Cocochan Review

Book a table at Cocochan

Best for: A vast mix of pan-Asian cuisine; a buzzing and lively atmosphere.

Great: to pop downstairs to what seems like a whole new venue.

“Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you.”

The lyrics to one of the most annoying songs in history played in my head as I clutched my chopsticks and struggled to pick the last few bits of rice off my plate, all while being watched by my friend sitting opposite, sniggering. I imagined the words coming out of my friend’s mouth as he sat there with a spotlessly empty plate, unused cutlery and unashamed smugness all over his face. I wanted to punch him. Mainly because before that meal he’d never set foot in a Pan-Asian restaurant, let alone used chopsticks. Yet still he managed to perfect the art of dining with chopsticks within seconds. To make it worse, it was me who had taught him how to use them just moments before.

Meet Andy. He’s one of my best friends. He’s also one of those annoying individuals who can do everything. You name it, he picks it up straight away. He put me to shame when I took him surfing, he put me to shame when I took him snowboarding, and he put me to shame in Cocochan, the modern Pan-Asian restaurant in the heart of London.

I took him there because I wanted him to try something new and experience a different type of cuisine, but as per usual I was the one left looking clueless as Andy instantly managed to use his natural expertise to act like a connoisseur.

Assuming I was the Pan Asian restaurant pro, I thought I knew what to expect from Cocochan. I was wrong. I was struck with intrigue as soon as I walked in. If it wasn’t the vibrant purple seats that took me by surprise, it was the pleasing mix of glitzy mirrors, bamboo tables and origami lattice work. The music was louder and livelier than expected and a myriad of diners were strewn across the restaurant. Despite the cold there were even diners outside, huddled in blankets provided by the restaurant.

Scanning the menu, there was food from Japan, Thailand, China, Vietnam and India, which sums up the joy of Cocochan; guests can really mix their cuisine types. I tried to show my food knowledge by introducing Andy to salmon and avocado hoso maki, which he loved. I even dared him to try some wasabi for the first time (while hiding my devious expression) but, as ever, the challenge was not too great for Andy. Annoyingly, he completed it without even flinching.

Other dishes that got the Andy seal of approval were the succulent scallop and prawn siu mai (he’d never had scallops before) and the wok tossed chicken with Szechuan spices (he didn’t think he liked spicy food). There was also a delectable choice of sashimi, but I was confident Andy wouldn’t go for raw fish. As it turns out, he liked that too.

The range of desserts would appeal to any sweet tooth, but Andy doesn’t have one; or so I thought. He’s never had Creme Brulee before! Pistachio flavour ordered; and yes, he loved it.

The next test was sake. I thought there was only one type of sake, but, not for the first time, I was wrong. Andy, being his usual courageous self, was keen to try, which meant I had to as well. He proceeded to go ahead with a lot less caution than I did and, as expected, he drank it with ease.

The challenges did not stop there though. We went from supping sake in the restaurant to necking cocktails in the Lounge Bar, a cosy, popular spot housed beneath Cocochan. The basement bar is only down a flight of stairs but it feels like a different venue. It carries the restaurant’s signature style but has a sleeker edge, which is also reflected in the cocktails (no Woo Woo or Sex on the Beach to be seen).

The drinks on offer have more class and aren’t common or garden recipes. This meant Andy and I were tasked with choosing a cocktail we might like. Typically, I chose one that was too strong for me but Andy took it off my hands and, of course, drank it like water. Yet again, I was put in my place.

At the end of the night I’d had my fair share of failing to contend with Andy, yet I was pleased I hadn’t failed in taking him somewhere we both liked. It seems visiting Cocochan was as much a surprise for me as it was for him: it was nothing as we expected, it was better; and we both experienced something new.

Despite his annoyances, I’m glad Andy accompanied me because he taught me to go with the flow, expect the unexpected and always attempt push the boundaries. Luckily, Cocochan has a vast menu so diners will always find new dishes to try. They just shouldn’t try them in front of my friend Andy.

...read more

Laura Collins 14 Dec 2011

Cocochan Description

Located in the heart of Marylebone, Cocochan offers affordable yet contemporary Pan Asian Cuisine. Its extensive menu has been created with a selection of light nibbles such as Sushi and Dim Sum to classic dishes drawn from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean cuisines, as well as more unique delicacies from mentioned regions – also recently winning the Best £40 Menu at London Restaurant Festival 2012 & receiving a AA Rosette for culinary excellence, as well as TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013, mouthful of joy is guaranteed at Cocochan.

The design of the venue is simple and modern – purple, white and dark furnishing with its signature metallic mirrored lattice work through the ground floor walls and ceilings, uniting 3 different styles of main restaurant areas.

Tucked under the main restaurant areas, Lounge Room gives more urban feel, 6 meters long sofa dominating its rectangle space, right opposite long bar. Also used as private dining space, this room comes with separate sound system and projector – making this space ideal for presentations, business meetings as well as DJ night.

This space can also be hired conjunction to one of the main restaurant area, with separate entrance – ideal for those who wish to have both presentation / DJ & dancing space and chill-out lounge space for large group function.

There is a patio space of 16 seating alongside the venue, as well as 22 seating opposite the venue facing Selfridges – making this outside space perfect for fashionistas to have a little break while they shop latest trends.

Also Cocochan opens from noon till midnight through the day, 7days a week, and locating just 5min walk away from Bond Street Station – making this venue truly flexible for any occasion....read more

Special Offers at Cocochan

• Lunch Bento Box Offer – 5 dishes from £15.50!
• 2 courses + glass of wine/sake £25
• 30% off a la carte (excluding lobster)

Customer Reviews for Cocochan

Average (based on 2 votes): 2 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Cocochan.

“The food was great, and the atmosphere even better.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Sylvio, London (7 months 6 days ago)

“In a climate were there is considerable competition for clients, a polite and corteous manager should be a must, obviously not here.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Stephen Norris, Birimingham (1 years 8 months 24 days ago)

Cocochan Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Pan Asian
• Average Price: £35.00
• Dress Code: Casual
• Website: Visit the Cocochan website
• Group: (Independent/Freehouse)