Honkaku Teuchi Udon Mori: Firm, Hand-Cut Udon

Honkaku Teuchi Udon Mori (本格手打ちうどん もり) has earned a stellar reputation among udon lovers for one thing above all: texture. Unlike the softer noodles common elsewhere, Mori’s are entirely hand-kneaded and hand-cut to achieve a powerful 'tsuyome' style — a firm, elastic, and wonderfully chewy bite. This is a full-service restaurant where you order at your table, not a typical self-service udon joint, allowing for a more relaxed meal.

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional mouthfeel of the noodles, recommending cold 'bukkake' preparations to best appreciate their texture. The tempura is another major draw, served hot and generously portioned. The anago-ippomage bukkake, featuring a whole deep-fried conger eel, and the tori-ten bukkake with large pieces of chicken tempura are perennial favorites. Guests with a counter seat can also enjoy a pleasant view of the river. While the core menu is strong, regulars also look forward to monthly rotating specials, which can sell out quickly.

The main criticisms are operational. The shop is known for irregular hours, sometimes opening late or closing for unscheduled days, and it frequently sells out of noodles well before its official 2:00 PM closing time. Queues are common, especially at peak hours. A few diners have noted that the noodles can be slightly softer toward the end of the day or that certain tempura pieces are occasionally smaller than expected.

While prices are a little higher than at a self-service shop, value is considered excellent. Reviewers in 2024–2026 typically spent under ¥1,000 for a meal. A basic bowl of kake udon costs around ¥400, while the popular tori-ten udon is about ¥700. The signature anago-bukkake is priced between ¥1,080 and ¥1,200, reflecting its premium ingredients.

• Booking: Reservations are not accepted; it is walk-in only. Expect to queue during lunch hours. Arriving early is recommended.
• Getting There: The restaurant is 3.7 km from Takase Station and is best accessed by car. Parking is available in a small lot next to the shop and a larger one across the road.
• Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• Seating: There are 45 seats, including counter seats, tables, and a small tatami area.
• Children: Children are welcome. A high chair and children's tableware are available.
• Language: The menu is in Japanese. Non-Japanese-speaking visitors report that ordering by pointing at the menu works well.
• Hours: Be aware that the shop may open late, close on short notice, or close early once noodles are sold out. It's wise to check their social media for the latest updates before visiting.