Kineya Mugimaru - Ealing Broadway — Restaurant in London

Their food is okayish but slightly overpriced and tempura are greasy. More importantly, the honesty and training of their staff is poor.

My wife loves the place for their onigiri and we stopped for a quick bite at around 3pm on a seemingly pleasant Saturday afternoon. I was then tempted by the mini bowls (curry and broth udon), which to my surprise were much bigger than anticipated. Upon enquiring about the size of my bowls to the staff, the cashier replied that her colleague made a mistake by serving bigger portions. Although I was not too hungry and dislike wasting food, I decided to let it slide.

After payment, I realised that the cashier mistakenly took a pumpkin croquette for a panko chicken and charged me accordingly. I asked for a refund of the difference after the staff offered me to apply a discount on additional food I would buy, which I declined as I was not that hungry. The staff then proposed to refund the panko chicken and charge for a pumpkin croquette instead. The cashier and her colleague exchanged in their native language and proceeded with what I thought was a very complicated refund process!

Later on, while slurping my udon, I realised that my pending bank transactions and receipts did not show a refund but two additional charges. Instead of refunding me, they charged me twice (£5.30 more)!!! I couldn't really enjoy my pumpkin udon after that and went to inquire... again.

One of the extrovert waitresses came to the rescue and assured me that the refund was applied in their system and that receipts for refund looked like normal receipts...she told me to wait 24 hours for my bank to update the status of the transactions...

One hour later, while leaving Ealing Broadway I casually checked my bank transactions. Surprise! The status of the transactions were updated as charges and not refunds!!! I went back to the restaurant to inquire...again!!!

It seemed as if the previous shift had finished by then, as the extrovert-overly-confident waitress was not at the tilt anymore. Thank goodness for that! I explained the situation to her colleague who witnessed the previous exchange anyway and she acknowledged that her colleague had made a mistake. She proceeded to correctly refund the two additional charges but, while she profusely apologised for the mistake, she failed to refund me the 30-cent difference between the panko chicken and the pumpkin croquette, or to propose any compensation for my troubles.

While 30 cents may not seem much, expecting cashiers to be able to correctly identify their food items and apply refunds, should, I believe be a reasonable expectation. Yet, what really bothers me here, is the fraudulent claim from the extrovert-overly-confident staff that the item appeared as refunded on their system and that the two receipts were normal receipts. Clearly they were not!!!

I am not going back there anymore but if you do, check your receipt and do...

Kineya Mugimaru is a unique Japanese dining experience that blends traditional flavors with a modern, almost self-serving concept. Situated conveniently for both locals and visitors, this restaurant offers a streamlined dining experience centered around udon noodles.

Upon entering Kineya Mugimaru, you're greeted by a clean, minimalist decor that reflects the simplicity and elegance of Japanese aesthetics. The ambiance is casual yet inviting, making it suitable for a quick meal or a relaxed dining experience.

The ordering process is straightforward and efficient. Customers queue up at the counter, where they can watch the chefs skillfully prepare fresh udon noodles. The selection of udon dishes is impressive, catering to various tastes with options ranging from classic kitsune udon to more adventurous varieties like curry udon. The ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are authentic, providing a true taste of Japan.

After selecting your main dish, you proceed to a self-serve tempura bar. Here, you can choose from an array of freshly fried tempura items, including shrimp, vegetables, and seasonal specialties. This aspect of the restaurant adds a fun, interactive element to the dining experience, allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences.

One of the highlights of Kineya Mugimaru is the attention to detail in their food preparation. The udon noodles are perfectly cooked to achieve the right balance of chewiness and softness, and the broths are rich and flavorful without being overpowering. The tempura is consistently crispy and light, complementing the udon perfectly.

The self-serve nature of the restaurant extends to the condiments and garnishes area, where you can add toppings like green onions, tempura flakes, and various sauces to enhance your dish further. This level of customization ensures that every meal can be tailored to individual tastes.

Service at Kineya Mugimaru is efficient and friendly. While the concept minimizes direct interaction with staff, the team is always on hand to assist with any queries or special requests. The restaurant is also well-maintained, with prompt cleaning and a welcoming atmosphere.

In summary, Kineya Mugimaru offers a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern dining convenience. Its almost self-serving model not only speeds up the dining process but also provides a personalized touch to every meal. Whether you're a udon aficionado or a first-time visitor, Kineya Mugimaru promises a satisfying and memorable...

As a frequent patron of Kineya Mugimaru's Ealing Branch, I can confidently vouch for the consistently outstanding dining experiences they provide. This spot offers not only a cozy atmosphere but also an incredibly accommodating staff and an array of delectable vegan options that have turned it into my culinary sanctuary.

One of my absolute must-have dishes at Kineya Mugimaru is the Udon Curry with Pumpkin Katsu. The secret ingredient to its perfection? The chefs were kind enough to indulge my request to use the thicker, richer rice curry sauce instead of the standard, thinner version typically reserved for Udon dishes. The result is a divine blend of flavors and textures that keeps me coming back for more. And let's not forget the Yaki Udon - a stir-fried sensation that dances on the palate.

Kineya Mugimaru truly shines in its dedication to offering a variety of plant-based dishes that cater to diverse preferences. The vibrant flavors and impeccable presentation make every dish a culinary masterpiece.

Now, here's a forward-thinking idea: I'd like to propose a potential star for their menu - the Pumpkin Katsudon. Picture this: the same crispy pumpkin katsu featured in the Udon Curry, perched atop a bed of fluffy rice, immersed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with onions, and crowned with a perfectly cooked egg (or a vegan alternative). This fusion of flavors and textures has the potential to become a true sensation. Plus I think it'll fill you right up especially with the egg and rice as a source of protein and carbs

To add a personal touch to my dining experience, I often take advantage of the side of chili oil provided and drizzle it onto my curry. This extra kick of heat and flavor enhancement further elevates the dish, taking it to a whole new level.

In summary, Kineya Mugimaru's Ealing Branch is a haven for both Japanese cuisine enthusiasts and vegans, all wrapped in a modern dining experience. Whether you're savoring the Udon Curry with its custom curry twist, indulging in the Yaki Udon, or exploring their diverse vegan options, it's a culinary journey that keeps you craving more. And let's not forget their willingness to adapt and customize dishes to your liking, which adds an extra layer of excellence to the overall experience. Don't miss the chance to be among the first to savor the future star, the Pumpkin Katsudon, on your next visit, and don't forget to spice it up with a drizzle of their delightful chili oil for an extra...