CoCo Ichibanya, the world's largest Japanese curry restaurant chain, is preparing to open its first Australian outlet in Melbourne's CBD in December.
The popular chain, which boasts over 1,200 restaurants in Japan and approximately 300 locations globally, is celebrated for its affordable curry dishes. Customers can personalize their meals with 40 different toppings and choose from 20 distinct spice levels, ranging from mild to extremely hot.
The announcement has generated significant excitement among Australians, with many expressing their anticipation on social media. "OMG we loved CoCo when we went to Japan. Best news ever," one user commented. Another described it as "HUGE NEWS. This is game over for other Japanese curry places in Australia - this place is the GOAT."
CoCo Ichibanya, which first opened in Nagoya in 1978, has earned a reputation for "good cheap eats," with curry dishes starting from approximately $5. The variety of customizable options, particularly the 20-level spice scale, is a major draw for patrons.
This expansion follows the recent news of Saizeriya, another popular Japanese chain known for its affordable Italian-style dishes, reportedly preparing to open its first Australian location at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne in November 2026. This indicates a growing trend of popular Asian casual dining establishments entering the Australian market.
