まふゆ2415
If you are a udon lover in the Kanto region, you have probably heard of "Oniyanma" at least once. I heard that they opened a new store in Shibuya PARCO a while ago, but I couldn't go, so I stopped by after attending an exhibition at Hikarie.
Location and Crowds: I visited around 3 pm on a weekday. Since it's inside Shibuya PARCO, it's not a place you would drive to. There was no crowd and no line, so I could easily get in.
Store System: There are high counter seats and low counter seats (located at the back), where you buy a meal ticket, self-serve water from the dispenser, get your food from the serving window, sit at an available seat to eat, return all the dishes to the return window, and then exit through the exit. It's a one-way system similar to Marugame and other Oniyanma stores.
Food and Taste: I had the chilled toritenbukkake for 520 yen. The service is typical Oniyanma quality and very quick. The udon seemed to be pre-cooked. It was not too firm, not too soft, with a good chewy texture. The portion was satisfying for women with tempura toppings, but men might find it a bit small, so I recommend getting the large size. There was a good amount of green onions with a nice flavor. The broth was not too spicy or too sweet, with a strong dashi flavor that was just right, and it was easy to drink. I added freshly grated ginger (available on the table) halfway through, and it paired well, making it refreshing to drink. The udon noodles were perfectly coated with the broth.
Special mention goes to the toriten. I've had toriten at other Oniyanma stores, but getting three large and delicious pieces for 520 yen in this location made me wonder if it was okay. The toriten was served hot and fresh, with a juicy and chewy texture, and the flavor of the chicken meat and the crispy batter was really delicious. The flavor was soy sauce-based, with a hint of pepper, and the taste was marinated rather than just seasoned on the batter. It was not heavy but had a strong flavor, and dipping it in the broth added a different deliciousness.
Other Comments: I was worried about the skill of serving a regular portion for 520 yen in Shibuya PARCO. The noodles seemed slightly overcooked compared to other stores (Shinbashi, Higashi-Shinagawa, Nippori). However, considering the pre-cooked noodles and the taste, I was satisfied. The toriten had a consistent deliciousness, and the broth had a good balance of flavor, possibly made with bonito. It had a good taste without being too light or too strong. Is it really okay to serve this at 520 yen? This place is not suitable for a second date or a leisurely lunch or dinner in an atmospheric place, but if you want something tasty, quick, not greasy, affordable, and delicious, this place is highly recommended. There are not many Japanese restaurants in Shibuya that offer this level of quality at a similar price point. The taste is incredibly delicious, the service is quick, and the cost performance is too good. It's not a place to eat slowly, but if you want to eat something cheap, delicious, and satisfying, I highly recommend it. Note that some reviewers have criticized the staff's service, but this type of operation system is not designed for the staff to provide attentive service, so expecting overly polite service from the staff is asking too much. If you want polite service, I recommend other udon restaurants.
