Besides Marugame, Kodawari Menya is another Japan-based udon and tempura restaurant that offers tasty noodles at affordable prices.
As of now, Kodawari Menya can only be found at 1 Mont Kiara shopping mall, right opposite another great Japanese noodle restaurant – Menya Kamikaze.
Self-service is practiced here so get a tray, queue up, place your order and pay at the cashier. Next to the check out counter is an array of tempura of seafood, vegetable and meat – just pick whichever you fancy.
When they first started I think there aren’t as many Udon choices on the menu. But I guess they still have to cater to customers’ needs and now you can even find Tom Yam Udon and a couple of rice dishes as well.
I had the Niku Udon (regular) @ RM16.90 which was topped with generous thinly sliced beef. Although the soup looks clear, it was deceptively delicious with a sweet and clean taste. The Udon, made Sanuki-style was equally good as well, perfectly cooked to a chewy yet firm to bite texture.
SL had the Niku Miso Udon Onsen Tamago @ RM18.90, a dry udon with miso flavored ground beef and a runny egg. If you prefer something a lot more savory, this would be recommended.
Despite being crispy, the Tempura was only decent at best because they felt cold after being left too long on the counter. So in this aspect, Marugame does it better; albeit not much.
While eating here, we saw a lot of Japanese customers having their dinner here with their families. Take what you will from that, but as far as I am concerned, Kodawari Menya’s udon definitely did not disappoint.
Kodawari Menya Udon & Tempura
L1-21A, Level 1, 1 Mont Kiara
50480, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 11am – 9.30pm
