Japan remains at the top of the list for countless Australian travellers, many of whom centre their adventure around all the Japanese cuisine they can consume. Yet in recent times, some of Japan's best-known restaurant chains have saved us the long flight, with the likes of Ginza Kagari and Kajiken descending on Melbourne over the last year or so. Now, Melbourne CBD will become home to Australia's first CoCo Ichibanya, aka Cocoichi. The world's largest Japanese curry chain — the brand has over 1400 locations globally — will debut a local restaurant in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct at Journal Market Way, a soon-to-open $120-million development on the corner of Franklin Street and Blender Lane. Founded in 1978, CoCo Ichibanya has built its name on Japanese-style curry rice, serving up fast, convenient, quality cuisine at an affordable price. Yet what also keeps customers coming back is just how much they can customise their order. [caption id="attachment_1128977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] CoCo Ichibanya Beef Curry. Image: Ominae/Wikimedia.[/caption] After choosing your base curry — think hand-breaded tonkotsu curry, chicken cutlet curry or a selection of vegetarian options — you control the amount of rice, choose from an assortment of spice levels, and pick from dozens of toppings, so every dish is tailored to your precise tastes. From thin-sliced pork to fried shrimp and eggplant, add-ons are also available in half sizes. While Cocoichi might not be the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine — it is a fast-food chain after all — it certainly goes some way to satisfying those katsu curry cravings that you still experience after your most recent trip. Situated in a prime position for students, office workers and everyday katsu-cravers, this latest chain to hit our shores is just another option for getting a taste of Japan. So, when will that be? CoCo Ichibanya is expected to open by the end of 2026. [caption id="attachment_1128984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] CoCo Ichibanya Curry House Restaurant, Japan. Image: Kici/Wikimedia.[/caption] CoCo Ichibanya is expected to open at Journal Market Way, 100 Franklin St, Melbourne, by the end of 2026. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Top image: "Shinjuku CoCo" by camknows, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.