Ohh you know that feeling when you are full? Like really, full. Make that really, really full. But you know it’s all worth it because your belly is happy. Truly happy. Like I just won the lotto, never need to work again, going to travel the world and have a million puppies happy. Yea, that’s what I feel right now. And it’s all because of Udon West.
Food is a priority, but on a rainy day, convenience can often trump deliciousness. Sad but true. But, today, I found my favorite rainy day spot for lunch, and not because it’s convenient, but because it is convenient and delicious. Udon West is a Japanese Noodle Shop in Midtown. It’s not hidden, but it’s certainly not a standout either. Unless you know the awesomeness that awaits you, you are probably going to pass it by. I know I have a million times. But today, I changed what a rainy day work lunch means to me forever.
Udon West is all about the udon, a thick flour based noodle. The noodles take on a form of noodle unknown to the Italians. Udon noodles are thick and doughy and so silky they are almost sexy. These sexy noodles are not so sexy to eat though, as they are usually served as a hot noodle soup. But this is no ordinary soup; it’s a sea of complex flavors that is a salty and satisfying expression of comfort. Topped with scallions and a thin slice of egg, this soup is a meal in itself. But, you know there’s more right? Of course there is. Udon is usually topped with tempura, vegetables or meat. When it comes to soup, this Bite-Sized Blonde is all about the veggies.
The Vegetable Tempura Udon was everything I wanted it to be and more. The hot soup was the perfect counterpoint to this dreary day. One sip of the warm broth and I was an Udon lover. The noodles were velvety and slurp-tastic and the crispy tempura was music to my ears and tastebuds. Can you think of anything better on a cool, rainy afternoon? I can’t. This namesake restaurant brought the heat on a cold day. There’s really nothing left to say, so I’ll leave you with an all-important quote. In the wise words of Joey Tribiani…”mmm noodle soup…”
Udon West
150 E 46th St
New York NY
(212) 922-9677
Bite Sized Banter 
do they have a choice of veggie or meat stock? or is it all meat broth?
WOULD LOVE TO GO THERE ON YOUR SAY SO .
this place is the best! usually i go with the chicken teriyaki, but today I went with the veggie termpura udon on your recommendation. it was delicious! perfect description of the noodles “thick and doughy and so silky they are almost sexy”
I’ve never tried their chicken teriyake but I will make sure to next time!