Hatsu Udon 初 — Restaurant in Great Britain

HATSU UDON – A Cozy Corner of Japan in Cardiff

I’ve written such a detailed review because I genuinely believe Hatsu deserves recognition. This young couple's professional spirit and passion are truly inspiring, and their dedication to delivering an authentic, high-quality dining experience deserves to be celebrated. As a Level 8 Google Local Guide, I confidently share my recommendations based on my reputation as per my experience below -

After wrapping up a business trip in London, I decided to extend my stay and explore more of the UK, eventually finding myself in Cardiff. On a chilly winter afternoon, I began craving Asian food. As I wandered the streets, I came across Hatsu, a charming Japanese udon restaurant tucked into a quiet corner.

The moment I stepped through the door, I was warmly greeted by the waitress, and the cosy, clean interior immediately transported me back to my travels in Japan. There was something so genuine and comforting about the atmosphere—it felt like walking into someone’s home. I later discovered that the restaurant is run by a young couple from Hong Kong, whose dedication and passion were evident in every detail of my experience.

I ordered the beef udon set, priced at just £14, and when it arrived, I was immediately struck by how beautifully presented it was. The bowl featured thick, chewy udon noodles nestled in a rich, aromatic broth, topped with thinly sliced beef, vibrant seaweed, and crispy fried tempura pieces.

The udon noodles were exceptional—perfectly cooked with just the right amount of chewiness. They absorbed the flavours of the broth wonderfully, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Speaking of the broth, it was a standout feature: deep, savory, and comforting, with layers of umami that warmed me from the inside out.

The beef slices were thin, tender, and cooked to perfection. Slightly marbled, they melted in my mouth with every bite, their richness perfectly complementing the broth’s subtle sweetness. The seaweed added a fresh, briny note, while the crispy tempura pieces provided a delightful crunch that gradually softened as they soaked in the broth, adding a dynamic mix of textures to the dish.

At just £14, I couldn’t believe how affordable such a high-quality dish was. Honestly, the flavors and craftsmanship reminded me of the udon I’ve enjoyed in Japan, and I felt like I had discovered something truly special.

This restaurant offers more than just a meal; it delivers an experience that combines warmth, authenticity, and exceptional taste. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Cardiff, this little spot is a must-visit. I left feeling not only full but also genuinely happy, and I’ll undoubtedly return the next time I’m in the city, say, after the...

Food: Had the Kake Udon with Prawn Tempura (天婦羅蝦熱湯烏冬) and a side of Chicken Karaage (鶏の唐揚げ). Both items were beautiful, with the karaage being a perfect balance of crisp on the outside and juicy on the outside, but then udon stole the show. The noodles were absolutely fantastic and the broth was exactly what I needed on such a blustery winter evening. It was a hearty meal, with heaps of flavour and character. I loved it.

Service: From the serving staff to the chefs, everyone was incredibly helpful and friendly, doing their best to make sure I had the most enjoyable meal possible. They even held the door open for me on the way out, so it is impossible to find any faults here.

Atmosphere: The set-up is both very relaxing and modern, with a nice mix of japanese music playing and artwork on the walls to evoke the feeling of enjoying your meal on the other side of the world in Tokyo.

I grabbed myself a Strawberry Ramune for the road and still managed to only spend just over £20. Incredibly affordable in today's market. Will...

went here for the first time, and it's definitely become my favourite place in cardiff. the karaage was good, but the soup was absolutely phenomenal. the udon noodles were thick and chewy, but for me and my boyfriend the star of the show was definitely the broth in the soups. i had the kake beef udon that had a really rich and salty broth, and my bf had the new beef tomato udon, which he absolutely loved. for around £15 (for the udon) you really get your bang for your buck, it's a pretty huge bowl of food! if there was one thing though, it would be nice if the menu had alcohol, as a beer would definitely have paired super well with the food. regardless of that though, i definitely want to come back...