Usamitei Matsubaya

Stepping into Usamitei Matsubaya in Osaka's Minamisenba is like walking into a living piece of history, a treasured culinary legacy dating back to 1893. This is not just an old Udon shop; it proudly stands as the birthplace of Kitsune Udon (Udon topped with seasoned fried tofu), a fundamental pillar of Osaka's local food culture, spanning nearly 130 years. ​The moment I entered, the establishment's quiet, seasoned atmosphere—the hallmark of a long-standing nopo (old shop)—wrapped around me. Even the warm Yobucha (roasted grain tea) served upon sitting was remarkable, offering a deep, nutty aroma that instantly elevated my anticipation for the main dish. Every detail, starting with that initial sip of tea, suggested a commitment to quality and tradition. ​The Udon itself was a masterpiece of simplicity. The most crucial element, the broth, was clear and transparent, yet the moment it hit the palate, the deep umami and rich dashi flavor confirmed why this shop has endured for generations. It was perfectly seasoned—neither too subtle nor too strong. The sweet and savory flavor of the tender kitsune (fried tofu) gently seeped into the broth, creating a beautiful layered harmony. The noodles were wonderfully soft yet maintained a satisfying resilience, gliding smoothly down the throat. ​This profound harmony of taste and ambiance was completed by the gentle smile of the proprietress. Her quiet, diligent presence, attentively overseeing the dining room, conveyed a sense of care and dedication as deep as the shop's history. A meal at Usamitei Matsubaya was more than just satisfying hunger; it was a cherished experience of tasting Osaka’s history and finding peace and warmth within the walls of a revered, centuries-old establishment.

This is a late post from my visit to the shop a week ago. Saw the recommendation of this old school udon shop on the social media, which is patronized mainly by the locals. The outlook of the shop facade looked like it is from the showa era, it is the same for the dining area inside the shop. The menu is in japanese, so you have to rely on google translate to understand what was offered. The taste of the udon is unlike the taste of the conventional udon shop, which is a pleasant surprise. Total bill of the meal for 4 person was around 3500yen. I think the shop only accepts cash, thus potential visitor to be aware. Overall a good dining experience for me and my family.

A very hearty meal at this small udon shop. Visited for a late afternoon lunch and the place was near empty but still it was obvious this place serves locals in the neighbourhood. Food was simple and it felt like eating at mt grandparents home. (The owners were also very old haha) Menu is completely in Japanese but all items are cheap and wallet-friendly!

Very good Udon, seem like eating them at my friend's home. Unlike others in Numba walks, even in Tokyo. The soup was natural taste , the Udon itself was soft, very cheap price, highly recommend.

4.5 Ordered a niku udon + tempura shrimp. The taste seems to be authentic and traditional. Vibes of good history and culture, the food is good and natural too. A good udon place.

Affordable udon diner. Kake broth wasn't as nice as expected but everything was affordable. There were a lot of items on the menu and apparently they are known for Ajiya udon.

Amazing udon dishes! Very rich and tasty broth! Osakaoji udon is a must try!

Said to be the birthplace of Osaka ojiya udon, half rice half udon. No English menus but easy to order. Visited on weekday, with 5-10 mins wait around 3-4 pm. The shop is full of locals.

Excellent Ojiya-style udon. Loaded with fish, thinly-sliced tofu, shrimp, marinated mushroom and all sorts of fixings, this will keep you full and warm you up on a cold and rainy day. There are both noodles and rice in this dish so it's super hearty. So good, I came and ate here twice during my four day stay in Osaka! Highly recommend it. Pro-tip: They have an English menu!

We stayed n Osaka for about a week, and stumbled upon this place near our Airbnb. We read a sign outside that said this restaurant created the dish Kitsune Udon years ago that's loved all over Japan now! We were intrigued and mostly hungry so we gave this place a try, and boy were we SO happy with this place. We ordered the Kitsune Udon and Kitsune Udon with eggs for the two of us. The broth is a little sweet from the seasoned tofu but so satisfying and heart-warming. Noodles were springy and chewy. The tofu was a bit sweet and super tasty! The atmosphere is very cozy, it's not a big place. There's a grandpa cooking, and you can see him handling the noodles straight from the boiling hot water with bare hands! You can feel the history. If we ever go back to Osaka, we'd love to visit again.