Osaka, Japan Japan
Asian
$10 or less
Our rating: 4 forks
Noodle shops are very common throughout Japan and finding a good one is never
difficult. Most are bustling establishments, primarily designed for standup
counter or seated counter dining. Most are open late and are very economical.
Don’t confuse the local places here the 50 cent packages of dried ramen you
have in the pantry leftover from college - no sir, the noodle dishes here are
prepared fresh for your order and served up piping hot. No silver foil flavor
packets here. Broth will differ between establishments and be made from bonito,
pork or chicken stock or a combination of these. One of my favorites are the dark,
rich miso based ones. Noodles satisfy my appetite for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
And I am not alone, as you will see happy slurpers lined up at counters throughout
Japan enjoying this national dish.
Udon and Soba are types of Japanese noodles - Udon are wheat noodles and Soba,
generally served cold, are buckwheat noodles. Ramen is a Chinese noodle, but very
popular in Japanese noodle shops. English menus are rare at the independent or
small chain shops. Ordering for me consists of pointing and knowing a few words in
Japanese. Luckily on my recent trip I had my friend Nahoko to translate and order.
At Iwai, and like many restaurants in Japan the menu is limited to a several
standard items and a special or two . The Udon is offered hot or cold in a broth,
and also dry on a plate. You generally can order noodles with vegetable, beef,
pork, or seafood.
On this visit we all ordered the same thing which was Udon served in a large bowl
of broth with some vegetable bits. The flavor was good but needed to be doctored
to become very, very good! The condiments offered include chili powder, sesame
seeds, fresh ginger, and house made tempura “croutons”. Lunch
included green tea, and a rice dish - a rice ball or a bowl of steamed plain or
flavored rice mixed with vegetables was offered today.
Seating is limited at around 20 persons and half is community style at tables,
which means you are likely to share a table with others. Unlike your typical
noodle shop, there is no counter seating and the bustling is replaced by an
efficient calmness. The decor here is contemporary, yet comfortable. I think
smoking is allowed but I didn’t see anyone smoking.
Don't’ burn your tongue!
Postscript: If you are hankering for top quality noodles and don’t have
travel to Japan in your future, head to Mitae Ramen in Costa Mesa or Oshima Ramen
in Denver for the next best thing here in the states.
Helpful links:
http://www.journeythroughjapan.org/daytoday/daytoday_detail.cfm?id_news=11590455&t
ype=1
Iwai (Noodle Shop)
Osaka, Japan Japan
Near the American Consulate in Osaka. 1 minute walk out the front door and to the
right.
06-6363-5878
Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Limited, Table seating, Community seating, Cash only, Casual, Smoking, Speedy
Service
What To Order: Depending on the weather try the hot Udon noodles with
broth.