Porter Exchange

Small hall with different Japanese comfort food options/restaurants ranging from sushi to tempura or curry.

I like this little hidden place with restaurants. They're all small little shops and you have a wide variety of Asian options.

Sadly that they are closed down.

I adore this place and all of its noodles. The wait is worth it, and it's a favorite place of mine to catch up with friends. I will say that the lines have gotten crazier and that I've had to wait around 45min for a table before. You should think critically about if there is likely to be a crazy line at like 5pm vs like 7pm. When you line up, someone from the staff will ask how many you are and try to get smaller parties to a table as soon as possible. Also you wait inside the building so it's not so bad. Food: - Spicy cold Niku udon: it's so refreshing and yummy. This is the perfect summer lunch dish. It's sort of lemon-y at points so feels super light. It's so savory! - Hot Niku udon: I usually get the hot udon bc it's so filling and delicious. I highly recommend! It comes out pretty fast and it's a generous portion. I really like the texture contrast of the tempura batter too :)

was in boston for the weekend and i've had yume ga arukara bookmarked on my instagram for a while (twice, in fact). i was looking for a place to stop by for lunch and udon and soup seemed perfect for the colder weather. the restaurant is a little hard to find -- seems to be tucked in a campus building, and there was a pretty significant line when we got there. the host hands a menu to you in line and takes your order right before you are let in the restaurant. we ordered the signature cold niku udon and the spicy hot niku udon. the noodles come out quickly after you sit down. the cold udon is what everyone recommends -- good and unique flavor, but the broth that came with the hot udon was delicious, savory, and perfect for the chilly weather. probably the best thing i've had in boston/cambridge and i'd love to keep coming back for the yearly visit.

Yume Ga Arukara夢があるから, literally "because I have a dream", served one of the most dreamy udons I have ever tried. Signature Cold Niku Udon / Onsen Egg / No Scallion: It seemed to be kind of rebellious to choose cold noodles in winter, but this signature one really gave me surprise. The udon noodles are extremely al dente, with full of chewiness. Together with the crispness of tempura batter, the softness of daikon oroshi大根おろし, the smoothness of onsen egg温泉卵, this bowl of udon showed richness in texture. The broth, consisted of special tare垂れ and lemon juice, balanced the sweetness and tanginess so well that it left mild freshness and fruity fermented fragrance in mouth instead of overwhelming or zingy taste. The beef slices were a bit too chewy for me, but still acceptable considering the big amount p.s. the password of Wi-Fi is hilarious

Stopped by Cambridge and this restaurant was recommended by my friends who live in the area. After trying it, I can see why Yume Ga Arukara is so popular. I came here on Sunday at opening and there was no wait. The interior of the restaurant was quite spacious and was very modern. I thought it was very interesting that it was inside a college center. But the cold udon definitely did not disappoint. The beef was marinated perfectly and the udon had the right amount of chewiness to it. For the price, I thought this restaurant was pretty good in value for what we got!

Yume Ga Arukara was good, though I'll admit I went in expecting a bit more. Their cold udons are supposedly the standout, so I ordered the spicy cold niku udon, and it ended up being really good even though I wasn't sure I'd like udon served cold. The flavor was solid, but the real kicker is the noodle itself: super slurpy, great tension, and honestly some of the best udon texture I've had. My partner got a hot udon, and we were both surprised by how much flavor the broth had. It's not a spot I'd go to every day, but if you're craving udon, especially something cold and chewy, this definitely scratches the itch.

We were a bit surprised at the wait given how limited and simple this restaurant's menu seemed, however the employees were efficient in placing our orders ahead of time when everyone was in line. We ordered: 3x hot udons 1x spicy cold udon We tend to order udon hot, and I will say the standout of our dish weren't the minimal ingredients but moreso the homey and authentic broth. Yume gives off an East coast version of Marugame Udon-part of my suspicion as to why they are so busy is probably because if the latter chain were to open shop here they'd probably take their clientele. Typical prices, minimal menu, yet exceptional broth!

This place used to be a hole in the wall and now it's this nice establishment with a long wait! We went on a Sunday around 5:30pm and probably only waited like 20min (when we left, there were Hella people in line). They take your order in line and the it basically immediately arrives at your table once you sit. I wanted to share with my partner but unfortunately it is one order minimum per person. It was good though, definitely good enough to finish on your own. I got the spicy cold niku don... let me tell you, that is the one. One of the most delicious udons I've ever had! And i live in LA, the land of good food. This is the spot that everyone recommends, and for good reason! Definitely come through :)

Cold noodles were delightful. Noodles were incredibly bouncy and broth was not too spicy or salty. Great portions and overall pretty affordable. I can see why it's loved by many in the area! Very much worth the hype.

This is by far the best Asian food in Boston. It's a step up from Marugame Udon, which is already amazing. Expect a wait when you come, but it's definitely worth it! The spicy hot udon is great, but the spicy cold udon is what really makes Yume Ga Arukara special. Their house made chili oil with sakura ebi adds a rich umami flavor that ties everything together. The dish is simple yet addicting. I expect to see this place in the Boston Michelin Guide soon.

Spicy cold niku udon was delicious. Their menu is short with purpose. In good Japanese tradition, do one thing well and they deliver. Service is friendly and efficient. Seating wasn't an issue during lunch on a Friday. The efficiency allowed us enjoy lunch and make the afternoon meetings without stress. The place is nice and clean. The only thing missing is a wet towel to clean hands, which would make it a perfect Japanese experience.

I tried Yume Ga Arukara around lunchtime on a Saturday, and there was a small wait! People definitely lined up after us, so I'd expect to wait around 30 minutes for a table. Their menu is easy with hot, cold, and spicy udon. I got the cold udon and the noodles are bouncy with a great texture! Definitely will try the spicy one next time!

Located within the Porter Building, Yume doesn't look fancy or expensive but don't let that fool you. They serve simple, delicious udon dishes. The menu is single page with no frills but that's a good thing, you just need to pick hot or cold, spicy or regular. Both are really good. The cold udon broth was super smooth, the beef was tender and delicious. The hot udon broth was good as well, with perfect seasoning. Overall it was a great meal, definitely recommend!

A Cambridge classic, great for their cold noodles which are not a super common specialty. Both the soup and dry options are great. Service is super fast and ambiance is nice. This is a super popular spot though, so if you don't come early you could wait in quite a line.

I've heard such great reviews about this spot - I was so excited when I finally was in town to try it! Overall, felt like a super authentic Japanese establishment- they even greet you enthusiastically with Japanese greetings! The food itself was also top notch and authentic. I ordered the cold niku udon which was refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. I'd prob opt for the hot option on a colder day though! I tried my partners spicy udon and that one was super flavorful and wasn't too spicy! I heard this spot is quite busy but I visited on a weekday morning right around when they opened and we were the only party and was seated straight away! Food also came out quite quickly. Overall a good experience!!

I see why Yume Ga Arukara got voted the best udon place and it deserves all the hype! I went in on Sunday night with few of my friends, while there was a line, it moved rather quickly and the server took our order while we waited in line. This expedited the process. Once you enter, the whole team gives you a warm welcome (how cute is that!!) I got the Spicy Cold Udon while my friends tried the Spicy Cold Niku Udon Hot Niku Udon. Everything was delicious, udon is made fresh all day long and you can tell from the soft and smoothness in the texture. The spicy Udon wasn't actually spicy but really well flavored so it didn't even matter.

This udon was amazingly refreshing - the chili flavoring wasn't strong so it wasn't too spicy and the noodles were perfectly cooked. The beef felt just slightly overcooked though and I wasn't a fan of the small dried shrimps. The staff try to speed up your dining experience to allow for others to sit sooner but I was mid-bite when they came with the bill. Definitely would recommend this place though and try to beat the dinner rush as the line gets super long.

This place is always consistent with portions, presentation, and service! Servers are always kind and quick to take your order and check you out! Also there is a nice atmosphere with being able to see the kitchen and their hard work to bring your dish to life! Be careful though, depending on the time you go, there may be a decent wait. I've been in line for 30+ minutes before during peak lunch hours

I didn't know that udon noodles could be this good! This is one of my go to Japanese restaurants. They do not take reservations and you will frequently see a line during dinner time and the weekends. They're located in the Lesley University building and are right next to Izakayi Ittoku. They have a bar area facing the kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. The seating is mostly two people sized tables.They have basic minimal decor. Their menu is small with only 8 items, but they make these dishes perfectly! Basically you decide if you want hot or cold udon noodles and spicy or not. I always order the spicy cold udons which is served with beef and chili paste. The udon is delicious with the sauce and has a nice unami flavor. The beef is juicy and tender. I always lick the bowl clean! The service is good and efficient, from ordering to eating to paying and leaving, it's usually about 30-40 minutes. This place is worth the wait!

Amazing as always! I forgot to take a picture of my food but it was fantastic per usual. Went in on a Saturday evening and the line was long so I'm glad I went on the earlier side. Honestly the best udon I've ever had. Once Massachusetts starts getting Michelin Stars (which I think it'll begin in 2026), Yume should be at the top of their list for the food and incredible staff!!

Every time I come back to visit Boston, I have to make a mandatory stop here. I'm so glad they moved to a newly renovated space because it is SO much more comfortable being at a table. They also have more tables so I think the line moves quicker. What a gem.

Very fast service, super chewy udon. And the broth for the hot udon was amazing, not too salty, nice and rich. If i am in the area, would totally go again.

I didn't like udon until I went here. The udon was delicious and you could sit at the counter and watch them make the noodles fresh! How cool. I loved the baby shrimp in my dish. I didn't even realize what they were for a while, but they added a lot of flavor. We sat at the counter and while it was a bit crowded, I thought we still were able to fit and have enough room to eat. Great for 2. We were sat immediately when we went at 5:30 on a week night. I'd highly recommend!

Rating: 4.5 Came back to this place again since I was around the area. I've been here when they first opened as a sister restaurant to yume wo katare and did like it but had not had a chance to come back or review as I ended up relocating. Looks like things had taken off and they opened second location as well as expanded the restaurant to become a joint restaurant with another Japanese restaurant Ittoku which used to be another favorite spot that was in Allston. When we came back the place looked much nicer and had more seating and luckily we didn't have to wait. Once we fot seated looks like they expanded the drink menu and now has some alcoholic drinks. The food menu is still same as before and offers cold and hot option with spicy/with or without meat. I got the spicy cold with beef and onsen egg and my partner got regular hot with beef and onsen egg. It was good as I remembered. The savory and sweet thin sliced beef pair well with homemade firm udon and garnishes. Onsen egg pairs well as it harmonize and give it creaminess to the spicy, sweet and savory flavors. My partner liked their udon as well. Service was pretty good and relatively quick but they did forget the beef on my partner's udon. We did ask and they were able to give us a plate of beef to add onto the udon. Overall the place was good and its still one of few authentic udon place that I know of around the area. I would recommend to try for those that like udon. I would come back again when I'm around the area.

As a New Yorker visiting Boston and a big fan of udon, Yume Ga Arukara just did not hit the spot for me. It's quite popular with a line circling the door. While it was good, the menu is quite limited with one hot udon and one cold udon. The beef was very mediocre but I liked the broth. The waiters were all very busy so it took a while to pay the bill.

I've been wanting to try this place for a while and it didn't disappoint! My sister and I showed up around 5:45pm on a Monday and while the restaurant had a lot of customers, we were still seated immediately. We ordered the signature hot niku udon and then the spicy cold niku udon. We added the onsen egg to both bowls! Both were delicious, but I especially enjoyed the spicy cold. It was so refreshing on a hot day and super flavorful. It really isn't too spicy at all. The noodles were so thick and bouncy! Service was quick and attentive. The restaurant was low key (shares a space with another restaurant) but used its space well and cultivated a relaxed atmosphere. I'll definitely be back!

I just had one of the best Japanese noodle soup experiences in the area! My party ordered the hot udon bowls and I had their hot curry special. Everything was super flavorful: rich broth, fresh and perfectly prepared ingredients and the noodles were well formed with just the right amount of chew. Service was fast and friendly within an unassumingly simple yet modern interior with blonde woods with black metal trim. Definitely coming back soon...

I miss the original, smaller space. It was a part of the experience. Anyways, this is my second time coming back because I enjoyed it so much my previous trip to Boston/Cambridge. I got the cold spicy Niku Udon again because that's something you can't commonly find at most Japanese restaurants in the US. The fresh noodles and flavor are still delicious and the Niku is tender. Legit Udon shops like this are such a special treat. No issues with service. They have you order when you reach the front of the waiting line so the food arrives quickly.

We had lunch at this location while on a visit to Boston; I must say, I don't get why it's so busy and gets the positive reviews that it receives. Maybe it's because I'm spoiled with so many great options in Los Angeles and have a certain expectancy level? In any case, let's start by saying the decor was not bad for this type of restaurant; it has a clear and open kitchen set up that you can easily see the food being prepared. Once we were seated, we looked over the short menu, and I decided to get their popular spicy cold udon bowl. I'm not sure what's up with the employee with the ponytail, but I felt she was a bit curt and totally felt like we were being rushed. I decided to ignore it and enjoy our meal... or should I say try to enjoy it. The spicy cold udon is pretty average in my opinion; the flavors I was expecting wasn't there, and to quote Uncle Roger: Chili Jam? Ok, so not necessarily chili jam, but the Chinese chili oil dominates the dish. I feel like they threw in a lot of different ingredients into the dish to make the flavor palette more complex, but it didn't quite accomplish that. Needless to say, we were disappointed after going out of our way to try this place. I would say the food was a 2.5, maybe 3 stars at best; the reason for the 1 star? The service. I thought the lady with the ponytail just had a little attitude with our table, but I also saw her attempt to force out a pretty girl that just paid her check and was waiting for her friend to come out of the restroom. I'm sorry, but if I just finished being a paid customer to your restaurant, it's extremely rude to ask a customer to leave their table right after paying the bill. Can I get a few minutes? I don't know what the girl said, but I saw the waitress roll her eyes and walk off annoyed. I don't know if she was having a bad day or what; maybe she needs a hug?

This was an unforgettable meal! This was my first time trying a cold udon dish and it was a great experience. I would recommend everyone try this unique dish.

This is one of the best udon I have ever had!!! I was a little skeptical of cold udon dishes because I like my udon with hot soup but this dish has changed my mind. The noodles have an amazing texture and the sauce goes perfectly with the coldness of the dish. The meat is thinly sliced and sooo yummy. The wait is decently long, probably around half an hour before you enter the restaurant, but they take your order while you're in line to try and move things along to be faster, which is very considerate. The location is pretty unassuming, inside a college building (so I got a little lost when going for the first time :p). But once you enter the building, it should be right in front of you with a giant line out the door.

I was excited to eat here because a friend had recommended it. When I arrived, the line was extremely long and wrapped around the walls of the building, but it moved at a decent pace. As we got closer to the front, a staff member came by to take our order. Once we were seated, our food came out very quickly. I ordered the cold udon because I saw it was their specialty, and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors were bold yet refreshing. My friends ordered the hot udon, and while I tried a bite, the cold one was definitely the way to go--it had so much more flavor. I really enjoyed my meal. I usually never finish an entire bowl of ramen or udon, but I finished every bite because it was that good! I definitely recommend this to anyone who usually orders hot udon. Cold udon has truly changed my life!

New renovated location is so fresh and so clean. Much larger space than before and higher capacity. Same great udon and overall menu. Might still have lines during peak times but having more seating helps with the demand. So should be less wait if any! The meat I had this night was slightly overcooked. Hope to come back soon. Love love the new spot.

I went to Yume Ga Arukara inside Lesley University in Davis, and it was delicious! We waited in line for like 20 minutes, but the server was efficient and let us look at the menu and order while we were still waiting. Once we got seated, our bowls came out super quick. They had chopsticks and tissues on the side & gave little cups of water. I got the spicy cold niku udon and it was so refreshing. The noodles were really chewy savory. It's definitely a good summer bite. Only thing is I feel like the service could've been a bit better. It did feel kind of felt rushed, but I understand since they are so busy. But overall the food was really great

They knew their target audience with the extra beef and extra extra beef options. But for once the beef wasn't the highlight of the dish! The cold udon was delightfully chewy and spiced with the perfect balance of spicy pepper sauce and crunchies (for the spicy cold niku udon). The line was not too long and moved pretty quickly. Very casual ambiance with relaxed vibes and quick service.

Got the spicy cold niku udon ($17). Tbh it wasn't the best compared to other places out of state (California + Los Angeles + New York City), but I can tell this is considered good for Boston. It did hit the spot and super appreciative that we came. The line moves fast even though it can seem long! The line system outside is so confusing! We had seen two people cut not sure if on purpose or out of ignorance. They need to have better line control or figure out a better system for that!

I got the hot niku udon which I honestly thought was just ok. Solid but not amazing. It was a baseline good but nothing super umami about the broth or phenomenal about the udon texture. The beef was also a little tough. Maybe this is inauthentic but I found myself wishing there was a bit of ginger included or on the side. Total was $20 including tax and tip. The location just moved from another corner in Lesley University last week. I got lost and went to the original stall but building staff helped me find the new spot. The new spot is very bright and has a good amount of seating. There was no wait on a Tuesday lunchtime.

This was a good meal for a cold rainy night in Cambridge. There was essentially no wait for a table for 8 on a Sunday night, which was nice. The restaurant was fully seated. Ordered as soon as we sat down. The food came out relatively fast as well. I ordered the spicy hot niku udon. Not that spicy, but it was warm and decent. Nothing special to note. Good amount of meat at least.

3.5/5 A quick walk from Porter station. Went here for dinner ready for a long wait but luckily like was relatively short and got seated within 15 minutes. If there is an option try not to sit at the corner high top area. Ended up feeling like the two corner spots were too close. They anticipate and move as though they have a long line and we felt a little rushed out (there was no line outside and many open seats). We got hot udon and the hot niku udon with extra beef. It was good. The noodles were not as chewy as I prefer but the toppings made a great combination. The tempura flakes were nice but maybe try the cold dish that had them not soggy. In regards to the extra beef, it seemed more like what should be the normal amount. Overall good but maybe not worth a wait much longer than 15 minutes.

Super hole in the wall spot. Limited seating. Soup was salty and underwhelming. Wasn't a fan.

Lived up to the hype. The ramen was delicious. We got right in at 5:30ish on a Thursday. Everyone was pleasant and efficient.

Delicious Hot Udon! Finally went to their new location after the move. The space is much larger now so the wait is very short (I waited around 10 minutes on a Saturday night). My go to is their hot with beef and an onsen egg. I haven't found anything comparable to this place. Service is always great! People here are always friendly

This was my first time visiting Yume since their relocation and it's such a breath of fresh air. Although the energy of their old location is gone, the food is just as good. To enter, you have to come into the Lesley University building instead of the entrance on the street. I was confused initially since there was a closed sign. We came shortly after they opened on New Year's Eve and were seated right away. It got a lot busier as we were finishing, but not so much that there was a line. We both got the Signature Cold Niku Udon, and my friend got an egg as an extra. The combination of flavors is perfectly executed, especially with the hint of lemon. I would definitely come back!

My partner was eager to come here and he gave this place such high praise for its fresh noodles. All though it was full, we were seated promptly. i ordered the hot niku Udon, and it came without the beef. My partner had to ask for the beef on the side, which I added to my udon. The beef was delicious! I definitely needed it, and I understand if the server didn't hear the niku part since we arrived at a busy loud time. Everything came quickly and it wonderful seeing the udon noodles being made in shop. There a machine I caught a glimpse of, and I assume it's the noodle machine, making rounds and spinning every couple of minutes, making new batches of pulled noodles. My partner ordered the Cold spicy with beef udon~I had a bite, and I enjoyed it better than my hot udon bowl. The spicy noodles and sauce has such a great hit and spice. If I'm Boston and seeking a cool savory meal, this needs to be on your list~

We got two classic hot udon and lowk it was just okay. Really overhyped in my opinion. I had seen so many things about this place but when I actually tried it... it was a little bland and not as flavorful as I expected it to be. The vibes inside the restaurant were cute tho and staff was very nice

Hands down best food/dish I had during my Boston trip. Honestly it's some of the best Udon I've ever had, I daresay even better than the Udon that I've had in Japan. This place is tucked inside a little food court, and usually you'll have to wait for a seat as they have minimal seating and it seems to generally be packed all the time. The atmosphere very much gives off that small Japanese restaurant vibes (like the ones in Japan, not ones in the US) The broth is super flavorful and has the right amount of spice, saltiness, and umami. The noodles are perfect for slurping to your heart's content and the meat well seasoned and super tender. If you're a big noodle lover, especially of Udon I encourage you to go this place cause this will most definitely be a consistent stop of mine whenever I'm back in Boston.

We're udon/ramen lovers and this is among the best ever, including several in Japan. We came early (around 5:30) on a Tuesday night and walked right in. Shortly after the crowd descended. Parking is challenging. We parked at the shopping center nearby and walked over. The menu is small but the best udon shops are. They do one thing and do it well. We all ordered the hot Niku udon. Everything in the bowl worked - the beef, the broth, the noodles, sooo good. The beef was flavorful, juicy andntender. Noddles cooked just right - not al dente but not soggy. Broth oh so tasty. We will be definitely be back. After all, its closer than going to Japan!

This place is amazing. Love the vibes, love the service, love the food. Amazing selection. We always have a blast here.

YGA makes in house udon that always has the perfect chewy and smooth texture! There are options to have your udon hot/cold, spicy/not spicy, extra beef, extra udon, and an onsen egg on top! Everytime I visit, I enjoy the spicy cold niku udon because the cold temperature gives the udon a slippery texture that perfectly compliments the spice and sweet/savory flavor of the beef On cold days, I get the hot udon which I prefer non-spicy YGA is a must go for udon in Boston! Yume Ga Arukara opened in a larger space with additional seating so the wait time is shorter and service is faster! Very excited to come by again!

worth the wait for sure, especially because the wait is indoors. they take your order while you're in line, so the process once you're seated is pretty fast. spicy cold niku udon was SO DELICIOUS! the homemade chili oil is aromatic and not too spicy, and i splurged and added an egg for way too much, but the yolk mixed into the sauce so deliciously.