KOKORO review
Hidden in the Sherfield building lies a Japanese sushi and bento restaurant. Felix headed to Kokoro at h-bar to give it a taste.
When entering the Sherfield Building from Queen’s Lawn, take a left and go down a flight of stairs, where you’ll find the entrance to Kokoro. The Felix food team visited on a Thursday around 1pm, and there was a line outside the door.
The process of ordering food felt chaotic and rushed; employees were hassling students to move forwards or go to different tills. One of the members of the team even forgot about the side dish they wanted to order. On the flip side, the line moved quickly, taking less than ten minutes from the back of line to paying for the food.
It’s immediately clear there’s a diverse menu, with lots of cold and hot food options, as well as a variety of sides, ranging from gyoza to onigiri.
Cold food options include nigiri, sushi, and salads. The portion sizes are relatively small, depending on how hungry you are. We suggest pairing a main course with one of Kokoro’s many sides for a more balanced and filling meal, as the prices at Kokoro as like those found in the Junior Common Room.
The Avocado Hosomaki (£3.95) is simple and fresh. For those looking for a tastier bite, adding soy sauce enhances the flavor.
As for Kokoro’s hot food options, the Korean Bulgogi Beef (£7.15) with rice was flavorful and satisfying, though not particularly surprising. While it doesn’t hit it out of the park, the beef is tender and full of the sauce’s tangy flavor.
Keep in mind the hot food portion was three parts rice to one part beef bulgogi. As a carb lover, who grew up on pasta and bread, this was perfect. However, for those seeking a more balanced meal, this might not be the best choice.
The hot food menu offers only two vegan options: the Katsu Pumpkin Curry (£6.30) and the Spicy Tofu (£6.25). However, the Spicy Tofu is the only option that provides a satisfying amount of protein.
The tofu is soft and drenched in a chili bean-based sauce. It has a kick – my Western European friend found it spicy – but that depends on personal taste. For anyone with allergies, keep in mind there are peanuts, and they might be hidden in the sauce.
Once again, this serving is very carbohydrate-heavy and not the most nutritionally balanced portion. The tofu contains only a few vegetables, mostly onion strips, but it would benefit from more vegetables to boost fibre content.
Kokoro also offers students the option to pair their hot food with noodles. The noodles taste good, but we recommend pairing the noodles with the Spicy Tofu to enhance their flavor. The team has also heard around campus that Kokoro’s Sweet Chili Chicken cannot be missed.
Finally, the sides. As someone who grew up in the United States, I can’t overstate the importance of sides – especially with Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole just around the corner.
The Felix food team tried the Pumpkin Korokke (£1.95), a vegan option, which is a Japanese deep-fried dish. Although you might expect it to be savory, it’s sweet, which creates a unique pairing with the crispy exterior.
There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere – once you get through the line. It’s loud during the lunch rush, but it still feels cozy.
It’s a genuinely enjoyable meal, even if it doesn’t quite exceed expectations. The hot food is comforting, especially as winter is approaching, and the cold food tastes light and fresh. The sheer number of options makes Kokoro a place where you can return frequently and always try something new – I know I will.
