Ishin Udon

This is a perfect experience and felt cozy because it is smaller than other gigantic Houston eateries. My family and I happen to stop by on a weekend day, mid afternoon, so no one was out and about eating at 3:30. It’s perfectly close to Chinatown and Bellaire and the Korean eateries and everything, but just behind the main area so it’s quieter. There’s plenty of parking and it’s a small smaller strip mall. It could be a little sketch, but that’s the entire area really. We had Tan Tan udon, Curry Tonkatsu udon, squash, tempura, and a few other things, and raw squid, please see pics. Our server was perfect. The temperature of the tonkatsu and the curry were very hot. Piping hot and the noodles and flavors were all on spot.

So I've fully specced into just commenting on Japanese food for quite a while now and am not pretending anymore lol. (Not to say I never eat from other cuisines anymore, just that whatever prospective reviews I have for them would be lower on the priority list.) That said, is Ishin Udon amazing? No, not really. My bar for "A-tier" is higher than that. But this one is a solid B+ and has all the hallmarks of what a good udonya should be - cozy, tasty, filled with amusing graphics honoring Tokyo's golden age of the 1980s, and catering specifically to tired salarymen and women such as myself. It's not a place you'd bring your friends and family into, but after a bad experience at the TxDPS, it really hit the spot. (For some context, my 4 stars is a "recommend" / "better than expected" / "better than most".) This is actually the first time I've had Chuka Idako and even though their cold appetizers come boxed so it's unlikely any of these was made in-house, it's become one of my favorite small dishes ever. Cold octopus with sesame and raw egg on a searing hot day in Houston (record high temps this year, too!), what's not to like? Wasabi tako is also good. Nothing super special, but they use a Doraemon nori and it's these kinds of little things that do put a smile on my face. Another thing I've tried for the first time is the Niku Tama Ankake, which is a mouthful but is basically a niku udon in egg drop soup. Funny story, I was actually quite sick of udon for a while after coming back from my trip to Japan. Not because ramen is usually the "obviously correct" choice considering how well-regarded it is abroad and in anime, but because I had udon basically every day for 2 weeks straight when I was in Tokyo. Ramen might be the nation's best-known noodles, but udon is a more heartwarming and "authentically" Japanese experience, that's for sure. Whatever that might mean to you. In any case, I WAS having a craving for professional udon considering how hard it is to find an udonya around here, and the Niku Tama Ankake combined both udon and another of my hard-to-find favorite dishes in Saigonese crab soup (which uses a very similar base), so I couldn't pass it up. And I must say, my expectations were met. The dish came out piping hot, in a slurpable bowl that's not too Texas-sized, and every good thing I wanted from the two aforementioned dishes - the mouthwatering, slippery beef and thick, supple noodles in niku udon together with the slimy, eggy sensation of Saigonese crab soup all came out at once. And if none of those adjectives sounded appetizing to you, get the hell outta here. Chikuwa ten was average, could use a little more crisp and mouthfeel. TL;DR Great place to eat up and chill off after work or meet-ups with the local government. A rare nice thing to have in this economy. P.S. I REALLY should've visited the Morii café next door before going home so soon... oh well, maybe next time.

Small seating area by Houston’s standard. Very crowded if you are waiting for your seat. Nice food and simple menu to choose from . Staff was really very friendly. No complaints.

Ishin Udon exceeded all my expectations! The broth was perfectly rich and flavorful, and the udon noodles had just the right texture—soft yet satisfyingly chewy. Every bite felt like a well-balanced harmony of authentic Japanese flavors. The service was impeccable, with staff attentive and welcoming, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail in the presentation of the dishes showed their commitment to quality. I also loved the variety on the menu; there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a classic udon lover or looking to try something unique. Ishin Udon is easily one of the best places for udon in town. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates great food and a wonderful dining experience!

Ishin Udon is a true gem in Houston! From the moment we walked in, the warm wooden furniture and cozy ambiance set a welcoming and comfortable vibe, perfect for an udon spot. The food was incredible! The curry beef udon was flavorful, rich, and perfectly satisfying. The tan tan udon had a fantastic balance of spice and creaminess that left us wanting more. We also tried the chicken karaage, which was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—a perfect side dish to pair with the noodles. Prices were very reasonable, especially given the quality, and the service was impressively quick, making the whole experience seamless. We can’t wait to come back for another bowl of udon!

Delicious udon with many tempura add ons! The seaweed salad and agedashi tofu were great additions to our meal. Had ebi tempura udon and kitsune udon with onsen egg.

I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved this spot. The restaurant was clean, had ambient lighting (it was a cold rainy day), and the service was excellent. The waiters were nice and helped my friends pick out their udon soups. I didn't know they are the sister shop of Tiger Den (!!) but it was confirmed when I tried their Tan Tan Udon - it hit the spot with the spiciness. We also got the Chicken Karaage and it was perfectly crunchy and the meat was tender. I will absolutely be back.

Came here for dinner and got the Tan Tan and Niki Niku Udon. Broth was Rich and flavorful and udon tasted fresh. Broth was a bit salty. Overall I would come back whenever I crave udon

There's a Hawaiian udon chain that I have to visit any time I'm on the west coast and I was disappointed when they opened in Dallas but not here. But after discovering Ishin I no longer feel I'm missing out. I've visited 3 times so far, trying all of the Niku udon bowls. All three were good. The noodles are always fresh and chewy and the broth hot. I've had the Calamari twice which is battered well and not too chewy. I've also tried the kabocha ten and ebi ten which are affordable add ons, although the soups are quite filling enough. Next to try is the curry. I'm determined to try everything as it seems you can't go wrong with anything in the menu. Niku udon: simple, warm and filling with thin slices of beef, seaweed and scallion. (I added a soft egg) Niku Niku udon: same broth as the Niku but with chunks of fatty and flavorful brisket and a huge dollop of ginger. I love ginger and it's not too overpowering but the beef may be a bit too heavy to eat often. Nikutama Ankake udon: (My fav!) thick eggdrop like broth With sliced beef. It is so filling and comforting. Perfect for a cold day. The service is always great. Everyone's friendly and I've never had a long wait. You'll need to put your name on the list at the front but it seems turn around is always quick. Since the seating is all booths, it may not be good for a big party.

Underwhelming udon in Houston. Ordered the beef curry udon at lunchtime and the flavor was very one-note. The beef was super thin and forgettable and got lost in the curry. The udon noodles itself were very good but the entire meal was all over the place. There was one server for the place who clearly was overworked, spoke over the restaurant at multiple guests, and wasn't pleasant. Probably won't come back.

When it comes to udon noodles, you will see it on menus at Japanese restaurants, but there aren't too many places that specializes in it like Ishin Udon. A group of friends and I decided to check this spot out for dinner on a Friday night. It is located away from the hustle and bustle of Bellaire traffic, but the shopping center where it's at seemed to be where all the cool kids hang out. It shares a strip with what seems to be a bunch of other popular spots. Every place was busy. The end where the restaurant is seemed to be the busy part of the strip, so parking out front was a little tight. I do like that they have security in the lot. The restaurant itself is quite a small space. It is more deep than wide so there are not tables for larger parties like we had. People do seem to eat and go so we were able to be seated in two booths next to each other pretty quickly. We had a nice young man take care of us. Customer service was mostly good, but we had to remind our guy about stuff and there was some items that were never brought out. We weren't charged so no love lost there. I am not an udon expert so in typical Justin fashion, I told my waiter to pick for me. He gave me the run down of their popular items and then we narrowed it down according to what spice level I wanted. I ended up ordering the Tan Tan Udon. I love me a good Dan Dan Noodle dish which is similar, but Tan Tan is more of a soupy base. The food came out fairly quick but staggered. We waited till everyone got their food and the dish stayed nice and hot. Tan Tan Udon is thick, chewy noodles in a spicy broth filled with minced pork, greens, crushed peanuts, pickle and sesame. I asked for extra spicy and they delivered. That first spoonful of broth was absolutely delicious. The depth of flavor showed me that they take their time making it. The udon was cooked perfectly and had that bouncy texture that I was looking for. The scallions added a little freshness and the pickle added a pop of bitterness that I didn't know I needed. Everything together in one bite was delicious. The bowl didn't seem huge at first, but it was a very filling dish. My group got a variety of items including some of the curry udon and Italian udon and everyone was pleased with their choices. Overall, I thought this place was really good. The fact that they take time with their broths and udon preparations make me appreciate them even more. I will definitely be back!

I opted for a non soup dish bc it was too hot haha, so I got the carbonara udon. It was suuuuuper rich and creamy. I honestly had to eat it slowly because it was a bit too heavy for me, but it was still packed with a lot of good flavor. The texture of the noodles was on the softer side, but I had no complaints. The mixed vegetable tempura from the kakiage udon was crispy and light! It wasn't too busy when I went on a weekday evening, so thankfully there was enough parking, but I know it can get extremely packed. Service was okay and vibes were chill! Would love to come back to try their other dishes.

My friend and I got the niku and niku tama ankake udons and both were delicious. The flavors of both were amazing, but if you like the more classic udon I would get the niku udon as the niku tama ankake is more of a thick egg based soup. My only critique with the udons are the portions are fairly small, so if you have a big stomach like me you will probably need to eat dessert or something after but it is still a good meal. The restaurant has a lot of booths to sit in and is a cute place for an intimate date or eating with loved ones. We did not have to wait long to get seated and overall it was a great place to eat at with good service as well.

I love this place and their food. The service is good too and I love how the food just hits you right on that cold and rainy day. Also on a warm day that just wants a nice bowl of udon. Plus the fact that they have a lot of vary types it's even better. It's not a normal bowl of udon.

There is nothing like a good bowl of soup to cure a cold, and let me tell you, ishin udon is perfect for that. It's tucked away behind the main china town area in a strip mall with a few other hip Asian restaurants. So it's in a great area for food exploration! I ordered the Niki udon- thin shaved beef, seaweed, and scallions. The broth was light, sweet and well balanced. The noodles were thick, chew and bouncy. It was the perfect udon for someone trying to recover from a cold, but it is also just a perfect, simple udon! My boyfriend ordered the tan tan udon- spicy minced pork, crushed peanuts, pickle, and scallion. The broth was rich, but not overly creamy, with a beautiful nutty flavor. The noodles were also cooked to perfection, a very well done udon! We also ordered kabocha, eggplant, sweet potato, and mixed vegetable tempura. These were not very good. I don't think they have the batter or the frying method down yet. It was uneven and the vegetables were just oily. The chicken karaage was okay though, not the best we've had, but good. While the soup was a little pricey (but in a normal range for most Asian soup joints) the portions were perfect! They give you a lot of noodles and meat/topping. Overall if you are looking for good udon this is your place. And that's what really matters after all, because it's an udon restaurant. So come for the udon but skip the tempura.

With the recent cold front, my girlfriend and I were really craving a warm bowl of soup. She mentioned wanting to go to Ishin and I had never had authentic Udon so we decided to head over for dinner. There are a lot of good-looking, busy restaurants in this strip so it was a little challenging to find parking, but we eventually found a spot far down from the door. The lighting, decor, and overall ambiance of the restaurant were overall very warm and cozy. It seemed relatively busy and while the place was relatively full we were seated immediately and the wait staff were very friendly throughout our time there. Since this was my first time having udon, it took me a second to look through the menu because everything looked and sounded amazing. Eventually, we decided to start off with the takoyaki which came out hot and was delicious. The filling had the perfect ratio of octopus to sauce. Next, we ordered our main courses, she had the sukiyaki udon and I had the kitsune udon but I wanted some sort of meat so I got a side order of chashu. The broth in both of the soups was incredibly flavorful and rich and just what we were looking for. We finished the meal off with the banana tempura which was the perfect way to end the the meal. Even though this was my first time trying Udon Ishin made a very good first impression on me and although it seems very authentic I think the menu, staff, and atmosphere make this a very approachable spot for anyone to try. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Ishin and I am excited to return and try a few more of their dishes in the near future!

Five stars for quality udon, amazing prices, and great service. Came in on an early Saturday evening, it wasn't too busy and we were seated immediately. The servers were friendly and let us take our time in deciding what we wanted to order. I got the kake udon with sweet potato tempura, kimchi, seaweed salad on the side. Also ordered the Takoyaki which wasn't super memorable but still good. The price point is second to none, $8.50 for a bowl of udon? Sign me up, I'll be back again when I'm in Houston next!

I've enjoyed this place on several occasions and now that my toddlers also love the "fat noodles" we come here more regularly. The environment is trendy and similar to those of the surrounding businesses (given many are the same owner I believe) and the service has been great. Although not exactly family friendly in its setup, the servers do accommodate small children, which is a plus. Parking in this plaza is extremely tight, but fortunately for Ishin, on their end of the strip center, there are much wider spaces along the side edge of the parking lot. The only disappointment is how the prices have gone up nearly 60% since they've opened, and while I understand COVID and all the challenges businesses have faced, it's still extremely steep from even a few years ago. However, the food is great and it's a nice alternative to the ever-popular ramen spots around town.

HOUSTON, TX 77036 / JAPANESE / 06-11-23 / LUNCH +The udon noodles had a nice bounce and chew to it; not over cooked at all. +The customer service was good.

The interior design is appealing, and the prices are quite reasonable, but the overall dining experience left much to be desired. The taste of the food was average; not particularly outstanding but not bad either. However, the Karaage was disappointingly oily and I couldn't even finish it. Service was particularly lacking. Throughout our meal, loud conversations and high-pitched laughter from the kitchen were disruptive. The server's attitude did not help matters. While I was briefly discussing menu options with my daughter, the server, showing impatience, muttered, "you need more time," and walked away without returning. It took my husband getting up and looking for her to place our order, which included Sukiyaki Udon, Shrimp Tempura Udon, Tonkatsu Curry, Karaage, Takoyaki, Fried Tofu, Kimchi, and two bottles of beer. Additionally, the beer served was not cold. When asked for a resolution, the server brought a "cold cup," which unfortunately was not cold either. She explained that they had no cold beer available due to recent restocking. Cleanliness was another issue; our water glasses had visible white rings. This establishment definitely needs to focus on enhancing both service quality and cleanliness. Food 3/5 Service 1/5 Ambiance 4/5

one of my favorite places in houston to eat!! their udons are sooo good!!!! there isn't plenty of seating inside for big groups but such a cute and intimate space!!! the staff are so sweet and always accommodating! curry ton katsu udon - 10/10 DELICIOUS!!! (i also LOVE the tan tan udon and the mentaiko cream udon!!! 100000/10)

Nut allergy warning: The tan tan noodles have crushed peanut. I was advised not to order the curry as they did not know the raw ingredients of some of the pre-made ingredients, which was the entire reason I wanted to go here, so that was unsatisfying. Service was relatively quick at this udon-specialty shop. They have many different kinds of Udon and Japanese curry. After being advised not to order the katsu curry (huge disappointment), I went with the Kakuni Udon and Takoyaki. The takoyaki (4 pieces) came out burning hot and topped with mayonnaise, "takoyaki sauce", and bonito flakes. They were pretty standard takoyaki, but one of mine was light on the octopus and had a lot of filling. The Kakuni Udon came with about three pieces of pork and two pieces of mushroom. If that sounds like it isn't much - well, it isn't. It was a bowl packed with savory ("umami") broth, but the serving size was smaller than I expected. Don't expect a large bowl of ramen. In fact, our group voted to go get ramen after this meal because we were not full. If there were 20% more Udon noodles or the price was $2 cheaper so I would order two, it would be perfect. As it stands, between the servers not knowing the ingredients and the small portions, I have to take off a star. But for flavorful Udon to scratch that itch, I would come back.

Ishin Udon would have to be my favorite restaurant in Bellaire! I've been many times and I will never get sick of this place. Any time my friends are in town I will take them here and they are always blown away! My go-to order is the Niku Udon, the noodles have been cooked to perfection each time. It has had the same consistency, not too soft nor hard. It tastes very authentic and the savory broth warms my stomach each time I drink it and if I could, I would bathe in it! The sliced beef also has the perfect soft texture and always comes out steaming which is how I like it! The seaweed and scallions that come with the bowl add that extra flavor and richness. The chicken karaage is a good appetizer/snack to share with the table as the crust on the outside has the perfect crunch. Squeezing the lemon on top will add that perfect acidic and sour taste with your first bite. The chicken on the inside is very tender and delicate when dipped with the spicy mayo. Each time I've been, the waiters have always been nice and very attentive. I also love how intimate the seating is as well as all the decorative Japanese detailing within the restaurant. It's a small restaurant with an even smaller parking lot so be warned! I will probably be back next week as I've been feigning and craving Ishin Udon!!! If you're looking for a comfort restaurant look no further as this place is a must-try in the heart of Chinatown Houston!

This place will always hold a special place in my heart. Both the food and the feel of the restaurant is simplistic, yet warm and fulfilling. However, I do feel as though some of food was better when the restaurant first opened. Although the Tan Tan Udon was my go-to in the past, something about it just isn't the same. I also tried the Carbonara Udon for the first time and thought it was bland. It's also a bit disappointing to be served sides in disposable plastic containers when dining-in. Despite these, I still love the other traditional Udons; the broth is out of this world. Honorable mentions have to be the takowasa and the kimchi. These 2 dishes have been consistently delicious and I make it a point to order them every time I'm here. Not to mention, the service is always fast and friendly. Overall, while there has been a few changes, this place still delivers!

I love this spot!! Every single thing is delicious. Not much seating, so definitely come with a smaller party. They have so many udon options, as well as some curry dishes and other things, and they don't skimp on the meat! The tempura calamari is one of my favorite appetizers. 10/10 recommend

One of my favorite restaurants in Houston of all time!! It's hard to find places that specialize in Udon and Ishin does just that! My favorite go to dish is the Tan Tan Udon which has a nice spicy kick to it. I also like to get their pork katsu cutlet on the side to eat with my udon. Their katsu is always crispy and is pretty cheap to add on. They have a wide variety of soup bases that can cater to a wide range of guests. If you aren't craving udon, they also have Japanese curry rice plates available. The service is pretty good and I love the ambiance of the restaurant. There is plenty of parking in this plaza, and just note that this place is probably best for parties 6 or less. Any more than that, you would probably need to split tables.

The weather was perfect for some soup and this place was perfect for it! For houston having limited udon restaurants this place was everythingggg, The broth in the tan tan udon was flavorful and not too spicy. I also ordered a side of tonkatsu that was crispy and not too greasy. The service was good and fast. Restaurant interior was cute felt exactly like Japan.

This is my favorite udon spot in all of anywhere! I have yet dine in but their pick up/ togo deliver never disappoints. I have ordered for togo here probably at least 20 times and it's always a super quick wait. Last night I ordered during busy rush hour Saturday night and it only took 15 mins for my order to be ready. The tan tan udon noodles is so flavorful. Not too oily like some places. Packed with tons of minced meat and the broth was so good and just the right level of spiciest for me! The sukiyaki was also very good. Although I didn't order this one for myself, I couldn't but kept asking for sample bites because it was so delicious! The broth is flavor packed but not too salty. Generous amount of thinly sliced beef. So delicious!

My go to place for when I'm craving udon ! We ordered the takoyaki to start which came out piping hot & had a nice crisp exterior. For our mains, we got the sukiyaki udon & curry udon. Both were delicious & came with a lot of meat ! The noodles were bouncy & we really enjoyed the tonkatsu on the curry udon. The curry can be a bit heavy though but still tasty. We took the extra curry sauce home to eat over rice later lol. Service was quick and there was no wait on a Friday night !

When I'm craving udon, I will go out of my way just to get the udon here. I come here regularly. Staff is really chill and it's always calm(at least in my experience.) if you like umami the broth is very umami. I can't say it's overly salty and it's not like ramen or pho, it has a bit of sweetness to the broth so if you don't like that don't get the soup. They have plenty of other options to go for on the menu. I usually like to come here by myself or one other person. I don't recommend a large group to come in.

Ishin Udon has a competitive advantage in being one of the only restaurants in Houston that specializes in serving udon. It's a good place to stop by whenever you're craving something warm and comforting. Most of their dishes are pretty solid. The niku udon is probably their most popular dish. Thinly sliced beef, chewy udon, and a savory light dashi broth... a dish that easily appeals to everyone! The last time I went I decided to try something different: their cold yuzu udon. I could see myself ordering this again on a hot summer day. I loved the variety of toppings: the onsen tamago, tempura, seaweed, and bonito flakes. The different textures of the toppings contrasted well with the chewy udon. I did feel that the yuzu dressing was a bit too overpowering though. I feel that the portions are pretty small, so don't expect to get super full... I am hoping Ishin will inspire new udon restaurants to open up as I do want to see the udon scene expand here in Houston!

Yum! This is a spot to try if are in the mood for Japanese cuisine but don't feel like eating ramen or sushi. I ordered the Niku Tama Ankake (beef udon with egg). This noodle bowl contains several slices of beef in a sweet and savory egg drop soup. It's surprisingly very filling. Comes out piping hot! I recommend it, but I'll be trying something new next time. If you like curry, I highly recommend the curry dishes here. The sauce and tempura is reminiscent of our trip to Japan. I'm craving more just thinking about it. Our server was very nice and polite. Makes a big difference in experience, so thank you. We will be coming back!

I really enjoyed this udon and have never had a similar udon before. It was a bit heavy for my taste however I enjoyed most of the meal and I felt the meat added a nice flavor. I'm not usually a huge fan of eggs however the egg was a nice addition here and created a very nice consistency when mixed in. We went around lunch and I enjoyed the bright environment. The server was kind and helpful as well!

A super unique place for udon! This is the third time I came back here and the experience has been different each time. In the past, I have ordered from the soup udon section and the curry section, both of which were delicious. However, this time round, I went out of my comfort zone and ordered one of the cold udon dishes, the Mentaiko cream udon with a side of pork katsu. Although the dish may not look like much, the flavor was amazing. The udon and the cream go together very well to make a silky mixture complemented by the crunchy seaweed on top. I also had no idea that Mentaiko means fish egg, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a chunk of fish eggs which added saltiness and extra umami to the dish. With that said, I think $13.50 is a bit expensive for a dish without protein. I ended up ordering a side of pork katsu for $3.50 for that needed protein. Unfortunately, the katsu was a letdown. It was too dry for my liking and the seasoning was really not there (it really was too bland). However, I don't want to drop my rating from 4 stars to 3 stars simply because I had had great experience in this shop and the katsu, at the end of the day, was only a side dish.

Need something warm and hearty on a cold day? Look no further, Ishin Udon is your place. With aesthetically beautiful wooden architecture and a vibrant mural painted on one wall, this small restaurant nestled behind the busy Bellaire street in Chinatown can be easily missed. But please, do yourself a favor and don't miss out. The curry udon here is amazing. The thick, flavorful curry is reminiscent of the curries in the underground subways of Japan. Between the color and the texture of the curry, along with the red pickled radish, it's hard to find such authenticity elsewhere. The katsu is crispy and pairs wonderfully with the curry, giving it the perfect flavor for each bite. And they give you plenty of udon that you can use to transport the curry into your mouth. We also ordered the calamari as an appetizer. The calamari is fried in a tempura batter and served with a soy sauce/vinegar combo and a mayo based sauce (maybe kewpie?). It was fried to perfection and the squid was chewy, with the right amount of seasoning. Let's just say I almost came here two days in a row last week...

This restaurant has been on my list for so long and I'm glad I finally was able to come try it for lunch one day! One of my friends swears by their tan tan udon- it's her go to order every single time. And I decided to get it as well and I thought it was super delicious! I loved the spicy kick and the creaminess of the broth. The udon noodles were also the perfect texture. They have a lot of different kinds of udon on their menu, and I would love to come back and try one of their curry udons or their Italian-inspired udons. The only downside to this restaurant is that it can't accommodate large parties and you can probably only sit max 5-6 at one table!

When it comes to noodles, I typically prefer thinner noodles like ramen or pho. However, I will always make an exception for Ishin Udon's thick udon noodles. I don't crave udon normally but on the rare occasion I do, you will catch me here at Ishin Udon because they have exceptional food and stellar service. When it comes to parking, availability depends on the time of day. The restaurant is located along a small strip of restaurants with an equally small strip of parking spots, so it may be difficult to find somewhere to park. When you eventually make it inside, the restaurant's dining area feels clean, tidy, and cozy. In regards to food, I usually order the Tan Tan Noodles because I find its spiciness level warms me right up without burning my throat. Their broth is savory, packed with flavor, and has many condiments that perfectly balance out the long, thick noodles that udon dishes are known for. I recently decided to add a side order of don katsu (pork cutlet), and I was pleasantly surprised when I took a bite and experienced what I believe to be the juiciest and crispiest pork cutlet dish in Houston. The workers are super friendly and are very attentive to the customers' needs. I never had to ask for a refill on my drink and they come by to check on you periodically. The prices of the food are very fair for the high-quality dishes that the restaurant provides, so it's always a pleasant experience for me to come and dine here.

Great for people who want udon with a twist. They have Italian style udon which is something you can't really get anywhere else. Fresh seafood and everything.

I think this place is one of the few I trust to go for udon! They have different fusion concepts which are honestly just as great but their standard udon is cooked very well!

What a cute little establishment. The design and decor almost seemed like a restaurant out of Japan. Pictures of the curry udon led me here and it did not disappoint. We all were in the mood for curry so we ordered the tonkatsu over rice and with udon. It was pretty amazing!

This used to be a favorite of mine, but I haven't been back in two years, so I am pleasant to say that the quality and flavor was just as good as I had remembered. While the price had slightly increased due to inflation, it is still very reasonable! I got the sukiyaki udon, and it was super delicious! The broth is sweet and flavorful, and I drank every last drop of it after I devoured my udon. The restaurant itself also very unique and has cool Japanese themed decor on the wall!

This was a very good udon place. We ordered the Tan Tan udon, Niku udon, Niku Tama udon, Sukiyaki udon, Kakuni udon, and curry beef udon. Everything was delicious! The serving size was appropriate. We were all full when we left. The soup base were all delicious and flavorful. Our order came out fast too.

Cute udon restaurant in Bellaire Chinatown. Located in the small restaurant strips with Mein and a few other restaurants and coffee store. Came here on a Friday night, the staff was super friendly. Tried several dishes here, recommend the carbonara udon and the curry tonkatsu udon. Both very flavorful. I love the curry the most, it was hot and fresh. I also tried the Kara Nitu Udon, which is very spicy (I love spicy) but I did not care for the fatty pieces of beef I had in the soup. It was mostly fat cubes with little beef on it. The beef was tender though. I enjoyed the takoyaki as a side dish. Reasonably priced.

Woahhhhhh! Hands down the best udon I've had in Houston! Tan tan udon was spicy and creamy! Very yummy broth! Mentaiko cream udon was hella creamy! Loved the thinly diced cumbers which really helped balance the dish. The udon for both dishes were soo good and chewy! Also got Takoyaki, kakiage (tempura veggies), tonkotsu (fried pork cutlet), and some type of seasoned squid!! Really enjoyed the Takoyaki and kakiage! Service was super friendly and quick! Definitely coming back soon!

Ordered the curry tonkatsu udon and steamed egg- best curry udon I've ever had. The broth is just the right flavor and thickness, the udon noodles are thin enough to enjoy with the broth, and the tonkatsu was crispy without being oily. I really appreciate the eggplant and ginger mixed in as well to cut through the saltier flavors as well. Steamed egg was unnecessary though and served cool- just get the udon as is. Service was also great, our food came out reasonably quick. Would definitely return here again. P.S. The menu is much larger than what is shown on Yelp. Some prices are also slightly higher but still within the $10-20 range.

I always have a problem when I come here: deciding which of my two favorite dishes to get!! I'm absolutely in love with the niki udon and the carbonara! They're so different, it's an impossible choice to make. When I'm weak, I choose both, but rarely ever get to the second one because I'm too full lol NIKU UDON: If you like meat and udon soup, this is the dish for you! I used to get the sukiyaki, but the niku broth has a richer, meatier flavor as opposed to the lighter, sweeter sukiyaki broth. CARBONARA: Everyone I show this to loves it! It might sound a little weird, or at least it did to me, but it works so well it's ridiculous it isn't more common! If they ever stop serving this, I don't know what I'd do lol CHICKEN KARAAGE: This is hands down the best chicken karaage I've ever had. It's always so moist and flavorful! And the chicken size is always large! The only bad thing is that they literally never provide enough sauce. When dining in, I have to ask for like two more sauce refills, and when getting it to-go, I have to ask for an extra sauce cup. As long as you're prepared for that, it's perfection!

Honestly one of my favorite restaurants in Houston. I have never experienced a wait here due to eating at non-peak times. I've tried many of their udons and I can say they're all good. Just pick your favorite flavors. My constant favorites are the tan tan and mentaiko cream. I can make udon at home but I think the tan tan is unique and more difficult to recreate at home. I always order both for one meal. I think one bowl is enough food. I know others have said the bowls are small but I find them very filling. However, I just love sharing the mentaiko cream with people who have never had mentaiko before. It's absolutely delicious. It is warm, creamy and light and the cucumbers are a nice tough. The conventional udons are very delicious. The noodles are a perfect texture and the broths very good. I recommend the sukiyaki if you prefer a sweeter udon. It comes with a perfectly poached onsen egg. I also love the curry udons and rice dishes. These are very filling and comforting if you're hungry. I also recommend the side dishes. I recently had the fried shiu mai and was shocked by how much I liked it. I thought it would be heavy and greasy but found it very delicious. I also love the hot tea. I always order it. It's so nice to sip while waiting for your udon order to come. One caveat about the restaurant - it has small tables. I do not recommend bringing a large group (more than 5) or else you will have to split up. Otherwise, bring a friend and share all the udons!

We were craving udon so this was the first place we had in mind. We went right when it opened, so there was not a wait and we were helped right away. I ordered the Ebi tempura udon and my friends got the tan tan udon and curry tonkatsu udon. I wanted a lighter broth which made my order a good choice; the broth was very flavorful although a bit sweeter than I would like. The tempura was also fried nicely and I liked the variety of different veggies. The tan tan udon had a super creamy broth that had a nice kick and the curry tonkatsu was loaded with toppings. The prices are also very fair for the portion sizes; this will now be on my list when I'm craving udon!

My wife is Japanese and she loves that mentaiko cream so much she told her father about it when they spoke and now they are planning to go there when they come visit from Japan

Echo the other 5-star reviews - fantastic udon to be had here! The udon noodles are so "Q" or "bouncy." I got the Sukiyaki Udon and the broth was delicious. I could smell the flavorful aroma as soon as the bowl was set in front of me. The onsen tamago was expertly done and was still perfect at the end of the meal, even after sitting in the hot broth. There was just enough meat that I felt like I could have some in each bite. Also the broth was piping hot, which I love. I hate it when I get a bowl of ramen or udon with just warm broth. The boyfriend got the Curry Tonkatsu udon, and boy was that yummy too. I only got a bite as we each had our own delicious bowls to take care of, but I really considered taking one of the curry udons to go. I tried one of the tempura sides because I just like trying tempura wherever I go. It was only meh. I would pass on it unless it comes with the udon. The booths inside are nicely spaced, so even if it was packed, I wouldn't feel like I was cramped. Parking at night is a bit of a challenge up until 10ish - be prepared to park on the street. Will be back to try the other udons!

THE PLACE FOR TRADITIONAL UDON!!! All of their traditional udon is pretty solid, not greasy at all, and great mix of flavors. I will say some of their other dishes like the Italian style udons are not for me, but then again I know exactly what I am coming here for... NIKU TAMA ANKAKE is the way to go The locale is unfortunately a bit on the smaller side, so accommodating a larger party (5-6) will make it fun for everyone given that it is booth seating.

I was looking for a place in Bellaire to eat one night and I somehow stumbled upon here. Ishin got some tasty food here! I like the vibes they give off and service is very quick. I get seated as soon as I enter the door and staffs are very sweet. I love their pasta carbonara. Sauce was creamy and not overpowering (which is great). Their noodles are perfect texture and I enjoy eating here. Every time I came here, my experience has always been positive. I definitely recommend coming by here! 4/5 stars

Next to Ohn Korean Eatery. Have been frequenting since they opened 2.5 years ago, and my go to is their sukiyaki noodles with the Onsen egg. I have also tried their nikku, kakuni, and carbonara - everything has been delicious and the noodles are ALWAYS al dente. Their takoyaki, ebi tempura, and vegetable tempura also pair well with the udon broth. They provide you with chilli powder flakes which has some serious kick. I love putting some on my tempura. Service can be slow sometimes but very friendly.

- Tonkotsu Curry Udon: I give it a 6.5-7 range - It was good, but it was missing something that I can't think of. However, it was good to enjoy. -Tan Tan spicy Udon: I give it a 5-6 - it was alright isn't something that I would get next time. The bowl is pretty small for the price. -Takoyaki: 5.5 - It was alright Employees were nice and friendly. Service was fast and food was hot when they came out

(3.5) Udons are pricey for what they are. I got the curry beef udon ($13.50), my friends got the niku tama ankake udon ($13.25), tan tan udon ($11.25), and karu niku udon ($13.50, not pictured). We also got the takoyaki ($5.75 for 4). We liked everything we got. The takoyaki was mediocre to me, not the best I've tried and likely wouldn't reorder. The udon noodles were great. For the curry beef, I could have used more flavor in the curry itself and more beef. There was strangely two pieces of eggplant and one piece of okra, but I love veggies so I'm not complaining. Portion of the udon overall is decent. Service is ok, can be slow to refill water and get your order or the check. Food came out pretty fast though.

I love this place! I always get the Tan Tan Udon with a side of sweet potatoes and shrimp tempura. It's part of my rotation of places I often eat at. I got once every 1-2 months.

Now that it's getting cooler in Houston, this spot is perfect for the coming months. We went on a Monday night and it was packed! Someone greeted me right as I entered, which is nice. Service was quick! We ordered some apps: karaage and takoyaki. Both of their sauces were fire. I ordered the tan tan bowl rather than my usual sukiyaki bowl and it was fire! Perfect if you enjoy spice. I'm a big fan of the spice they have on the tables. I do have to say though that I didn't like the taste of their mushrooms, so next time I'll probably switch back to the sukiyaki bowl. Great experience overall!

This is one of my favorite places for udon in the Houston area. The broth and toppings are always flavorful, and the extras and snacks are always good as well. I got the ebi tempura udon with onsen tamago this time. The shrimp tempura is placed on the side so that it wouldn't get soggy, and I also got the chicken kaarage and fried calamari, which were great as well.