Idaten Udon – Customizable Udon

My colleagues came back from lunch one day gushing about this new udon restaurant that has taken over the spot previously held by The Asian Kitchen. 

I have passed by the restaurant a few times and I have been meaning to give it a try. My colleagues’ rave reviews quelled all my hesitations and I went there for lunch. 

There are a total of 7 styles of ramen, ranging from the classic Chicken Udon, Beef Udon and Pork Udon to the more exotic Kitsune Udon, Kamatama Udon, Kake Udon and Zaru Udon (served with chilled dipping sauce). I wanted something safe so I had Chicken Udon. The light soy-flavored dashi broth is flavorful and the udon is smooth and has a chewy texture which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, I would have preferred that the chicken cutlet be served without the skin because the soft squishy skin reminds me of fats. 

Almost all the sides are fried. You have Deep-fried Mini Crab, Enoki Mushroom Tempura, Jumbo Mixed Vegetable Tempura, Deep-fried Fish Cake, Deep-fried Chicken, Crab Meat Fry, Prawn Tempura Onigiri, Deep-fried Chicken Onigiri, Pickles Inari, Jumbo Prawn Tempura and Pumpkin Tempura. Oden is the only side that is not fried, which is what trying-to-eat-healthy me chose. There are five pieces: daikon (radish), tamago (egg) and processed fishcakes. 

Essentially, Idaten Udon is a fast-food restaurant that specializes in udon, but the Japanese manages to make the place feel so classy you won’t even mind having to return the tray after your meal. You can get a good meal for under $20 but I do wish there are more options for non-fried sides. 

Idaten Udon (CityLink Mall)