For many foreigners here in Japan, the mention of local food likely conjures a mirriad of different thoughts. Whether it be the desire for a delicately handled plate of sushi, or the mouth-watering texture of a nice bowl of ramen, Japan has a diverse flavor palete unlike any other — but there’s one item that stands atop all else. I’m talking of course, about the irresistable Japanese curry rice, and more specifically, the likes of which can only be found at a Curry House CoCo Ichibanya.
I make it no secret in my interactions with just about every person I meet that I’m more than partial to CoCo Ichibanya, perhaps better known as CoCoIchi. I can’t tell exactly what it is, but there’s something about the curry served within the confines of their stores that has had me going back since I first came to Japan about four years ago. That’s why I knew I had to make the trip, the holy pilgrimage if you will, to the first ever CoCoIchi location in Nagoya, Japan.
Taking the bus on what was planned to be a generously sunny day, I arrived to the rainy climate of Nagoya to be met by fellow OTAQUEST staff member Mike Tamburelli. Upon arrival at the location of the first store, there were a few things that stood out more than anything; firstly, the store was a lot smaller than you might expect, though that didn’t quite bother me.