CoCo Ichibanya Shijō Ōmiya — Restaurant in Kyoto

We ducked into here like fugitives fleeing a Kyoto rainstorm, and honestly? Worth the jailbreak.

Let’s get one thing clear: this is not Michelin. It’s not even I’d-bring-a-date-here territory. This is fast curry. Industrialized. Efficient. Deliciously unapologetic.

I ordered the sausage curry and it came out looking like four tiny meat torpedoes had crash-landed on Planet Gravy. The rice? Fluffy. The curry? Standard-issue umami bomb. Nothing fancy, but solid enough to mop up with existential dread or a late train. And the katsu? A crispy golden slab of “yes, I will need a nap after this.”

The space is narrow, borderline submarine. Think: startup-sized Tokyo real estate meets salaryman solo dining. You sit. You eat. You leave. No one is here to vibe. And that’s the beauty.

Pro tip: Be very careful with the heat level. I ordered a Level 5 like a cocky foreigner who’s read too much Reddit and regretted it at bite three. This isn’t “hot sauce from the fridge” hot. This is “sign the waiver” hot. If you’re spice-curious, stick to Level 2 unless you’ve made peace with sweating through your shirt in public.

This is the Waffle House of Japan. Not glamorous, not romantic—but absolutely there when you need it most. Just… maybe...

Was around Shijo 8pm at night and decided to choose coco ichiban to try their curry rice in Japan. I was not disappointed. The food came piping hot and the crunch on the katsu was phenomenal. I love how you can order a customised meal in terms of how much rice you want (those who prefer less rice be prepared to be rewarded with small discounts!), the option of a “low calorie curry”, and many options of add ons be it seafood to vegetable.

The spice level at 5 was pretty spicy especially when consumed hot so first timers do beware when ordering (this is coming from someone who can eat chilli padi with no issues).

A small queue is typically to be expected but the restaurant turn over is quite high so waiting time...

Popular Japanese curry house known for its customizable and flavorful curry dishes. Its menu allows customers to personalize spice levels, portion sizes, and toppings, catering to a wide range of tastes. The curry is rich and well-balanced, and the variety of add-ons, such as fried chicken, seafood, or vegetables, adds depth to the dining experience. The service is typically quick and efficient, making it a great choice for casual dining. While the prices are slightly higher than typical fast-food options, the quality and customization make it worthwhile. Perfect for curry lovers seeking variety and...