Udon Shin
Yoyogi
Udon Shin is a tiny, renowned udon shop in Shinjuku celebrated for its fresh, bouncy handmade noodles and inventive flavor combinations. Its standout draw is the viral carbonara udon topped with thick-cut bacon tempura, alongside hearty bowls featuring butter, beef, and mentaiko. Creators consistently note its immense popularity, 12-seat dining room, strict cash-only policy, and long wait times managed by a ticketing system.
Commenters show immense enthusiasm for the dishes, frequently praising the chewy, springy texture of the noodles and saving the restaurant for Japan itineraries. However, many viewers voice frustration over extreme multi-hour queues and wonder if the intense hype turns it into a tourist trap. Opinions are split on whether waiting hours is justifiable, with a few past visitors feeling that quality has dipped over time.
- Secure a digital queue ticket early or book an advance reservation online up to two weeks ahead.
- Bring sufficient Japanese Yen, as the shop operates on a cash-only payment policy.
- Order the signature carbonara udon with bacon tempura, or try the spicy beef udon for a less rich option.
- Opt for cold udon to best experience the bouncy texture and chew of freshly hand-cut noodles.
- Avoid physical queueing by exploring nearby Shinjuku while monitoring your ticket status.
Summaries are created based on reviews, notes, and social media posts.
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