Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2014

Located in Tokyo’s affluent Shirokanedai area, Udon-ya Mouche specializes in chewy sanuki udon shipped directly from Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku. The udon comes in four styles: bukake (cold), kake (hot), taste of the month, and a mild pork curry made with soy milk, vegetables, and ground apple and potato (all ¥900). Both the bukake and kake come with hot and juicy tempura chicken marinated in the shop’s signature dashi (fish stock). With a warm atmosphere and all-female staff, the shop is particularly popular among women in the area. Arrive early for cheesecake dessert at lunchtime—it tends to sell out!

4-9-8 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Shirokanedai.