CURRY STORY:
Going loco over ‘Coco’
There is just something about the smell of curry that brings about images of good times. One of which, during my past travels, was when our group in Hong Kong tried a curry rice meal for a very late dinner, after strolling the streets and visiting shops in Mongkok. I had the Pork Tonkatsu, on top of a generous serving of Japanese rice and brown-colored curry sauce. The meal tasted so good, I wished that the food place set up shop in Cebu soon.
As if there was some curry fairy that heard that wish, around two years later, Coco Ichibanya, opened at Bonifacio District in Mabolo, Cebu City late 2018. It was then that I realized, it was the same restaurant where our group had our yummy curry meal that cold, late night in Hong Kong.
Although a spice blend which traces its roots to the Indian subcontinent, curry was introduced to Japan by the British sometime during the 17th century. From then on, the Japanese came to love meals with curry, especially those combined with their staple food, rice.
Cozy and modern
The food chain may be of Japanese origin but the store interiors do not make it that obvious. As one enters the restaurant, one will be greeted with a cozy and relaxed room with informative accent walls, such as the one showing the different spices used in making its famous curry sauce, as well as the huge world map highlighting the different locations of its international branches. For those into upping their social media game, yes, the place is “instagrammable.”
Probably the only clear hint of traditional Japanese design is the use of faux wood ceiling accents, which remind people of the use of wood in early Japanese residences and buildings.
Curry to suit everyone
Personalization of one’s meal is what makes Coco Ichibanya a hit with curry-lovers. Although the typical rice combinations are already set on the menu, one can choose over plain Japanese rice or grain rice, which is a plus, especially for the health buff. A diner can also select the serving size of the rice ranging from 150 grams to as much as 550 grams. One could also select the “spice level” of the curry from mild to the “fiery” level 6. Moreover, one can choose additional toppings to go with the rice meal, highlighted by a choice of pork, beef, chicken or seafood cooked to a delectable tenderness.
Just how savory are the curry meals here? The restaurant is often full during lunch and dinner even on weekdays. A number of Japanese tourists also frequent the place, which opens at 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.
So, if you want your dose of Japanese curry, and spice and well, everything nice, head on to Coco Ichibanya.