The casual, fast-paced 'little sister' to the Soho legend, bringing standing-counter udon culture and exclusive bowls to Broadway Market.
Ordering Strategy
This is a walk-in only, fast-casual spot. Order at the counter/screen. It is designed for solo diners or pairs; large groups will struggle with the standing counters and tiny tables.
What to order
English Breakfast Udon
The restaurant's iconic dish, tweaked here into a 'kamatama style' where the heat of the noodles 'cooks' a raw egg yolk into a sauce, accompanied by bacon and mushrooms—critics warn 'don't call it a Japanese carbonara'.
Ko Meaty!
A Broadway Market exclusive featuring slow-braised beef shin and chilli oil that 'cossets the udon' in a rich broth with a playful 'kick'.
Kaiso Classic
A 'winning arrangement' of four types of seaweed in a warming soup; reviewers suggest adding a 'Tamago' (a wobbly, slow-poached egg) for a runny yolk that 'combines brilliantly' with the 'slippery, meaty' udon.
Prawn Tempura
Features an 'absolutely massive prawn' in a 'fantastic batter' that transitions from crisp to 'soft and fluffy' as it absorbs the clean, subtly seasoned broth—possibly the best udon in London.
More in Hackney
- Café CeciliaModern British / Irish · £££90
- Marksman Public HouseBritish Gastropub · £££89
- Big NightBritish-Japanese Skewers / Izakaya · ££85
Signal Score
Signal score reflects how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
Top critic: James Hansen (90%)
Editorial Weight 52 pts
Authority + depth + recency
Agreement 8 pts
How aligned the critics are
Coverage 6 pts
How many real review signals exist
Public Signal 4 pts
Google rating + volume
Boosts 0 pts
Manual boosts + hidden gem
Review signals
2 Elite · 2 Editorial · 3 total signals
Public signal
4.1★ (398 reviews)
Good to know
The space is very small ('in-and-out'), inspired by Japanese train station noodle bars. There is a standing counter (tachi-gui) and limited seating. Not ideal for maneuvering prams.
Locations
Trust signals
- ○Not yet visited
- mediumConfidence level
More Japanese Udon in London
- Koya££78· Soho
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