Koya Japanese Restaurant Hackney — Restaurant in London

Lovely little place doing traditional home style Japanese udon/donburi and sides just off Broadway market, Lots of outdoor seating making it easy for wheelchairs and prams, kids, dogs etc. The place has an outdoor speaker to call out orders so that's very convenient. The inside is cozy and authentic.

The food in my opinion was good,the udon very fresh and well cooked but a little bland.

We both had the tempura udon, the broth was nice but very very subtle, we both felt it was quite basic for the price. There is one very large prawn (half quite soggy from sitting in too much soup) in the bowl, so I would say on the pricey side at £11.90 for noodles, basic broth and one prawn.

The karaage chicken side was tasty but an absolutely ridiculous tiny portion for the cost. Two bites (genuinely 2 bites) for £8.60!!!!

I paid for a side of sauce to add a little flavour to my noodles and I was given about an inch of sauce in a small cup for £1.80.

Do not get me wrong, the food is good, the place is great, but my personal opinion is that value isn't the best and flavours/presentation/complexity lacking. Small changes to the food would make a huge difference and make it worthwhile.

I am by no means an expert in Japanese food, but have travelled in Japan extensively and eaten home cooked food and local combo platter meal sets daily when traveling and flavours/presentation was never lacking even at the smallest and cheapest of places, so authenticity is not an excuse for blandness.

I will still be going back to try other dishes as perhaps this one wasn't a good...

A Chav sat next to us & started eating with such bad manners that it was impossible to not be grossed out by him while we tried to enjoy our food.

The staff gave us one pair of chopsticks & 1 napkin to share between 2 of us.

Staff make customers collect their food from the kitchen area but have table service prices.

It’s like a canteen but at table service prices.

Food quality: Chicken karage: 9/10 Beef udon: 5.5/10

Staff do not provide plates or bowls so you end up having to eat dropping food over the table from the dishes you wish to share.

Dodgy folk walking past trying to steal customers phones on tables while they take a mouthful.

Stressful experience: Situated in a dangerous council estate but without the sense of community one might expect.

Not enough toilets on the premises for the number of customers, toilet doors designed to hit customers in the face as they are cowboy style doors as per picture attached. Toilets not ventilated enough thus I was met with the pleasant smell particles from the previous person’s bowels, now permanently lodged in my lungs.

Not cheap considering the level of service. They should either provide high-quality food with nicer environment, or cheaper prices; not...

Koya Ko Hackney, nestled on Broadway Market Mews, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. As a more casual extension of the esteemed Koya family, it specialises in freshly made udon noodles and dashi, staying true to traditional flavours. The menu features a variety of udon dishes, both hot and cold, as well as donburi rice bowls.

Recommendations include the Kara-Age Don with succulent chicken kara-age, onsen tamago, and a flavourful negi-sauce, with a refreshing beetroot pickle. Another standout is the Gyu-Don Donburi, a hearty rice bowl topped with slow-braised beef shin and a hint of chili oil.

I attended a collaboration with Mambow, where I tried the Assam Pedas Udon, and it was out of this world! The balance of flavours was incredible, and the freshness of the udon noodles made it unforgettable.

The vibes are cosy and welcoming, providing a warmth on those cold UK days.

Given how busy it can get at Koya Ko, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak hours, to ensure you don't miss out - seating is also available outside.

For those seeking authentic Japanese comfort food in a vibrant setting, Koya Ko Hackney is a must-visit...