So here’s the thing. I’d walked past CoCo ICHIBANYA at Bugis+ probably a hundred times without going in. Then one rainy afternoon, I caved. Comfort food was calling, and Japanese curry felt like the right answer.
I’m glad I finally did, because this place turned out to be way more fun than I expected. The whole appeal of CoCo ICHIBANYA Singapore is that you’re basically the chef of your own bowl. You choose your meat, your spice level, your rice, and pile on whatever toppings make your heart happy.
Let me walk you through the whole experience, from the vibe to what I actually ate, plus everything you’d want to know before you go.
The Vibe at CoCo Ichibanya Singapore: Casual Japanese Curry Spot
First impressions? It’s casual, clean, and unpretentious. This isn’t a fancy sit-down restaurant, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.
The outlet sits right inside Bugis+, with a sort of open-concept layout. That means you get all the energy of the mall around you (the crowds, the chatter, the general buzz of people coming and going). It’s not a quiet, romantic dinner spot, but it’s perfect for a solo lunch or a quick catch-up with a friend.
The space itself feels modern, with high ceilings and those dangling circular lights that give it a clean, slightly retro Japanese diner look. It’s not huge, so during peak hours you might wait a bit for a table.
The menu setup is the real star here. Instead of just ordering a fixed dish, you customize everything. There’s a card where you pick your base, your spice level, your rice portion, and your add-ons. If you’re a control freak about your food (no judgment, same), you’ll love it.
What to Eat: Building Your Perfect Curry Rice at CoCo Ichibanya
Okay, let’s get to the food, because this is what you’re really here for. The menu can feel a little overwhelming the first time, so here’s what I tried and what I’d point you toward.
Pork Cutlet Curry: A Classic Japanese Curry Rice Choice
I started with the Pork Cutlet Curry, which is one of those dishes that just works. The pork was crispy on the outside, tender inside, and not too oily. It sat on a generous bed of short-grain rice, all drowned in that thick, rich Japanese curry sauce.
For reference, this was around S$13.50 back in 2022, though prices have crept up since then (delivery listings now show it closer to S$18). Still, for a filling, hearty plate of curry rice, it felt fair.
If you’ve never been before, this is the dish I’d recommend starting with. It’s familiar, it’s comforting, and it gives you a true taste of what the curry is all about before you go wild with toppings.
Omelette Curry: The Standout Dish at CoCo Ichibanya Singapore
Now this is where things got exciting. The Chicken Omelette Curry stole the show for me, and I’d happily order it again tomorrow.
The egg is cooked just slightly underdone, so it’s creamy and a touch runny. When you cut into it, the omelette spills over the rice in the best way. Add the thick curry sauce on top, and the crispy chicken karaage for texture, and you’ve got a bowl that hits every note.
There’s also a Mushroom Omelette Curry if you want something a little lighter or meat-free. Both versions let you adjust the spice level, which the omelette dishes in some other countries don’t allow. Small detail, big win.
One bonus I learned about the Singapore branch: if you add cheese, it gets tucked underneath the curry. So you get that gorgeous cheese pull when you dig in. It’s very photogenic, and yes, I took way too many photos.
Customize Your Curry Rice with Toppings: Meat, Seafood, Vegetables, and More
Here’s where CoCo Ichibanya really shines. The customization goes deep, and you can turn a simple curry rice into something genuinely yours.
The toppings menu covers a lot of ground:
Meat lovers: black pepper chicken, bacon, wagyu beef steak, and even hamburg patties
Seafood fans: grilled garlic prawn, grilled squid with mayonnaise, salmon teriyaki, salmon cream croquette
Veggie options: a range of vegetables to bulk up your bowl, perfect for those who want to cater to different dietary preferences
Classic add-ons: cheese, sweetcorn, and a fried egg
You also pick your spice level, which in Singapore tops out at Level 5. Fair warning though, that’s roughly equivalent to a Level 3 back in Japan, so it’s been toned down a bit for local taste buds.
One thing to note: the heat comes from chilli powder, so as you climb the levels, the curry texture can get a touch sandy.
My move? I built a curry with extra cheese and a side of vegetables, set it at a comfortable Level 3, and went large on the rice. Honestly, designing your own plate is half the fun. It’s the kind of meal that feels different every time you come back.
Oh, and don’t skip the mini salad. For a small add-on, it brings a fresh, crunchy contrast to all that rich curry. Your stomach will thank you.
Service and Ambience: What to Expect at This Japanese Curry Restaurant
The service is what you’d expect from a busy mall restaurant: efficient and friendly, without much fuss. Staff bring your order card around, help if you’re confused by all the options, and food comes out reasonably fast.
During quieter hours, it’s a breeze. During the lunch and dinner rush, things move a little quicker and you might feel the pace, but nobody made me feel rushed. For a casual curry spot, it does the job nicely.
The restaurant is one of several CoCo Ichibanya Singapore outlets, with others open at Plaza Singapura and other locations. The restaurants cater well to people who want a quick, tasty meal without the fuss.
Practical Info: How to Enjoy CoCo Ichibanya Singapore
Here are the practical details so you can plan your visit:
Address: 201 Victoria Street, Bugis+, #01-10, Singapore 188067
Getting there: A short walk from Bugis MRT, right next to Bugis Junction
Opening hours: Daily, roughly 10am to 10pm (hours can shift on Fri to Sun, so check before heading down)
Booking: Not needed, it’s a walk-in mall restaurant
Average spend: Around S$13 to S$25 per person, depending on how topping-happy you get
Pro tip: if you’re going during peak meal times, try to arrive a little early. The outlet isn’t massive, and tables fill up fast when the lunch crowd descends.
Final Thoughts and Comments on CoCo Ichibanya Singapore's Japanese Curry Experience
Short answer: yes, especially if you love Japanese curry and the idea of building your own bowl.
It’s not the cheapest curry rice in town, and the spice levels won’t blow the heads off serious chilli chasers. But what you get is a reliable, satisfying meal that you can tweak exactly to your liking. The omelette curry alone is worth the trip.
Who’s it best for? I’d say:
First-timers who want approachable, comforting Japanese curry
Picky eaters who love full control over their order
Solo diners looking for a quick, no-fuss meal in town
Cheese fans chasing that hidden-cheese-pull moment
If you happen to be over in Orchard instead, there’s also a branch at Plaza Singapura, so you’ve got options. But the Bugis+ outlet is super convenient if you’re already exploring that part of Singapore.
CoCo Ichibanya Singapore continues to cater to the diverse tastes of people here, offering a menu that spans over 100 curry rice items with a wide variety of toppings. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetables, there’s something for everyone to eat and enjoy.
Hungry for More? Explore CoCo Ichibanya Singapore and Beyond
CoCo ICHIBANYA Bugis+ won me over with its build-your-own curry charm, and I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you. Go in with an appetite, get creative with your toppings, and don’t forget that cheese.
If you want more Japanese curry in Singapore, visit SG Dining Guide. They offer honest food finds, hidden gems, and must-try spots across the island, perfect for curry lovers looking to explore more delicious options.
