Cocoro

RAMEN! It's been a long time, my friend, and I'm happy to get you back in my belly. 

I've had a long history with ramen, starting with those rectangular packets of dried interwoven cardboard masquerading as noodles that came with a little pack of seasoning we learned to call MSG. At a couple of bucks for a 36-pack, you can't really expect much quality but a starving highschool student doesn't really care for quality. You could make it in a kettle that you kept hidden under the bed (for some reason they were convinced we would burn the dorms down with it) for those last night snacks in between rounds of Cstrike.

Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

College came along, and I branched out into 3-minute ramen noodes that came in Styrofoam cups and bowls. Better, but not by much. Then I was introduced to Naruto, and the sheer joy this anime character has at devouring huge bowls of steaming ramen noodles and meat intrigued me. What was this dish that looked like real food and not something akin to the leftovers from a recycling plant?The US (and my asian friends) provided many opportunities to sample ramen (and Pho) yet when I moved over to London a few years ago I couldn't find a decent place to feed my addiction. Luckily, Josy A joined the Yelp community and jumped to our aid when Kevin L called for a Ramen outing. And now (Finally! I heard you say it...don't deny it) to the point of the review: Coroco.Tucked away on Marylebone street a stone's throw from Dover Street Market (that cool set of shops just behind HMV across from Bond Street Station), Coroco's is a haven of Japanese goodness. It's easy to walk past (as we did) and at first glance looks incredibly small. There are actually three different areas so don't be dismayed if the front area looks packed as there is seating downstairs (more traditional style with cushions around a low table) and also another area that requires you to go downstairs, through a door past the sole bathroom, and up another flights of stairs.

A very realistic looking Dragon Roll

The menu is anything but small though. There is a special Ramen menu with 4 types of broths (Pork, spicy pork, veggie, and something else). Sadly, they only had the regular pork broth so not sure why we were given a choice. There is also the usual spread of sushi and sashimi and hot Japanese favourites like katsu curry. There are a couple of unique items like deep fried camembert although I have no idea why.The vast majority of our group ordered the pork Ramen and some edamame and gyoza (dumplings) to share. The edamame was delightful and cooked just enough. I would have preferred a heavier sprinkling of salt but not a big issue. The gyoza came out pan-fried and tongue-burning hot but once cooled down had plenty of flavour to enjoy (assuming you hadn't burnt off all your tastebuds). 

Takoyaki!

The ramen arrived fairly quickly and in two parts: i) the bowl of broth with noodles soaking just below the surface and ii) a plate of add-ins which included chopped scallions, julienned mushrooms, sesame seeds, half a softboiled egg soaked in soya, and a couple of slices of pork. I tossed it all in (carefully having learned when Uli went too quickly and splashed all over his tshirt) and let it warm in the hot broth. The textures and flavours from the various ingredients provided a variety of sensations from the crunchy sharp scallions to the mellow tang of the sesame and the fatty decadence of the pork. The noodles were soft and surprisingly easy to collect with the chopsticks and spoon provided. The broth was phenomenal and I could have easily drank that all day. I can see what Josy meant when she said it would be an excellent hangover cure! The hot house sake was slightly sweet and an excellent accompaniment to the dish. Service at Cocoro's is a bit hard to get despite there being a number of waitresses just hanging around (maybe only one spoke English?) and Uli and Linzi had to almost yell to get her attention for us to pay. But a relatively minor item. Also the bathroom is very small (and there is only one!) to the extent I had to duck my head to wash my hands and I would never consider myself a tall person at 5'9". The drinks menu is incredibly extensive with page after page of various Shochus (a potent Japanese liquor) and quite a few types of Sake and other fruit liquors.Overall, for £12-14 for Ramen and a total bill of £25pp (for Ramen, drinks, and the appetisers) it's a fairly affordable dinner outing especially for groups. I'm definitely keeping it mind for next time and I've also got to try Tomoe which is just down the road.