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Welcome To Benkei Udon - Higashiyama
Benkei Udon - Higashiyama, located in the heart of Kyoto, offers a delightful dive into traditional Japanese cuisine. Known for its rich and flavorful udon dishes, the restaurant impresses with its standout curry udon, featuring a thick, savory broth that clings to perfectly cooked, chewy noodles. The cozy, nostalgic setting is enhanced by polite staff and expertly executed dishes, including comforting accompaniments like takikomi gohan and oden. Patrons rave about the refreshing draft Asahi beer, which pairs perfectly. With a warm atmosphere and genuine service, Benkei Udon is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Japanese meal.
About
Benkei Udon - Higashiyama
Welcome to Benkei Udon - Higashiyama, a delightful udon noodle restaurant nestled within the charming alleyways of Kyoto. Located at 30-3 Higashihashizumecho in Higashiyama Ward, this eatery offers more than just a meal; it serves up a warm slice of Japanese culinary tradition that feels like a nostalgic embrace. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler, the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the genuine and inviting atmosphere that defines the heart of Kyoto's food culture.
At Benkei Udon, the spotlight shines on their rich and flavorful udon offerings. As noted by visitors, the restaurant’s curry udon stands out as a must-try dish. With a thick, robust broth that perfectly envelops the chewy udon noodles, each bite delivers a savory punch, complemented by the warmth of spices that brings comfort on cool evenings. Customers rave about the thin slices of aburaage that soak in the curry, enhancing the overall experience with a delightful texture and flavor burst.
For those seeking lighter options, the stamina udon offers a clearer broth that allows the deliciousness of the noodles to shine through. Diners have mentioned how the noodles exhibit a perfect chewiness—cooked just right to achieve that delightful bouncy texture. Pairing the udon with their onigiri creates a great harmony, as the rice balls complement the saltiness of the curry, making each bite a balanced experience.
In addition to the udon, the menu features a comforting takikomi gohan, subtly seasoned and vibrant with ingredients like carrots and tender chicken. Each grain carries a gentle soy-based flavor that pairs exquisitely with the bolder curry udon, creating a meal that feels both hearty and homely.
The sense of hospitality at Benkei Udon is palpable. Reviewers have praised the attentive service provided by young staff who are eager to explain the menu, complemented by the hands-on approach of the elderly chefs in the kitchen. This team works in perfect harmony to ensure your experience is not only enjoyable but also memorable. Start your meal with a refreshing draft of Asahi beer, which, as many repeat visitors will agree, is a delightful accompaniment that elevates the dining experience.
It’s worth noting that while the restaurant is cash-only, the exceptional quality of the food, combined with the welcoming vibe, makes Benkei Udon - Higashiyama a hidden gem well worth the visit. As you savor each dish, you may find that this little eatery doesn’t shout for attention, but rather leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after you’ve left its cozy confines. If you're looking for an honest, soul-warming Japanese meal, Benkei Udon awaits your arrival.
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“ Was looking for dinner around our hotel and stumble upon this little place where we noticed many customers are local. The lovely ladies at the counter served some tea when we sat down. We ordered no. 19 and 21 from the menu and food was served within 10 mins. They were fantastic with flavourful hot broth. Overall we highly recommend this place! ”
“ I found all types of udon in this place delicious. From the outside with closed door in the evening it may seem like it's closed but don't give up. I went there 3 times during my stay in Kyoto. Those were the biggest bowls of soup I've had in my life. They kept me full and happy for hours. Very nice service and unique, authentic local experience. Payment only by cash. Thank you! ”
“ I found this little resto from Google Maps and it’s beyond my expectation. Only local people coming here, no tourist but the food was so good! I got a bowl of Udon and inari sushi. The staff was very kind, I asked for more nori and wanted to pay for it but they gave me for free. What a lovely! ”
“ The large udon (¥1,150) was very flavorful and filling. ”
“ So glad we found this little place. Very welcoming and homely vibe and this is one of the few restaurants in the area that was open beyond 10pm. We hadn’t even finished ordering our food and a second waitress brought us our drinks! Food was delicious and service was brilliant. 1000% recommend ”
“ In the nostalgic alleyways of Kyoto, they delivered an honest, soul-warming Japanese meal that felt like a hug from the past. Their curry udon was the star of the meal. Thick and rich, the broth clung beautifully to the chewy, perfectly cooked udon noodles. The flavor leaned more toward the savory and spiced side rather than sweet, with just the right amount of heat to warm me up on a cool evening. Thin slices of aburaage soaked up the curry like sponges, adding a comforting texture and flavor burst with each bite. Their takikomi gohan was subtly seasoned and loaded with comforting ingredients like carrots and tender chicken. Each grain of rice was firm yet moist, with a gentle soy-based flavor that made it a great companion to the bolder curry udon. Their oden bowl was generous and filled with variety—daikon, tofu, konjac, quail egg, and fish balls. Everything had been steeped in a delicate yet flavorful dashi. The daikon was especially outstanding: tender, juicy, and deeply infused with umami. A dab of karashi (Japanese mustard) added a welcome zing. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t shout for attention but stays with me long after I’ve left ”
“ This is an udon noodle restaurant. The atmosphere was more traditional than modern. And the food delicious! Although there was a small queue when we got there, it moved pretty fast. ”
“ Our first udon in Japan. We got the udon noodles with stamina and the suki curry udon. Both were delicious but the curry one has a thicker broth and was a little bit salty. I prefer the clearer broth of the stamina udon. The noodles were good - chery, bouncy and cooked just right. We also tried their onigiri and it went well with both udon broth and helped with the saltiness of the curry udon. Their draft Asahi beer was ice cold and so good! Always order draft Asahi if available, when in Japan. Draft tastes way better than bottled or canned one, always. Service was great too. The staff are younger Japanese kids and were very polite and took time to explain the menu. The chef are two elderly Japanese who were also so hands on and makes sure the food goes out as fast as possible. We arrived and got seated at the counter right away. Five minutes later, there's a line at the door. Cash only but I hope they start accepting cards and not make it hard for foreigners. ”