Udon even know how much we love these noodles.
UDN is Abu Dhabi’s first house of udon and it has captured our hearts ever since it arrived on the Abu Dhabi foodie scene. Classic Japanese imagery – from cherry blossoms to Japanese architecture – and a sleek open kitchen make the space immediately inviting, but if your stomach is already growling, udon worry. The food is on the way.
UDN serves crispy gyoza, edamame, tempura shrimp, spongy Japanese milk cake and mochi balls – and while the appetisers and desserts are impressive, we’re there for the noodles, and they definitely don’t disappoint.
Like your noodles thicc and your chicken katsu-ed? You’re going to love this dish.
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According to legend, udon noodles can be traced back to over 1,200 years ago. This yummy noodle dish has been developed and perfected over the many years it’s been around. Warm, tangy, chewy and delicious. No wonder it’s so popular.
Located on Old Airport Road, UDN is open from noon-11pm.The concept for the first udon house in the city was brought to life by Abu Dhabi coffee makers DRVN Coffee. We spoke to Chef Masashi Miwa from UDN, who told us all about what makes this dish special. “Our noodles are made fresh and in-house, it’s a two-day process, and we’re the only place that does it.”
Grab your chopsticks…
The hype
UDN is Abu Dhabi’s first udon noodle house, which means the city had high expectations (and a growing hunger for noodles) when walking into the establishment. As soon as our expectations were met, and then exceeded, the spot exploded. As the star of the menu, the chicken katsu with udon noodles captured everyone’s hearts.
The noodles
UDN’s noodles are made in-house daily from scratch, so you know you’re getting an authentic and perfectly rolled thick noodle to fill your belly with. “Our noodle machine was imported from Japan, and we also import a unique Japanese wheat flour, so you know our noodles are authentic.”
The chicken
This chicken is tender, perfectly breaded and sliced into ideal bites. The chicken is egg and dairy free, making them allergy-friendly and if you’d rather have a vegetarian version of the dish, you can swap out the chicken for aubergine.
The curry
Sweeter and milder than some other curry dishes you might be used to, “the secret ingredient in the UDN katsu is fresh apples,” making it tangy as well as sweet. The other main ingredients are staples in traditional katsu: coconut milk, ginger and salt.
“If you don’t want Udon noodles you can also have your katsu served over rice. It’s very popular with kids especially.”
We heard UDN is updating its menu soon too… we’re planning a return visit asap.
Open daily noon-11pm. Unlicensed. Showroom 1, Old Airport Road (050 648 9310).
