Unotake Kasu Udon — Local services in Osaka

STAY AWAY! I went because of the reviews but the moment I saw the supposedly chef open a plastic pack of udon noodles I knew this place was not legit. I have a feeling the male chef (owner) have no idea in cooking. I asked for tempura udon, but said they only have beef, tofu etc. very odd since tempura and udon come hand in hand. At the end of the night it came to me that he does not cook at all. He just boils some sort of broth (the worst udon broth I’ve tasted), even the Udon packs I buy at Costco tasted 100 x better, then chucks in all ingredients that the broth will cook. The beef, or whatever they serve is mostly fat (very cheap). My wife even thinks it is pork. I don’t normally write reviews, but if you’re a foreigner, don’t get scammed. This place charges $1500 for an udon. He is clearly targeting non locals. For those thinking of reviewing honestly, please write so that others are warned. I debated whether to write this review, but I really feel ripped off as this is a scam. I don’t know how these high reviews came about, but I have read it is not uncommon to pay for fake reviews. This started to make sense when waiting for the food, the plastic packed udon noodles, no tempura, the restaurant setting was low budget (seems like an apartment that was made to look like a restaurant), the way the chef moved in the kitchen, then after tasting the poor broth and fatty meat, something just didn’t add up. Save your time, money and go elsewhere. Please like this review, so that...

I came here for my second visit, about a year after my first. A year ago, it was a really good udon and a very unique dish — the broth made with beef and intestines gives it a rich, fatty umami flavor that really stands out. I still think their spicy version is the one worth trying.

The place itself is a very small shack, probably only about 5 to 7 seats, and it’s cash only — so just something to keep in mind before visiting.

Unfortunately, the service this time was disappointing. They got one of our orders wrong, and instead of acknowledging the mistake, they blamed it on a misunderstanding in Japanese. That doesn’t make sense — the person who placed the order is fluent in Japanese and has never had issues communicating elsewhere. If there was any confusion, they should have confirmed the order by repeating it, but they didn’t. Instead, they were quite hostile and defensive about it. Honestly, it felt like this situation wouldn’t have happened the same way if we were Japanese customers.

It’s a shame, because the udon itself is still very good, but the attitude and lack of accountability left a bad impression. Also, they don’t allow kids unless they can finish their bowl, which feels unnecessarily strict.

Overall, the udon is delicious and unique, but the experience was frustrating. I hope they can become more humble and welcoming again — especially since they do attract...

So to say, this is hands down our best Udon experience in Kansai region, albeit even in Japan.

We were looking for a fix for our udon craving on a rainy Sunday evening, and we were surprised that this place opens at 8pm. It could’ve been a mistake, right? But we were in for a bigger and sweeter treat.

The place is unassuming, almost sketchy from the surrounding social spaces of rock origin, and perhaps resembles what underground Osaka is. We were 4th group in line—1st one to be seated in the waiting area since there are only 8 seats available.

In about 20 mins past 8PM, we were seated, greeted, and welcomed to a hole-in-the-wall setting. Rock music plays in the background, tapestry of AC DC hovers above the door.

English menu was provided, and we ordered their Spicy Beef Udon and Garlic Beef Udon. We added extra soft-boiled egg each bowl, adding to the silkiness of the broth. The noodle is springy, slightly chewy, and tastes amazing—it absorbs the delicious flavors of the broth. The kick of the spicy paste delivers a different spiciness—different from the usual togarashi powder we experience.

Overall, our Japan trip is worth it due to our experience with this place. Be sure to check it out, it’s...