Visited Wednesday, May 15, 2024

This place is famous for a reason! The udon broth is hands-down the best I have ever had, even after living in Japan for 2+ years. If I lived in the area, I would eat here at least once a week, if not more.

When you enter, you get a tray and get in line to order. And there will be a line! Be patient and you will be rewarded. We used Google Translate to decipher the menu, but we just ended up ordering the most popular option (there is a photo of it right next to the place you order, so if you feel nervous, you can't go wrong with this option). Then you pick your size; we went with small, but one of us was accidentally given medium. When we split the extra noodles from the medium, it was the perfect amount, even though I would force myself to eat every single bit of a large by myself if that ever happened. It is seriously that delicious! Add an egg and any other toppings you want. Get a side dish... they are all tasty. Hold on to your number.

Once your order is in, you go to the register and pay. Choose a seat and get your waters. Waiting is torture as you watch everyone around you devour their best meal in ages. Hunger and excitement build! Finally, miraculously, your number is called and you return to the counter with your tray to receive your much awaited treasure. Add any more toppings from the free selection at the order station. Return to your seat, and begin to savor/devour the plethora of umami and ecstasy that is your udon. Your prize. Your home-away-from home food that reminds you of your childhood and every pleasant memory you can recall. This is your happy place. You want it to last forever, but your mouth and hands can't stop eating the heavenly noodles soaked in liquid gold. It is over too soon, and you are left feeling both fulfilled and depressed, desperate for an empty stomach once again so you can repeat this unforgettable experience. But you look around, noting the growing line and eager customers, and you kindly, drowsily, pick up your tray, return it to the counter, and force yourself back to your car to process this moment and decide what on earth you should do next. Returning to regular life seems impossible, unthinkable even! You must rescue kittens! You must climb the nearest mountain! You feel the need to pray thanks at every shrine you pass. In the end, a nap wins out, and you happily dream of endless udon bowls and unfillable tummies. You are forever changed.

Thank you, Udon Baka Ichidai, for an out-of-this world meal.