Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2010

For a taste of “new-style” udon, head to Anpuku in Ikebukuro (1-37-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; http://r.gnavi.co.jp/e819100). This newly opened, attractively designed restaurant serves up the classic Japanese noodle with a variety of novel ingredients, ranging from the minimalist (tomato and cheese, ¥750) to the extreme (truffles and cheese, ¥1,380). Also on the menu are the likes of Sichuan-style mapo eggplant (¥1,080), shrimp and ika pesto (¥980) and the specialty of the house, udon carbnonara (¥1,180). Traditionalists, fear not: Anpuku also serves regular udon dishes, complete with a Kansai-style broth made from dried sardines and bonito.