Pork udon in spicy miso soup ($11.90) & Beef udon in bonito broth ($11.90)!
Two udon bowls compared: pork udon in a spicy miso broth with corn and broccoli, and beef udon in a clean bonito dashi. $11.90 each.
A Japanese udon dinner with BB, ordering one of each broth so we could compare: pork udon in spicy miso soup ($11.90) and beef udon in bonito broth ($11.90). 🍜😋
What we had ($23.80 total):
- Pork udon in spicy miso: udon in a red, spicy miso soup with pork, corn, broccoli, beancurd-skin tempura and spring onion
- Beef udon in bonito broth: udon with sliced beef and tenkasu (tempura crumbs) in a clear dashi
Getting both was the right call, because they sit at opposite ends. The spicy miso bowl was the bold, warming one: a rich, slightly spicy red broth with real depth, the sweet corn and broccoli adding pops of flavour and the crisp beancurd-skin tempura soaking up the soup. It is the heartier, more-going-on bowl.
The beef udon in bonito broth was the clean, classic one. The clear dashi (made from kelp and bonito flakes) is gentle and savoury, letting the thick, chewy udon noodles take centre stage, with tender beef and a scatter of crunchy tenkasu on top. Quietly delicious.
Both bowls had that lovely springy “koshi” udon, and switching between the fiery miso and the clean bonito kept the meal from ever feeling one-note.
Overall: 4.6 / 5. 😋👍🏼 Bold spicy miso pork and a clean bonito beef udon, a great contrast of two broths. Would re-visit.
