Yamamoto Menzou is famous, not just in Kyoto, but all over Japan. So, this summer, it was at the very top of my must-visit list during my Kyoto adventure. But here’s a little secret – I was feeling a tad lazy to make a reservation (oops! 😅), so I decided to chance it and walk in. I had read about their efficient take-out system, which reassured me.
How to make reservation for Yamamoto Menzou?
As of now (October 2023), You can secure your spot through a phone call or an Instagram DM. On Instagram, booking is only available for 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. Oh, and remember, they close early, at 4 p.m. on weekdays (Thursdays are their day off) and at 5 p.m. on weekends.
So, there I was, relying on Google Maps to lead me to this udon haven. And right outside, I couldn’t miss the unmistakable takeout stand. It’s where I was greeted by a friendly staff member.
Just in case you’re wondering, I decided to ask if I could dine in. But, as expected, they told me that 2:30 p.m. was the only available slot. Unfortunately, I had a plane to catch later that afternoon, so I had to let the idea go.
But, hey, remember the “just in case” part? Well, if the weather got too hot or if I suddenly felt like dining indoors, I had a plan B – Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita. This restaurant is right next door and is also famed for its fantastic udon and glowing reviews.
However, I was in for a surprise when I saw a long line outside Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita, which forced me to stick to my original plan – takeout from Yamamoto Menzou. Funny thing, I initially thought that queue was for Yamamoto Menzou, but after chatting with some fellow diners, I realized it was for Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita!
Yamamoto Menzou, renowned for its fame and usual reservation requirements, was surprisingly queue-free when it came to their takeout orders. So, I’d confidently recommend considering takeout as an excellent option for this place!
Alright, let’s talk food! I ordered two of Yamamoto Menzou’s signature items – fried burdock udon (cold) and fried chicken breast, and they were served up in a jiffy. The takeout prices are a tad friendlier on the wallet than dining in, and they even kindly mentioned that I could bring the waste back for proper disposal.
Now, for the exciting part – where to devour this scrumptious feast? While many choose to picnic at the nearby park, my schedule was a bit tight, so I chose a spot diagonally across the intersection, right by the roadside. Surprisingly, I wasn’t alone; there were others enjoying their meals too. No awkwardness, no shame – just good food shared in a unique setting.
Now, let’s dive into the dishes!
Chicken Breast Fries (680 Yen)
First, the fried chicken breast (left on the above photo) – it was a winner! The seasoning and flavor were spot on, making it downright delicious. But the real surprise was its tenderness and slight juiciness. I’m not typically a fan of chicken breast due to its dryness, but this one was an exception. I could eat it every day!
Fried Burdock Udon (880 Yen)
This udon was something else! Imagine four thick burdock fries nestled in your bowl. They were delicious. If you’re familiar with gimbap, you might have had burdock before – a sweet and slender root. However, these burdock fries at Yamamoto Menzou were VERY thick, not sweet, and retained their natural bitterness, which I absolutely loved. The combination of these hearty fries with the thick udon was divine.
Now, after I added the udon soup to the noodles, it was the perfect blend of saltiness to complement the udon. One bite of udon, one bite of burdock fries, and I was in flavor heaven.
The highlight? The udon noodles themselves! I’ve never had anything quite like it. They were incredibly chewy, even more than a rice cake or mochi. The best way to describe them would be like thick and substantial tapioca noodles, but even chewier. The chewiness seemed never-ending, no matter how many times I chomped down on them.
Every single noodle was delightfully thick. Even a single strand filled my mouth and gave it a full-bodied chew. It was a unique, amazing, and delicious experience that left me utterly impressed.
In fact, I was so full and my mom didn’t even finish half of her udon. So, two people sharing one udon and a serving of fried chicken breast should be more than sufficient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to savor a unique, thick, and chewy style of udon, look no further than Yamamoto Menzou. It’s one of Kyoto’s most celebrated restaurants, and I was genuinely proud to experience it firsthand. That’s the story of my visit to Yamamoto Menzou, a must-visit when you’re in Kyoto. Until next time, happy eating! 🍜🐔🍽️