Tokyo Loco Bowl, Crows Nest

Easily get your Japanese fix with this quick and easy takeaway – The perfect to-go box when you’re in a rush. Is Tokyo Loco something to go loco for?

You’ve got everything from boujee Italian and french cuisine, to a Vietnamese fusion restaurant on the main strip of Willoughby Road. How does Tokyo Loco compete with this?

It doesn’t.

Tokyo Loco’s core audience are office workers in nearby buildings. It is a quick and easy option that still provides a touch of restaurant-quality without resorting to your classic subway, fast food Mexican or sushi rolls.

It’s also priced reasonably for its portion size and it’s takeaway style.

You get quite a selection from the menu, with the ability to mix and match your protein with the way you want it cooked – with plain rice, stir fry udon or salad. This is a great way to cater to individual dietary requirements when you’re ordering on the go. You won’t have to stand there and explain what to exclude in your meal.

I ordered the Karaage chicken rice don bowl for $13.90.

The chicken had a nice crispy outer layer, it’s not too thick. It was juicy and tender. It came out hot and fresh. This was important as it was covered with a takeaway lid. You want to ensure there is still a nice crunch to it before the moisture gets to it.

There is a simple salad with lettuce, tomato, and bean sprouts, dressed sweet and chilli sauce providing some flavour to the dish. Although this takeaway meal needs the flavour combo, this sauce does feels a bit out of place as it’s not commonly served with a Karaage chicken.

There is also Japanese kewpie mayo on the side which is perfect to dip the fried chicken in – now this feels a little more authentic.

It is a very nice touch to add the veggies, and the sweet and chilli sauce to the otherwise plain and simple dish.

If you’re going around lunch time during the week day, you might want to get there a little early, this place can fill up queues quite quickly, and there are limited seating available (probably best anyway if it’s takeaway!).

WOULD I COME BACK?

If i’m ever back in Crows Nest, I’d try the takeaway meal in the udon version to see if it has more authentic sauce to it.

This is a solid Japanese takeaway without offering the usual sushi rolls or bento boxes. If you’re working in the Crows Nest area, then it’s definitely something you should try for a cheap, easy and quick meal.

It’s probably best to keep in mind that this isn’t your authentic Japanese cuisine, but it does offer a great alternative to the food that is around you at a reasonable price.