’ll likely find one nearby. It’s a favorite among Japanese people and visitors alike—and once you try it, you might find yourself going back more than once during your trip!these homegrown brands offer something you won’t find anywhere else.

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