With locations all across Japan and overseas, "Curry House CoCo Ichibanya (CoCo Ichi)" is a Japanese-style curry specialty chain. It’s a one-of-a-kind place where you can enjoy "Japanese-style curry," considered a national dish, customized exactly to your liking.
But perhaps you’re feeling a bit anxious, wondering: "How do I choose from the menu?" "There are so many toppings, I can’t decide!" "How spicy is it?" or "Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?"
This article will thoroughly explain everything from the basics of ordering at CoCo Ichi to recommended menu items and toppings. Plus, a spice-loving editor who visits CoCo Ichi at least twice a month will report on their experience trying the "Level 20" spiciness!
Let’s become a CoCo Ichi master together!
What is Curry House CoCo Ichibanya (CoCo Ichi)? Japan’s Unique Curry Culture
Among the many curry specialty restaurants in Japan, "Curry House CoCo Ichibanya"—commonly known as "CoCo Ichi"—boasts overwhelming popularity and name recognition. The fun of customizing Japanese-style curry, a dish beloved as a national staple, has attracted many international visitors in recent years, and it seems more and more people are becoming hooked on CoCo Ichi’s charm!
What Makes Japanese Curry Unique? Do You Know the Origin of CoCo Ichi?
The very first location, "Curry House CoCo Ichibanya Nishibiwajima" in Aichi Prefecture. *(Note: this is not the current store.)
Unlike Indian or Thai curries, Japanese curry is characterized by its mild, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with rice. The uniquely developed Japanese curry rice culture is so ingrained in daily life that every household has its own variation.
👉What is Japanese Curry? Tips for Making It Delicious
CoCo Ichi, the quintessential Japanese curry chain, was founded in Aichi Prefecture in 1978.
It all began when the founder started serving curry rice as a delivery menu item at a coffee shop. With the belief that "our curry rice is the best—this is the best place of all!" they opened "Curry House CoCo Ichibanya."
Now, CoCo Ichi has grown into a massive chain with 1,205 locations across Japan (as of the end of December 2025). The brand has also expanded overseas, with 216 locations in 12 countries and regions, spreading Japanese curry culture around the world. There might even be a CoCo Ichi near you outside of Japan!
The Joy of Choice Is the Biggest Draw! Over 1.2 Billion Ways to Customize at CoCo Ichi!?
The main reason CoCo Ichi captivates so many people is the high degree of freedom in customizing your very own "My Curry."
It’s not just about picking from the menu—you can adjust various elements to suit your preferences, which is the real thrill unique to CoCo Ichi.
Specifically, you can freely combine the "type of curry sauce," "spiciness level," "amount of rice," and "toppings."
Let’s take a look at how to order in-store.
Complete Guide to Ordering at CoCo Ichi! A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Your Own ‘My Curry’
At CoCo Ichi, you can order using a "tabletop tablet" or by ordering directly from the paper menu with the staff. *(Some locations may not have tabletop tablets.)
STEP 1: First, Choose Your Base "Sauce"!
From left to right: Pork Curry, Mild Pork Curry, Beef Curry, CoCo Ichi Vegetable Curry, and Hayashi Rice. Choose your base sauce from these options. For first-timers, the standard Pork Curry is recommended.
*Please note that some locations do not serve Hayashi Rice.
STEP 2: Choose the Perfect "Rice Portion" for You!
*The prices shown are tax-included prices for Pork Curry and CoCo Ichi Vegetable Curry.
*For Beef Curry and Hayashi Rice, 350g rice is +¥78 (tax included), and for 400g or more, each additional 100g is +¥157 (tax included).
The standard portion is 300g, but you can choose from a small size (150g) up to over 900g.
Select your portion based on your appetite or mood that day. Of course, the amount of sauce will also be adjusted according to the amount of rice!
STEP 3: Japanese Spice Levels: From Mild to Level 20! Spice Guide
*All prices shown include tax.
*Beef Curry and CoCo Ichi Vegetable Curry cannot be made "Mild."
At CoCo Ichi in Japan, you can choose your spice level from "Mild" up to "Level 20"!
・Mild: Recommended for those who don't like spicy food or for children
・Standard: About the same as typical medium-spicy Japanese curry
・Level 1: About the same as typical spicy Japanese curry
・Level 2: About twice as spicy as Level 1
・Level 3: About four times as spicy as Level 1
・Level 4: About six times as spicy as Level 1
・Level 5: About twelve times as spicy as Level 1
・Level 6–10: Only available to those who have finished Level 5 before
・Level 15: Only available to those who have finished Level 10 before
・Level 20: Only available to those who have finished Level 15 before
The standard "Standard" level is about the same as regular medium-spicy Japanese curry, and you can customize the heat all the way up to Level 20. You can also adjust the spice level yourself with the free "Tobikara Spice" or the "Sweet Sauce" available on the table. If these condiments are not on the table, you can request them via the tablet or directly from the staff.
Spice tolerance varies from person to person, so some may find even "Standard" to be spicy. If it's your first time, we recommend starting with "Standard"!
STEP 4: The Ultimate Combination! Complete Your Curry with a Wide Variety of Toppings!
From the classic pork cutlet to unique options like "Spicy Garlic" (deep-fried garlic with chili oil), you can add as many toppings as you like from a wide selection.
There are about 40 types of toppings to choose from, including meat, seafood, vegetables, limited-time and limited-quantity items, and half-size options, so you'll never get bored no matter how many times you visit.
The FUN! JAPAN editor's recommended toppings will be introduced later!
English-Friendly! Multilingual Menus and Convenient Cashless Payment for Peace of Mind
Payment options at CoCo Ichibanya include the following:
Tabletop Tablet: You can choose Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, or Korean.
Paper Menus: Available in Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Payment Methods: A wide range of options are accepted, including major credit cards, electronic money, and QR codes, so even visitors who are not familiar with Japanese yen can pay with peace of mind. Of course, cash payments are also accepted.
💡FUN! JAPAN’s Quick Tip: The price of curry varies depending on customization, but the average price per person is around ¥1,200.
[Carefully Selected by a CoCo Ichibanya Superfan Editor!] Recommended Toppings & Golden Combinations
If You’re Unsure, Try These! Classic Popular Toppings
First, let’s introduce CoCo Ichibanya’s classic popular toppings. You can’t go wrong with these!
Pork Cutlet (Rosu-katsu)
The combination of crispy breading and pork is the classic style of Japanese curry. It’s hearty and very satisfying.
Crispy Chicken
Freshly fried for a crunchy texture, the juicy chicken enhances the flavor of the curry. This topping is a favorite among both kids and adults.
Cheese
Melted cheese makes the curry milder and adds richness and umami. It’s a versatile topping that goes well with any menu item.
Try Unique Toppings Only at CoCo Ichibanya
Since you’re at CoCo Ichibanya, why not try some of their unique toppings? You’re sure to discover something new!
Natto (Fermented Soybeans)
A traditional Japanese fermented food. While some people find its unique flavor challenging, it actually pairs surprisingly well with curry! Mixing it in reduces the stickiness and smell, while adding extra umami and richness to the curry, making it easier to enjoy even for those who usually don’t like natto.
Melty Fried Egg (Fried Egg Cutlet)
This became a regular topping in September 2025! Crack open the crispy coating to reveal a melty center. It adds a creamy touch to your curry!
Simmered Beef Tendon (Available at select locations only)
A unique fusion of Japanese cuisine and curry. The beef tendon is simmered until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, adding a Japanese-style depth and umami to the curry. This menu item is only available at select locations, so be sure to try it if you see it!
Even Tastier with Combinations! “Golden Combo” Topping Ideas
Each topping is delicious on its own, but combining a few creates even deeper flavors and more fun. Here are some “Golden Combos” recommended by our CoCo Ichibanya superfan editor!
Pork Cutlet + Cheese
Classic katsu curry with added cheese! The crispy cutlet, melty cheese, and curry sauce come together for a truly blissful taste experience.
Spinach + Sausages (2 pieces)
The gentle flavor of spinach and the juicy taste of sausages are a perfect match. This well-balanced combination pairs excellently with Japanese-style curry.
Seafood + Fried Fish (1 piece)
A dream combination for seafood lovers—“Seafood Extravaganza”! I personally love the seafood curry, and the reason is the generous size of the ingredients. Plump shrimp, squid, and clams are packed in, making it a truly satisfying dish. The fried fish is freshly cooked and crispy, with fluffy white fish inside. When you eat it together with the curry sauce, the deliciousness only gets better.
Add even more toppings like extra squid or stewed shrimp for an even more luxurious seafood curry!
Not Just Curry! CoCo Ichibanya’s Diverse Menu and the Spirit of Japanese Hospitality
CoCo ICHIBANYA not only offers a wide variety of curry dishes and toppings, but also embodies the Japanese spirit of “omotenashi” (hospitality) throughout its service.
Here are some examples of the thoughtful attention to detail that meets each customer’s needs.
Limited-Time Menus—Discover Something New Every Time You Visit!
One aspect of “omotenashi” is the seasonal and limited-time menus, as well as location-exclusive dishes that can only be enjoyed at certain branches.
For example, the “Handmade Series,” where meat is breaded and fried in-store, and the “Spice Curry Series,” which skillfully combines various spices, are special limited-time menus with restricted quantities. When these become available, many fans rush to order these popular items.
There are also location-exclusive menu items featuring local specialties, allowing you to experience regional food cultures through curry—an experience unique to Japan.
Just as there are menu items only available in Japan, overseas branches also offer exclusive dishes!
For example, in South Korea, there’s “Chicken Tenderloin Steak.” In Thailand, you’ll find “Kurobuta Pork Steak” and “Diced Beef Steak.” In Indonesia, “Beef Keema” is on the menu.
There might be exclusive menu items at the CoCo ICHIBANYA near you, too! Be sure to check them out.
Allergy and Vegetarian Options—The Spirit of Japanese Hospitality
CoCo ICHIBANYA offers a variety of menu options so that customers with allergies or specific dietary needs can also enjoy Japanese-style curry with peace of mind.
Curry Without Specified Allergens (with 200g of rice)
A vegetable-rich curry is available that does not contain any of the eight specified allergens: egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, crab, or walnuts.
CoCo ICHIBANYA Veggie Curry
There are also vegetarian-friendly curries that do not use any animal-derived ingredients such as meat, seafood, or dairy products. *No mild flavor available.
Low-Carb Curry
For those who are health-conscious, there is also a healthy curry option that uses cauliflower, which is low in carbohydrates, instead of rice.
Kids’ Menu
This set menu is designed for children of elementary school age and younger, and includes mild curry, juice, and a choice of a small bonus gift (either a snack or a capsule toy). *Drinks can be chosen from Apple Drink, Calpis Kids, or Kagome Yasai Seikatsu 100 Mango Salad.
All of these menu items are born from the spirit of "omotenashi"—Japanese hospitality—at CoCo Ichibanya, so that every customer can fully enjoy their meal.
Did you know they also have udon and naan? A wide variety of menu items beyond curry rice!
CoCo Ichibanya actually offers a wide range of menu items besides curry rice.
Curry Udon & Curry Ramen
These dishes combine Japanese noodles with curry. The combination of spicy, hot soup and noodles is especially recommended on cold days.
*Not available at some locations.
Naan
You can also order just the curry sauce, making this a great option for those who want to enjoy curry with a different texture than rice.
*Not available at some locations.
Curry Doria
This hidden gem features piping-hot cheese and curry in perfect harmony. Did you know that "doria" actually originated in Japan?
*Not available at some locations.
👉Doria, Omurice... Check out these surprisingly Japan-born dishes!
A Wide Variety of Salads & Side Dishes
There is also a great selection of salads made with fresh vegetables, making them a perfect choice for those who want a balanced meal or prefer something lighter.
Side dishes include French fries, chicken, desserts, and more, so you can enjoy a light snack or a treat after your meal.
Enjoy CoCo Ichibanya's Curry at Home or in Your Hotel with Takeout & Delivery Services!
CoCo Ichibanya also offers a full range of takeout and delivery services.
There are even rumors of great-value menus available exclusively for takeout and delivery...!?
Takeout is available at all locations. You can order directly at the store, but ordering and paying via the app or website is more convenient. (Both the app and website are available in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.)
For delivery, please use this page (https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/takuhai/). You can also search for "CoCo Ichibanya" on delivery services like Uber Eats. Please note that some locations may not offer delivery, in which case you can use the takeout option.
[Taste Test Report] A CoCo Ichibanya Superfan Editor Tries the “20-Level Spicy” Curry
From Order to First Bite: A Real-Life Report!
One of the most exciting features of the CoCo Ichibanya menu is the ability to customize the spiciness. At the very top sits the legendary “20-Level Spicy.”
As a self-proclaimed spice lover and FUN! JAPAN editor, I decided to step into this uncharted territory!
First, I ordered the “Seafood + Fried Fish (1 piece)” topping combo introduced earlier in this article, with pork curry sauce, 200g of rice, and the maximum Level 20 spiciness.
I also ordered a plain lassi drink to go with it.
Waiting in anticipation, the curry finally arrived!
First, I took a sip of the lassi.
And then, it was time for the main event! Itadakimasu!
...It’s spicy!!!
The moment I took a spoonful, my entire tongue was hit with a sensation unlike any ordinary spiciness. Still, beneath the heat, I could taste the rich flavors of curry and seafood.
Spicy! Delicious! I couldn’t stop eating.
Before I knew it, I had finished the whole plate!
My body was warm, my mouth was tingling, but I thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
CoCo Ichibanya’s “Level 20 Spicy” is truly the ultimate in heat. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, start with mild. If you think you can handle it, try Level 1 or 2 first, and find the spiciness that suits you best without overdoing it.
If you’ve read this article to the end, you’re already a CoCo Ichibanya master!
When you visit Japan, be sure to stop by CoCo Ichibanya and create your own “My Curry.”
It will surely become an unforgettable memory of your trip to Japan!
Official Curry House CoCo Ichibanya Website
- https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/ (Japanese)
- https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/english/ (English)
Here are the official CoCo Ichibanya websites for each country:
- USA: https://ichibanyausa.com/
- UK: https://ichibanya.uk/
- China: https://www.ichibanya.com.cn/
- Hong Kong: https://www.ichibanya.com.hk/
- Taiwan: https://www.ichibanya.com.tw/
- Korea: https://www.cocoichibanya.co.kr/main.jsp
- Thailand: https://www.cocothailand.com/
- India: https://ichibanyaindia.com/
- Indonesia: https://linktr.ee/cocoichibanyaindonesia
- Philippines: https://cocoichibanya.mugengroup.ph/
- Vietnam: https://www.cocoichibanya.vn/
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