In early September, Koya, the udon noodle specialists co-founded by John Devitt and Shuko Oda, will open its newest venture - named Koya Ko - on Broadway Market, eleven years after first launching on Soho’s Frith Street.
Bringing Koya’s well-loved udon to East London for the first time, Koya Ko will be the more casual ‘little sister’ to its Soho and City sites, inspired by the fast-paced dining of the train station noodle bars found in Japan. The new neighbourhood restaurant and takeaway will reflect Koya’s roots as an intimate, no reservations udon bar. Still Koya at its best, while also offering a sophisticated takeaway system and dining spilling onto Broadway Market.
Koya Ko will bring Japan’s famous tachi-gui (standing while dining) culture to Broadway Market, offering a standing counter for up to 8 guests to enjoy a quick bowl of udon on the move, particularly ideal for solo diners. And, for more leisurely meals with friends and family, there will be 15 covers for regular seated indoor dining, 25 covers for outdoor dining and all dishes are available to take away.
As for food, Koya Ko will offer a fun, revamped take on Koya’s favourite udon and donburi dishes developed by Shuko Oda exclusively for Broadway Market, using the best of seasonal produce from predominantly UK suppliers - plus a few more surprises on the way.
Koya Ko will open at 12 Broadway Market Mews (between Arabica and La Bouche on Broadway Market) later this summer.