Tabelog ratingLocated right inside Kyoto Station, Tsukumo Udon Shiokouji honten (つくもうどん 塩小路本店) is a go-to spot for a fast, cheap, and satisfying meal. It specializes in thick, chewy Sanuki-style udon noodles made in-house, served in a clean, umami-rich dashi broth made from iriko (dried anchovies). Orders are ready in minutes, and diners can help themselves to free toppings like tenkasu (tempura scraps) and cooked anchovy bits at the pickup counter.
Guests consistently praise the firm, al dente texture of the noodles and the fragrant, clear broth. The chicken tempura (tori-ten) and curry udon are frequently recommended as standout dishes. Many reviewers, both Japanese and international, call it the perfect meal to have before catching a train, highlighting its exceptional quality for the low price.
The main drawbacks are practical. The shop is small and often crowded, with limited counter and standing-only seating. The ordering process requires buying a ticket from a kiosk and then queueing to collect your food; saving a seat before you have your tray is not allowed. While service is fast, a few diners have found it brusque during busy periods.
Prices are very low, offering fantastic value. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥400 for a basic kake udon, ¥520 for kitsune udon, and between ¥580 and ¥680 for udon with chicken tempura. Set meals, such as udon with a mini tempura rice bowl, were about ¥850.
- Booking: Walk-in only. Reservations are not accepted.
- Getting There: The restaurant is located inside JR Kyoto Station, on the B2 floor directly connected to the underground east exit.
- Ordering: You must first purchase a ticket from a vending machine, then present it at the counter and wait in a short line to collect your food.
- Seating: Seating for 35 is available at counters and a few tables, with some standing-only spots. It can feel cramped during peak hours.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), transportation IC cards (like Suica), and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
- Service: An English menu is available.
- Families: Children and strollers are welcome.
- Dress Code: There is no dress code.
