In a game of free association, say the word 'curry' and with nary a pause most people will say 'India'.

The Japanese don't immediately come to mind as purveyors of the spicy stew. But things change and the Nipponese restaurant chain CoCo Curry House might just alter your brain waves-and your preference for Kashmiri Masala.

What's more, if your Japanese language skills don't extend any further than konichiwa, fear not, CoCo's menu is tri-lingual, with a comprehensive list of all curries and individual toppings in Japanese, Chinese and English.

The set meal of beef curry with vegetables (RMB 43) arrived in a cloud of aromatic spice, a pleasant companion to the sweet, tangy sauce of the hash beef omelet rice (RMB 30). With its simple interior, home-style dishes, friendly staff and cheap prices, CoCo might make Japanese-style curry as popular in Shanghai as it is in Tokyo.

Location: No. 730, Changninglu, by Zhongshan Gongyuan Metro
Opening time: Daily 11am-10pm. No cards.
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 100
Tel: 021-52389598