TsuruTonTan — Restaurant in Tokyo

1.5 hour wait for a table for 4 at dinner time on a Sunday. While it sounds like a pain, the restaurant had a very reasonable queuing system which you can check where you are in the queue via the Internet. Thus, we put ourselves on the waiting list, got a number and it was stated that we were approximately 30th in queue and then we just left and went around the area a little. When we were about 8th in the virtual queue (over an hour later), we made our way back to the restaurant and still waited another 15 minutes or so for our table. Relatively painless process if you are willing to wait or just plan ahead and make a a reservation.

Shabu shabu beef udon was the highlight. Udon was not over cooked and the soup was utterly delicious. I would say that it probably the best udon soup I’ve ever had, striking the perfect balance of salty, umami and sweetness from the meat ingredients used while also staying light on your palate.

The other 2 dishes were OK but not great, which is why I rated the food only as 4 stars. Carbonara udon was very interesting, with mushrooms, cream soup, scrambled eggs, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms and bacon. Bacon was good but I would recommend cutting them smaller so it’d be more evenly distributed across the eat bite. Wasn’t the biggest fan because it was too soupy and ruined the whole illusion of it being a carbonara, it was like a wet carbonara where you put too much pasta water to make carbonara cream with Parmesan and egg yolk. Curry pork tonkatsu was also just OK, we tried this with the thin noodles and it was way too soggy. I did expect this with thin udon but it was still just way too soggy. Curry sauce was good and with good balance of flavours, very mild spiciness. Pork tonkatsu was probably a little dry but not too bad, it probably didn’t help that the later prices were soaked in the hot curry sauce, cooking the slices of pork tonkatsu a bit more. I’m also not a fan of putting crispy tonkatsu on top of sauces because it makes the coating soft and thus ruining the contrasting textures. If anything, I would have preferred the tonkatsu separated on another plate with no sauce on it.

We ordered some extra sides: Stewed beef tendon was good, deep rich flavour with soft tender tendon pieces and thin strands on konjac went well either the slight bite left on the beef. I like that the beef weren’t just falling apart and retain its shape and a bit of tenderness.

Prawn tempura, taste was good but could have been a lot more crispy.

Sweet potato chips with spicy mentalko dip was excellent. Although it’s a tad oily, it was perfectly light and crispy and the saltiness went well with the spicy mentaiko dip.

Soft boiled egg was hugely disappointing. The yolk was pretty solid while the whites were still soft. Very disappointed with this as a place like Yoshinoya can get it right, there’s no reason why such a nice restaurant can’t get the timing right.

Definitely order the beef shabu shabu udon and sweet potato chips. The food ratings lost a point due to the egg...

Having visited Tsuru Ton Tan twice now with my wife and friends, it's safe to say we've truly savored each experience, despite our differing preferences in broth. While I lean towards the traditional broth, the creamy options have also left a lasting impression.

Udon, with its rich history dating back over 1,300 years, holds a special place in Japanese cuisine. Legends intertwine with its origins, from the tale of Kobo Daishi Kukai bringing back the recipe to Japan, to its significance in celebrations and festivities throughout the country.

At Tsuru Ton Tan, this rich heritage is honored and celebrated in every bowl. Founded by Seiichi Kato in 1989, the restaurant's roots in Sanuki, Kagawa, Shikoku, bring forth authentic hand-made udon with a chewy texture that harks back to its origins. The fusion of Shikoku's udon manufacturing method with Osaka culture gives rise to a unique dining experience.

The name Tsuru Ton Tan embodies the essence of celebration, history, and health. Each component signifies a facet of the udon experience – from the crane symbolizing auspicious events, to the nod towards udon's long history, and finally, the promise of wholesome, abundant fare.

What truly sets Tsuru Ton Tan apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. For over 30 years, their udon noodles have remained unchanged, crafted with precision and passion. The soup stock, enriched by thick kelp from Rishiri, Hokkaido, and premium bonito flakes from Makurazaki, Kagoshima, delivers a depth of flavor that's unparalleled.

With noodles freshly made, cut, and boiled at each location, Tsuru Ton Tan ensures that every bowl served embodies excellence. It's a testament to their dedication to delivering the most delicious udon noodles in Japan.

In every bite, you taste not just the history, but the heart and soul of the craftsmen behind Tsuru Ton Tan. It's a culinary journey that leaves you longing for more, a celebration of tradition and passion that's truly...

A Culinary Escape in the Heart of Roppongi – 5 Stars!

Tsurutontan is more than just a restaurant—it’s a sanctuary of exquisite flavors and refined ambiance, tucked away in the bustling heart of Roppongi. From the moment you step inside, the elegant yet serene atmosphere transports you far from the lively city streets into a world of comfort and indulgence. The dim lighting, traditional Japanese decor, and the gentle hum of conversation create a tranquil space where you can truly relax and savor each bite.

The star of the show, of course, is the udon. Served in their signature oversized bowls, each dish is a masterpiece of culinary craftsmanship. The noodles are impeccably smooth, with the perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness, absorbing the rich, flavorful broths beautifully. Whether you choose a classic kake udon, a creamy and decadent carbonara-style fusion, or a hearty curry udon, every bowl is an unforgettable experience. The ingredients are of the highest quality, from the umami-packed dashi to the fresh toppings that elevate each dish to perfection.

Beyond the food, the service is impeccable—attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring that your dining experience is seamless from start to finish. Despite being in the center of Tokyo’s fast-paced nightlife district, stepping into Tsurutontan feels like entering a different world, where time slows down and each moment is to be savored. For an unparalleled udon experience that delights all the senses, this place is an absolute must-visit!

As a Japanese, this is one of the best choice. You can’t miss this udon before exploring Japan. For us, it’s not cheap at the moment, but still has the quality...