Menchirashi

Food, service, atmosphere all on point. We came at a busy time and had to wait about an hour, but they sat our party of 5 across the bar and food came out shortly after sitting. What a fun experience watching them make the noodles. Good music playing in the background, vibes were excellent. The carbonara tastes similar to kraft macaroni and cheese, delicious. Also god chicken tempura and raw egg hit upon which was equally amazing. The prices are so cheap we thought the portions would be small, but this wasnt the case. We ordered 3 bowls per 2 people (each a hot bowl + a carbonara to split with one other person), which turned out to be a lot to finish. Worth the wait.

We waited about 40 minutes to be seated. Ordered the viral carbonara udon and it really wasn’t worth the wait. I was mad at myself for even falling for the tourist trap to begin with. I was skeptical while waiting in line as nearly all of the patrons were foreigners. If it was truly a gem, wouldn’t there be more locals dining here? Either way, I decided to remain in line due to sunk cost fallacy. When I finally tried the udon, I was severely disappointed. The texture of the udon was better than average as it was made fresh at some point. But the sauce had a lot left to be desired. It was a watered down version of carbonara. If you know how to make carbonara at home using pancetta, parm cheese, eggs, etc… your homemade version is already leagues ahead of whatever you will taste at this place. The best way I can describe it would be a watered down egg yolky flavor, with 2-3 pieces of thick cut Schneiders ham. Sorry for the bad review, but this was my honest experience. If you’re waiting in line and reading this review, please just take my word for it and save your time.

The udon noodles were decent, a solid choice for a quick meal. It was really thoughtful of them to have a big fan to keep everyone comfortable while they waited in line. The food itself was tasty, though maybe not the best we've ever had. We're happy we gave it a shot and experienced it for ourselves. Honestly, if you're in the area, it's worth checking out.

Absolutely amazing by place. There is quite a wait for lunch but it was worth it! The workers were helpful by speaking English and we loved the Udon noodles. They were so fresh and delicious. We also liked the cozy interior and felt very close to the chef. If we are going back to Japan, we will for sure come here. One of the best restaurants around!

Staff members were super nice ! ! ! Very impressive with service mind and how they managed everything. Especially from the viral store like this so I am gate keeping this store for service. Atmosphere is great too. For the food, overall everything is very average and normal. Carbonara udon….why everyone so hyped about it 🤣 Side dish, I ordered “Chikuwa nutto” and “Deep fried corn”. Chikuwa is very bland (someone might say why you don’t eat with sauce or noodles, pls shut up because I already tried every combination). Corn is sweet but inside a bit chewy not that hot. The main part is “Kitsune udon”. I love and dedicated myself for this type of udon. That’s is the reason why I ordered two large size although I came alone. However, it’s tasteless. Broth is not flavorful (someone might say it’s umami, I know what’s umami and this is not). Deep fried tofu is normal and not sweet at all (it supposed to be sweet or slightly sweet but this is not). For the udon, Carbonara served with no broth so no problem but the soup made noodles overcooked. Finally, I am very happy with this restaurant. All staffs very very nice and super kind. If you want to taste the flavors of social media, you will be impressed for sure (presentation and atmosphere 10 out of 10). However, if you want to taste the real udon, plsssssss think carefully. I don’t recommend at all. PS. someone might say why you finished two bowls if it’s not delicious. It’s very simple because I already paid and it can’t refund 😅

Great that you are/will be waiting for at least half an hour. (I did one full hour) I dont think it is worth it though. Its definitely good but not great. The tempuras was mediocre the udon was ok. The music was so popular crafted for tourists.

We had this place bookmarked to try some carbonara udon. Clearly it's their claim since every table I saw had at least one order of it. Personally I found my wife's order forgettable, but I ordered the Katakama which was excellent! I would visit this store for a quick lunch just for that bowl alone. Pro tip: this place is popular, so come early to avoid a long wait. We came before 6:00 p.m. and still waited an hour

The udon here is truly delicious. My family and I waited for an hour but it was so worth it. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and every broth tasted very different but equally delicious. During busy hours they give you a menu to contemplate what you want while you wait in line. Once you are three or four parties to the front, they come and take your order. That way you won't have to wait too long after sitting to eat your food. Great system!

We arrived around 11:30 AM, right as they opened on a Sunday, and there was already a long line. I'd recommend going at this time or even earlier, as the line can grow long enough that the staff may ask people to return later to avoid blocking the streets for safety reasons. Our group of 3 waited about an hour to be seated, but it was fun to watch the professionals making fresh udon noodles through the window while we waited! As an udon lover, I have to say the noodles were delicious and incredibly worth it for the price of 950¥ (~$6). That said, the place feels a bit overhyped given the long wait time, so keep that in mind before deciding to visit!

Menchirashi is a very popular and touristy spot. I heard about this place through social media (Instagram) and it highlighted their "carbonara" udon. To get in, it took about 2 hours. 1 hour to sign up for a spot in line via an online queue. Once that is over, you then wait in line for about another 30 minutes to an hour to get inside and eat. A gentleman working outside helped us and also spoke English as well, which helps tourists. Now for the actual food review. I ordered the gyuudon on the side and the carbonara udon as the main. The gyudon was good, but nothing spectacular. Not sure if it was just a rush because of all the customers, but it was very dry and did not have any deep/rich meaty flavors I was hoping for. It wasn't bad, but wasn't jaw-dropping, just a basic gyudon. As for the main and very popular carbonara udon, I think it falls short of the name and all the hype. I think it wasn't as creamy as it should've been, and needed more cheese. I found both the sauce and bits of pork added were also on the saltier side. I think adding more creaminess to the dish would complement this well. The dish is not bad, but I don't think it's anything mind blowing. It's just good. I did like the way the udon was cooked, perfect texture, but flavor wise I found it lacking. The food here is not bad, not jaw-dropping, just decent. Would I come back? No. Would I wait in line almost 2 hours for this? No. There are plenty of places that I think you can walk into that you've never heard any word of before that serve better dishes all around Japan. Not to mention, the price point is higher compared to places which arguably are better. Service is great 10/10 Ambiance is aesthetic 10/10 Most importantly the food, 6/10 Again this is based off only the carbonara udon and the gyudon, but I find it hard to give this place another try after spending so much time to get in and ordering 2 dishes that fell short of all the hype

**Disclaimer: the review rating is primarily based on their Carbonara Udon alone. ** Menchirashi is a popular udon spot for tourists due to their Instagrammable udon, but it was not worth the two hours spent waiting in line to get served. There is a QR code queue system which will tell you when to come back to the store; we returned an hour after to stand in another line to get seated. The positives: - The staff can speak English and there is an English menu available for foreigners - They serve food pretty quickly and efficiently as they take your order while you're standing in line so by the time you are seated, the food quickly comes thereafter - Despite being a smaller venue, they have optimized seating arrangements to accommodate as many customers as possible The cons: - The Carbonara Udon lacked a cream sauce to be a true homage to the pasta dish it's named after - The paired meat in the udon was rather salty, and because there was no underlying sauce, it tasted primarily of some parmesan and raw egg - The long wait was not worth the experience Overall, Menchirashi did not live up to the hype. Their Carbonara Udon is not something I would recommend to those wanting a delicious creamy noodle dish, but it was super aesthetic as I thought it would be.

Got in line at 11:55 AM on a Monday (it was a holiday) and were seated with our food at 1:03 PM. The carbonara with mentaiko and bukkake (cold) were both amazing in different ways. Would definitely recommend ordering both. Noodles were absolutely perfect!

We came to Menchirashi because I happened to have a haircut in the area later on in the day. We ended up joining the queue about 30 minutes before opening and we were the 3rd group in line. By the time it opened, the line was already down the street! I definitely recommend coming a little bit earlier to make it in the first round of seating. They take your order while you're waiting in line so the food comes out quickly after you sit down. We got carbonara udon with mentaiko, hot ebi-ten udon with soup, and some of their seasonal tempura. The carbonara udon texture was really satisfying and perfectly chewy, but I think calling it "carbonara" is a bit misleading. It definitely needed more cheese to have that carbonara flavor, but I still enjoyed the silky sauce. I liked it more once I added some togarashi. My boyfriend enjoyed his hot udon soup with shrimp tempura, but found the broth to be a little too light for his taste. The seasonal tempura was okay, we got the pumpkin, maitake mushrooms, and mochi. The maitake mushroom was probably the best one out of the 3, but I wished all of them were a bit crispier. Definitely good vibes for a quick lunch, I liked the old school R&B and rap they had playing. I don't think the food is worth an hour-long wait, but if you come early, it's a good spot to cross off your list!

I got the carbonara udon with the mentaiko and it was so delicious!! I haven't had a carbonara udon this creamy and flavorful and it's at such a good prices We waited for around 30mins walking around and 30 mins in the actual lims for around an hour total but it was very worth it! There is of course limited seating but it goes by pretty fast. It was also the perfect serving size & the bacon was also very tender. I would definitely recommend and come here again

This was the highlight of my trip in terms of food! The staff is extremely kind, the wait is typically between 30mins to an hour. The ambiance is very cool girl meets culinary excellence. Would book a flight to try this place one more time!

This spot really did live up to the hype. I got the carbonara with a lemon slice and a few other extra toppings. It was soooooo good and very filling. I arrived at 11am when they opened and was apart of the first round of seating. They take your order while you're in line to help with efficiency.

The line for this place was so long! Even thought we came here early, we ended up waiting 45 minutes to get seats. The staff were really nice because I had no idea what to get, and they were explaining to us the items on their menu. My hot udon was really good! My sister got a cold udon dish that I thought tasted more unique. The cold udon dish came with natto (I would recommend if you like natto) I usually don't like cold dishes, but the cold noodle dish was really good (it was the staff's favorite)! The inside of the restaurant is also super cute and cozy :) Would recommend if you don't mind waiting in line and want good udon.

It's Tik Tok famous for a reason. Be prepared to stand in a LONG line. We got there right at open and didn't have to wait long to be seated. Everyone comes here for the carbonara (as it blew up on Tik Tok), but I asked the staff for his favorite and he recommended Nebatoro, which is a cold noodle dish. It does have nato in it and texture was yes- cold and slimy... but FLAVOR 11/10. It was one of the best dish that I ate in Tokyo and I still dream about those noodles nightly

Be prepared for a long line but service is great and moves speedily. You can sit at a table or counter and they are well known for all their udon but particular their carbonara. It is prepared with raw egg, Parmesan and two thick slices of bacon. The noodles are fresh and delicious. I also ordered a side of rice with beef (slight sweet soy flavored) with tempura onions on top. Lastly a high ball that was mixed with local fresh apple juice and a soju seltzer. Both really refreshing and delicious. If you are in the area a must try!

Contrary to other info on their hours, it doesn't open until 11:30AM. So most people come to eat the carbonara but I am not a fan of adaptations of western dishes so got the tempura. It was good enough to justify the wait. The wakame and raw egg add ons were worth getting, if you like seaweed. It really added a nice textural component. I liked the venue a lot, great lively vibe.

Fresh made udon served in a variety of different ways. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Sleek with a modern vibe and still a classic 60s feel. The wait is around an hour when busy and completely worth the time. Reasonably priced.

Tried the iconic carbonara udon and the taste was definitely worth the hype. We went for lunch and the line was long, but we got in after ~30 mins. Not a lot of seating inside, but ambiance was so homey and comforting. What we ordered: 1. carbonara Dish came with fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese) on top. The plating was amazing and clean! Meat was so tender and juicy and egg yolk was hiding underneath the toppings! Noodles were so chewy and soft. Dish was soo creamy but not the type where it's too overbearing to eat, just perfect.

Carbanora Udon. Enough said. But seriously, it was so good! The right balance of sweet and savory umami taste - with a lively casual atmosphere and eclectic items strewn about in a once traditional Japanese restaurant. There's this flair of traditional and modern blending together, especially with one of their more popular items, the carbonara udon. There is a raw egg on top of perfectly chewy udon in a creamy sauce! The parm on top was flavorful and fluffy with thick and juicy bacon cuts. I got it with a side of tempura burdock, a great crunch and taste that complimented the udon so well! It was one of the last meals I got to enjoy in Japan when I visited my sister, that I am still thinking about weeks after! There was a long line outside around lunchtime, about an hour and a half in the hot sun, trying to catch some shade from their small awning at the front of the store. The perfect bite for lunch or dinner in Shibuya!

A delicious bowl of udon. We visited Menchirashi around lunch time, so we expected to wait in line. The wait took around 30 mins, which wasn't too bad, you're basically waiting for the diners to finish their meal. The menu is very extensive with a large variety of udon bowls to choose from. I went with the carbonara udon, which is their most popular item. However, there were definitely other udon bowls that I was interested in trying. The carbonara udon was delicious and the flavors were delightful. The udon noodles are of fantastic quality and the portions were great. If you're looking for a restaurant for udon, Menchirashi is a fantastic option.

This place opens at 11:30 and you best bet is to be in line before they open. We were promptly seated at 11:35 in the first round of people entered into the restaurant. This place is going viral on IG & TikTok and it is quite tasty. The group enjoyed Tori-paitan Udon and cold noodles the best. The Carbonara Udon was very rich and cheesy. I couldn't get past the raw egg. You have to stir it up right away for it to cook while it's still hot. Great service very nice employees. The provided kids silverware, scissor, and a bowl for our daughter. Very helpful.

This magical place is listed Best udon in Tokyo Timeout, I can totally understand why! If the line looks long, don't hesitate, just suck it up and wait. They're extremely organized, polite, and churn out the food. Probably one of the best kake udon bowls I've eaten. Ordered one tempura ebi, and a tuna onigiri and demolished all of it! I wish I could come here everyday and try everything they have to offer.

Carbonara udon was next level! The line can get long but it is very organized and the food is worth the wait! Noodles are springy with a nice chew and the place has a great vibe. English menu is also available

Came for the Carbonara, still stayed for the Carbonara. Great quality Udon with a huge variety for any type of Udon you could think of. We did have to wait a little to get seated, but it didn't take anymore than 15 minutes. This place was a recommendation from one of our Japanese Friends who frequented this place quite often so we came with high expectations. The Udon did not disappoint and you can tell why this is a local favorite. There are so many toppings you can add and I highly recommend adding beef to any of your bowls.

I came here strictly for the carbonara udon that I've seen on social media and I'm so glad that I did. It was SO damn good, I wish I could experience it again for the first time. The udon was cooked to perfection and the carbonara was very tasty. With a bit of their hot sauce and chili flakes .. WHEW! I'll honestly think about this dish forever. Btw, their hot sauce is bomb! Luckily they sell bottles of it so we left with a couple. I didn't think the wait was too bad - probably 30 minutes~ on a Thursday around 730-8p. The staff was super friendly too! I especially loved the house music they were playing; it fit the aesthetic of the restaurant so well.

Menchirashi (Harajuku) Known for carbonara. I waited in line even before they opened. Yes, people were waiting outside! There were English menus available (yellow). I got the carbonara udon. It looked so delicious. It tasted glorious. I think egg is usually cooked in the carbonara, but here you have to mix the runny egg yolk. For two people, we spent ¥1900 on lunch. Would I wait in line (in the sun) again? Probably not.

Hands down the best food I've had in Japan. The Carbonara, side of lemon. Add a little of their home hot sauce *chefs kiss*. From Los Angeles, we've got good food, but I'm honestly going to crave this everyday until I come back. We've even eaten at multiple Michelin start restaurants while in Japan and this has been our favorite.

Fresh udon here. I have an udon lover in the house and wanted to make sure her taste buds were satisfied in Japan. We went on a rainy day and there were only 2 other parties ahead of us. Line moved super quickly. As we waited, we saw the chef dipping the udons in hot water and cooking them for other parties. Looked so fresh~~ We were seated at the bar which was a bit uncomfortable since we had backpacks that we couldn't hang. But whatever. They have an English menu~ We ordered the kitsune (tofu skin) and the yamakake (raw egg with grated yam). Both were very fresh and piping hot. I really couldn't taste the yam bits after mixing it into the soup so maybe I was eating it wrong lol. Lots of condiments in front of us to try but the traditional flavors were just fine. Based on other reviews, I almost went for the carbonara but wanted a hot soup since it was raining~next time I guess. Pricing was perfect. Can't remember how much, but definitely one of our cheaper meals. Try them. Its walking distance from the shopping street in Harajuku and Shibuya sky etc.

Amazing udon bowls, freshly made udon and crispy tempura. The soup base was amazingly clear and tasty.

Went here for dinner with my family during our vacation in Tokyo in October 2024. This is the best udon and broth and toppings we have EVER had and we love udon. It was worth the hour wait (small restaurant, long line) and every time we walked by, even at lunch, there was a long line. What helped was getting to pre-order before we entered the restaurant. Udon was al dente perfectly, the broth was so so clean yet flavorful, the tempera, especially the mushroom one was amazing. The pepper mixture seasoning they offered on the side perfectly complemented the meal. Everything was freshly made. Would definitely go again. Just thinking about this makes my mouth salivate!

This place was worth the wait! We loved everything we ate, especially on a rainy night. The noodles were doughy and soft. The tempura was nicely salted and the waiter suggested putting their hot sauce on it. The gyudon bowls were sold out already when we got there (7:30pm). Would go back again!

This goes harder than hard. Come here if you like good ramen and lines. Also, if you need to use a bathroom, kids play store down the street. You're welcome. 10/10.

Of all the meals I've had in Japan, the carbonara udon from Mechirashi is by far my ultimate favorite and in my opinion you can't replicate anywhere else but here in Harajuku. With the thrill of Takeshita St close by and all the kawaii cutesy overload everywhere, the ambieance in this part of town is much more adult but you don't need a sophisticated palette to appreciate this shop. The first time here I had the carbonara udon with a roe onigiri. The onigiri was gigantic and beats any conbini onigiri 10x over. But the udon...gotdamn I had dreams of that bowl for 10 nights straight. That egg under the cheese, carbonara and pat of butter is that hidden element you need that makes this the ultimate dish for me. Again, I can't have this replicated anywhere because I don't trust the level of quality of ingredients from anywhere else. What's super cool too is that they are extremely patient with foreigners and look forward to serving anyone and give some awesome recommendations!

tldr: Great option for udon in Harajuku. English menu available. Menchirashi is a small shop for udon. Serves tempura and other dishes with the udon. I recommend the cold or zaru udon which is served in a bowl of cold fashion broth. Line can be 30 minutes midday on weekdays; longer on weekends and evenings. I am told the owner of this shop curated a lot of talent from Shin Udon (near Shinjuku station). That restaurant is quite good, so it makes sense that this place is great as well.

When was the last time you had carbs? Exactly. So should you decide to cheat, this is your spot. Extremely good udon. Ordered the carbonara, the beef and the tempura, 3 bowls, 2 hungry-ass men. All were bananas! Menus had pictures and super easy to navigate, although I saw stuff locals were eating and suspect it might have not been updated on the English version, or maybe I missed it. We went at the height of lunch, it's first come first served so there was a pretty good queue, maybe 10, 15 minutes. But the Japanese don't really loiter after their meals like Americans do, so it's a pretty efficient operation.

My son and I were starving and could not find anything not touristy on the main streets. We were directed to Menchirashi by people in a store down the street. We got there and it was awesome. Great service, great food, great prices and great atmosphere.