Koya Soho

They do things a particular way in Japan (basically, not by halves), and nowhere is this better demonstrated in London than at Koya Bar. It’s a delicious temple of noodles and soups and all manner of good things, and it legitimately can lay claim to having some of the best udon anywhere outside of Asia. It’s a great place to eat at the bar with a friend or two, for a Japanese-style brunch, or to even eat solo should you have an hour to yourself. Besides the noodles, order some of their sides - the pork belly will make you very happy, as will the Japanese-style fish and chips.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Food Rundown

Kinoko / Walnut Miso

Koya’s standard chicken and pork broths are very good, but one of our favourites is the veg-friendly walnut miso broth peppered with little mushrooms. It’s incredibly moreish and the perfect thing for a chilly day.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Curry Miso

Want that delicious katsu curry but don’t want all the fried stuff? Get this. You’ll feel like you’re being sophisticated, and kind of healthy. Ish.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Fish and Chips

Glaswegians aside, the Japanese are peerless when it comes to deep-frying things. The tempura cod in this dish is light and crunchy, while the lotus root ‘chips’ are a nice accompaniment.

Onsen Tamago

This is a slow-poached egg in broth. It’s as good as poached egg is going to get - savour it or throw it down the hatch in one.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Pork Belly with Cider

Is there anything as good as a slowly cooked piece of pork belly? That’s a rhetorical question. This is a perfect plate of food and one should be ordered each and every time you visit.

Donburi

If you don’t fancy noodles, Koya Bar does a very good donburi - tempura or stewed meat/tofu, layered on top of hot rice. Eaten with miso soup, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Breakfast

Breakfast here is a peaceful, minimal affair, ideal for anyone wanting a little peace and quiet with their morning cuppa. The Japanese breakfast is a perfect alternative to the mess of a typical bottomless brunch, and the ‘English breakfast’ served with porridge is a novel take on a fry up, without the grease.