This standing udon joint under Kichijoji Station’s train tracks is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. If you do want to sit down, there are a couple small tables with seats at the far end of the restaurant. But we recommend joining the locals for a quick standing meal while watching the chefs prepare the noodles behind the counter.
Udon can be ordered either as kake in a hot or cold soup, or bukakke with noodles topped in a concentrated hot or cold broth. For an order that packs a punch, the shop’s curry udon is a must-try.
After ordering from the touch screen machines at the front of the shop, you’ll pass through an assembly line where you hand the chef your order tickets, receive your bowl of udon and then top your noodles with a choice of tempura bits, grated ginger, green onions and dried iriko (small dried anchovies).
Don’t forget to add a side of freshly deep-fried tempura to your bowl of udon, such as fried shrimp, chicken, chikuwa fish cake and maitake mushrooms. If you want to double up on the carbs, you can even order a mini donburi rice bowl, including a gyudon (beef bowl) or fried chicken bowl.