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.

OMG yum. I was a little bit worried about the line, but it was doable and as it turns out, quite efficient. As you wait and get closer to the entrance, someone comes to take your order ( don't worry, the menu is pretty small- yay, another star for an uncomplicated selection). I've now had both hot udon and recently got to try the cold udon at the seaport location. I can attest that both are DELICIOUS and worth going. The noodles they make are fresh daily and they have a big noodle thingamajigger in there to prove it. The noodles are fresh and bouncy and have the perfect chew. The broth is so savory and balanced, with all of the umami. It's definitely not a place you linger for a several hour-long dinner, but just super delicious. I definitely would say that I prefer this location over the Seaport as that one is significantly smaller, and wait was much longer.

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!!

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.

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!

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 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 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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Nothing to say that hasn't already been shared. This spot is specialized in their udon and does it well! The broth was so flavorful in both the hot and cold options with solid portions. Service is quick and depending on the time, you may have to wait to be seated. Be aware that the nearby parking lot is quite pricey so check in the area if you plan to drive.

Yume Ga Arukara lived up to the hype I was hoping for. The udon noodles itself are truly perfect - chewy, soft, and bouncy. I had the spicy cold noodles, the sauce was not super spicy and I loved the crunchy garnishes! The inside ambiance is very minimalist and clean, you can tell the focus is very much on the dishes. The menu is simplistic and well done. I came by on a weekday and there was still a line, however, it moved very quickly (not sure this would be the same on the weekend).

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.

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.

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~

I had a GREAT time and experience at Yume Ga Akura. The line at first is a little intimidating but it moved within 15m. They're incredibly efficient and actually take food orders while in line to help move things along. I got the spicy cold noodles which I really enjoyed. The sauce was flavorful and the noodles were thick and easy to chew. It was overall a very good meal with balanced flavors. This location is easily accessible via the red line. The restaurant is actually pretty big inside and did not get too loud. It's located with one of Lesley's building.

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 was visiting Boston for the summer and my friend had me wait in line for this very small udon corner, but it was so worth it. We both got the cold niku udon since he said it was their specialty, and this was the udon that got me hooked on cold udons. The workers congratulate you if you completely finish your bowls which was really easy to do haha When I come back to the city, I'm definitely taking everyone I know with me there if I can!

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.

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!

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.

A delicious and comforting meal! The noodles were freshly made and cooked to the perfect texture. Flavors were great with their special chili shrimp paste for the spicy version. Recommend getting the cold udon option since it's rare to have a well done cold version.

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

I love the noodle texture at Yume Ga Arukara! My favorite item is definitely the spicy cold niku udon. However, I don't think the broth or flavor is too special. There is definitely a wait here but I don't think it's too bad because the service is fast.

This restaurant has been one of my favorites in the Boston area for years. Although it used to be a smaller counter with fewer seats, it is now a much larger restaurant space with many tables, although you should still always expect a wait. The udon here is good, but I think since COVID the quality of the udon has gone down a little bit as the restaurant has evolved and the staff has cycled out.

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.

I love their cold spicy Niku Udon noodles!! The noodles are chewy and the broth is well balanced with umami, a hint of spice, and I believe are crunchy shrimp flakes! The beef is well marinated. They recently moved to a bigger place and can accommodate more people at a time now. I'm so happy to say that they've maintained their quality of food despite the move!! Service is great and staff are friendly. Value: 8/10 Food: 9.5/10 Experience: 9/10 Service: 8/10

Delicious udon for a cold winter evening! My friends and I went on a Sunday evening and had to wait in line for a bit. Once we were in, we ordered and got our food pretty quickly. The udon was soft, the meat was tender, and the broth was very flavorful. Originally I thought the portion looked small but after I finished, I was quite full. We did feel like wait staff was rushing us a bit, but it was understandable because it was so busy. After we ate, we got to explore the bookstore around the corner too. Overall, a great dinner spot in a nice location!

Stopped by Yume Ga Arukara and left really impressed. The udon noodles were super bouncy with great texture. You can tell how fresh and high quality the noodles were. The broth they used was a chicken broth. It was simmered for a long time and was deep, rich, and full of flavor. The shop itself is clean and pretty spacious. One knock was that the wait was a little long, but the food more than made up for it.

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.

OMG! I absolutely love this place, especially their cold udon! I was so happy to know that their new location within the plaza. I def missed them saying "perfect" and "good job" after finishing the noodles is something I truly miss. The new location is a definite upgrade, having more seating and less long queues. Highly recommend visiting! The service remains excellent.

The Spicy Cold Niku Udon is AMAZING. The udon has a fantastic texture, and the dish is seasoned perfectly. The beef is also delicious and pairs very nicely with the noodles. If you feel like treating yourself, I recommend adding extra beef. It's worth it. Place is newly renovated with more room for customers, and food came very quickly.

This place always hits. There's usually a little wait to sit down and eat, but it's so worth it. I highly recommend one of the cold udons with beef (maybe extra beef or an egg too)! I've had takeout from here too and it also packs great. I will always recommend this to people if they haven't tried it already!

No vegetarian options at all!!! Tiny menu, always has a line. Ambience is good. I get that this place is supposed to be authentic but even in Japan the chefs are willing to make noodles without the broth. I was told they would not be willing to do that here. Wild

They only serve beef udon, but they do it well. The hot udon is delicious, but I find the cold udon is more tasty because the broth is more concentrated. The udon is chewy and tender and you can tell it is freshly made. I love their new location at Porter square. Their prices are fair. Love this place!

Wow, this was pretty spectacular. I was trying to decide between the spicy and the signature (and of course I want beef...), and the cashier suggested the spicy one ($17), so I went with that. Such an explosion of flavor and a unique combination of flavors that I haven't really tasted before for. The chewy udon noodles were the perfect match for the cold savory broth. With the spicy chili crisp on top, the soup had a spicy and smoky flavor. And then of course, with the fatty flank steak and the molten onsen egg (add $3) on top of it, makes a pretty luxurious eating experience. It was not difficult to finish that plate. This is the only thing I want on a summer day.

We went here sans kids as we heard the line could be long. We went on a summer day (Saturday) around 12pm. It was a little confusing at first but we were directed to first order at the cash register and then to go back in line. We luckily didn't have too much of a wait in the line, about 20 mins. The dining area is small where there's either shared benches, small stools or the kitchen counter. The food came out fairly quickly after being seated. The menu is small and focused on udon. My husband and I enjoyed a hot and cold spicy version of the udon. We thought the spice was manageable as we both regularly enjoy a little spice(it's not numbing or tingling type, in my opinion). My husband is not usually a fan of udon but he really thought the broth was flavorful for the hot soup. I enjoyed mine and we both could see why the place was so popular. We were lucky and were able to find street/metered parking. We were in the area earlier in the winter and the crowd was not as big as the summer. It looked like there was parking for Lesley University but wasn't sure how much it was.

The ambiance is busy and full of energy. The hot udon was good, I enjoyed the crispy bites of tempura within the broth. I want to return to try the cold udon.

Waffled between 4 and 5 since I do have some nitpicks, but I always come here whenever I'm in town so... *shrug*. My favorite order: spicy or regular cold, and convince someone generous to get the spicy hot so you can slurp some of that amazing broth. Been here quite a few times now, and still always stop by whenever I can. Love the chewy texture of the cold udon noodles, and it's nice that you can see them making them right in front of you if you sit at the bar. The spicy hot udon's broth is also *chef's kiss* perfection. Even if the line is around-the-corner long, they seem to get through it pretty quickly, so stay strong, and you'll probably be seated in ~20 minutes. My nitpicks: the hot soup udon's texture is too soft. If they could just plonk the cold noodles in the hot broth it would be perfect. If you want to order takeout, you actually need to just cut in front of the line at the front to do so, which is confusing and may make other people shoot you dirty looks, but alas, this is what the staff said to do, okay. The store's hours are also nebulous around holidays; they were closed on the 4th of July but their online ordering system was up, but Google said they were closed but Yelp said they were open... ultimately they were closed :') Your best guess is to trust their Google hours, or see if they have some little piece of paper taped up somewhere announcing special hours. My top tips: get the extra noodles, especially if you're ordering one of the cold options; portion size here is on the smaller side. If you want to save money, maybe consider skipping the beef, which I found to be a little dry during recent visits. I also like getting extra daikon when ordering the regular cold, which they kindly offer at no extra cost!

Always like the cold noodle, perfect for the summer. Their noodle is balanced very well, bite and bounce. Spicy one is mild, wish could be a little bit stronger. The line is always long, if you come at the dinner time, even though they moved to a bigger place. One star hold for the overall experience.

Literally one of the best udon dishes I've ever tasted...the cold niku udon is full of flavor, refreshing, umami-y and pairs perfect with the meat. Also the tempura crunch, ginger and radish all add special touches in perfecting this dish!

The hype is reeeal! Honestly, this place has probably become my favorite place ever to get udon now. The space is extremely small, and probably only sits close to 15 people at a time. Lines are long but it moves quickly! For the process: you order first, then queue in line for a table. Once it's your time to be seated, you hand your receipt with your order. They bring out your food a few moments later. They're known for their cold udon noodles, so of course I had to get the spicy one! The udon was SO refreshing and the beef was perfectly marinated. The spicy wasn't as spicy as I would've thought. For an extra $2, you can also add an egg! They also do this cute thing where they hype you up if you finish your meal lol. Finish the entire bowl to get a "perfect" or if you still have broth left, they tell you "good job"! Would highly recommend to anyone in the Boston area- it's conveniently close to Harvard for any tourists as well!

Must try if you're in Boston and craving cold Japanese noodles. This place is so tasty. It's unbelievable: cold, spicy noodles that really hit the spot on a hot day. I've never had cold udon done quite like this before, and I was extremely impressed by the service and the tastiness of the noodles. They are very chewy. Haylie was so kind and provided attentive service. We had a number of stupid questions among people in our group and she was so patient with us. They rate you at the end of your meal: perfect, well done, good try. The more you finish, the better the rating. It's pretty funny.

If you're visiting Boston, this is worth the trip up to Cambridge! I don't usually order udon in any restaurant, but I had to make an exception here. The cold noodles were so tasty and chewy in the broth. I got the spicy version and it was just the right heat level for me. The portion size was also just enough for lunch. On top of that, the dish presentation was superb. I got here about 10 minutes before open and waited behind one other party in line. The space is truly small, but cozy. I got a seat at the bar and loved watching the noodle-making process. It was great to see all the work that went into making such a lovely meal!