For lunch today, I went to Tamatsukuri and had the "Gokuraku Udon TKU" at a restaurant that is still operating despite the pandemic. I tried their special menu for September, the "Chilled White Mapo Udon". I ordered a medium portion. The menu described it as "Mapo tofu made with TKU's broth as a base, with a kick of yuzu pepper, served over cold udon noodles. The cold, spicy broth thickened with kudzu starch becomes addictive as you eat. It also includes delicious Hachiyō okra!" The udon had cold noodles topped with chilled white mapo tofu thickened with kudzu starch. The addition of yuzu pepper was a great idea. It was a perfect dish for the lingering summer heat. The Hachiyō okra added a nice touch. The chilled white mapo udon was incredibly delicious!

I have been to a restaurant in Higo Bridge before, but this was my first time at a restaurant in Tamatsukuri. They offer udon in smaller portions, but they also have a 300g cold curry udon. It's still hot outside, but I ordered the most popular hot curry udon. I was very satisfied with the three pieces of tempura chicken, and left feeling very full.

There is a shop located along the road just a 1-minute walk from Tamatsukuri Station. Inside the shop, there are about 13 counter seats. I went there right before closing time at 3 pm and there were 2-3 groups waiting in line, but I was able to get in quickly. It was hot, so I went to eat the summer limited cold chicken egg curry udon! The curry is mixed in with plenty of egg sauce, and it was delicious to eat it smoothly. The noodles were very thick and firm! It was a bit tough to chew because of that. Everyone has their own preferences. The amount of udon seemed large even for a regular portion of 300g, so I asked for a small portion. It was 50 yen off.

We arrived a little before 12 o'clock, wrote our names and waited a bit to be seated. It seemed like there was quite a line after us. We ordered a cold noodle dish and a hot udon dish with various toppings. The udon noodles were chewy and required a lot of chewing. The portion size was about double the normal size. Ordering a smaller portion was the right choice! The light and flavorful broth was delicious. The most popular dish was the tempura chicken. There were a lot of young people dining there.

I visited for the first time. I had high expectations because this udon shop always has long lines. I tried the cold chicken egg curry udon. The noodles were thick and firm, and the broth was average. I didn't find it particularly delicious.

I arrived at the restaurant around 11:30 am on a weekday. There were about four other customers already inside. It seemed like many people were ordering curry udon dishes. Since it was my first time, I decided to order the TKU, which is named after the restaurant. The dish had three pieces of chicken tempura, and the noodles were chewy and satisfying in a normal portion (400g). I left feeling very satisfied.

I visited during the day on a regular weekday. I arrived around 11:30 and was able to be seated right away. The restaurant was about 60% full. This is the first store of the Gokuraku Udon group, which has 5 stores in Osaka. The interior has a counter with 13 seats, with no partitions between seats and a normal distance between them. Although there was some aging, it was clean and there were many signs on the walls. I ordered the "Niku Kamatama Udon for 1260 yen" and "Toriten for 140 yen". It was served in about 15 minutes. According to the staff, you are supposed to first enjoy it with soy sauce, then add broth and eat the rest. The udon had a firm texture, almost like thick noodles. The fact that you can get 500g for the same price as 400g is a big advantage. However, even with warm noodles, it was chewy enough for me, so cold noodles might be tiring for the jaw. I also preferred the regular Kamatama in the first half over the one with added broth in the second half. I felt like something was missing throughout the meal. The black wagyu beef was seasoned with a rich sauce, and the aroma of the sauce being seared was appetizing. It was flavorful without being too fatty, but it didn't stand out much in the dish. The thigh meat Toriten was juicy and had a good size, providing a satisfying bite. Overall, it was a udon with great volume and texture. However, for some reason, it didn't quite sit right with me, and I felt like it wasn't a good match for me. Thank you for the meal.

During lunchtime, this shop always has a line in front of it. I visited in the evening and although there was a bit of a line, it wasn't too crowded, so I waited a little to get in. I noticed that quite a few Uber drivers were also coming here, so it seems like many people prefer to eat at home. I had a hard time deciding on the menu, but ended up ordering something that seemed to be a classic. The noodles were extremely chewy, filling my mouth with just one bite, making me chew continuously... it was super delicious! They offered a free extra serving, and since I wanted to eat a lot, I went for it. I saw on the menu that they also have a 1kg serving... I thought about ordering it next time since I was confident I could eat a lot, but as soon as I started eating the noodles, I gave up. The extra serving was more than enough to fill me up! When I entered wearing glasses, they kindly handed me a glasses cleaner, which was really thoughtful. They have a variety of menu options, so I will definitely go back to eat again!

I got off at Tamatsukuri Station and found the restaurant nearby. I arrived aiming for the 11 o'clock opening, so I was able to sit down right away. I ordered the TKU Chicken Tempura Set for 1,130 yen, and also tried the recommended Yatsushiro Okura Tempura for 110 yen. The restaurant offered a service where you could add extra noodles for free, up to 500g. I added 400g of noodles and it was delicious, so I think I could have gone for 500g. The udon noodles were thick and had a good texture. The broth was clear and had no impurities, making it very refreshing. The okra tempura was tasty as recommended. The tempura was incredibly delicious, very large, and fluffy. I wasn't sure if I could finish it all, but it was so tasty that I ate it all in one go. The chicken tempura inside was slightly spicy, adding a nice touch to the rice. It's amazing that not only the udon noodles were delicious, but also the rice balls. Thank you for the meal.

I went first thing in the morning and was able to enter the restaurant smoothly. There was a line forming while I was eating. This time, I had the Chicken Tempura Kamatama (¥950) with extra noodles for the same price, and also the Eight-Slice Okra (¥110) which was recommended. The interior of the restaurant had reggae music playing, and the young staff created a lively atmosphere. Soon, my meal arrived. I was a bit surprised by the large bowl, but it was filled with generous portions of chicken tempura. They explained that for the Kamatama, you should start with soy sauce and then switch to the broth. The rich chicken egg made the flavor very rich. As I started eating, I felt like changing the taste, so I switched to the broth, and this two-step process worked perfectly. The okra was crispy and delicious as well. It was a very tasty udon.

Visited the restaurant for lunch with friends on Sunday at 12 pm. Already 3 groups waiting. It was so hot, I would have given up if it wasn't for the shade. Couldn't decide between TKU and chicken ramen (small), but when the plate arrived in front of me, I thought I could have gone for the regular size. However, as I kept eating, I got really full. Personally, I think choosing the small size was the right decision. The chicken tempura was crispy and delicious. The noodles had a chewy texture, which might be the reason I got so full. Next time, I'll aim for a colder season and try some warm dishes too.

I visited a udon restaurant located just a 1-minute walk from Tamatsukuri Station in 2022. I arrived around 8 pm on a weekday and the restaurant was almost full, but I managed to find a seat at the counter right away. I ordered the TKU (medium size for free) for 1100 yen. The noodles were normal at 400g, but I got the medium size for 500g. You can choose between yolk or whole egg for the topping. The thick udon noodles came with three large pieces of chicken tempura on top. I cracked the yolk and mixed it with the noodles. The strong chewy texture of the thick udon noodles released a rich wheat aroma with just a few bites. The chicken tempura was crispy and satisfying. Many customers seemed to order the Chicken Tempura Chicken Egg Curry Udon, so I plan to try that next time.

Paradise Udon TKU@Tamatsukuri / Cold Chicken Tempura Curry Udon & Chikuwa Tempura It seems like today is the start of the Obon holiday season, but even I have the day off today so I'm resting. It's hot during the day, so I'm staying in my room with the air conditioning on like friends (lol), so I decided to go out in the evening. I decided to go to TKU in Tamatsukuri, which I haven't been to in a while. I entered without waiting in line today. I ordered the Cold Chicken Tempura Curry Udon with an additional side of Chikuwa Tempura. After a short wait, the dishes were served. The chicken tempura was served separately, perhaps because I added the Chikuwa Tempura? First, I tried the udon with chicken egg topping. It had a gentle flavor with a light and flavorful broth. It was good as it is, but I felt a slight lack of something, probably because it's meant to be paired with curry. Then, I mixed it all together and had the curry udon. The mild spicy curry combined with the delicious broth created a rich flavor. The udon noodles were firm and had a smooth texture with a good mouthfeel. However, these noodles are quite strong (lol), they pack a punch. The chicken tempura had a crispy coating and the meat was tender and juicy. The Chikuwa Tempura had a rich umami flavor that spread as you chewed, it was delicious. It came with a small bowl of rice (free refills) which I added to the curry at the end and had it as curry rice. I had a similar dish at Manzoku Udon Tanukko@Kirenagaiba the other day, but TKU's cold curry udon was also delicious. I think I've become a bit obsessed with cold curry udon this summer (lol).

I don't have the opportunity to go to Tamatsukuri often, so I decided to visit this restaurant while taking care of some errands in Osaka city. When I arrived around 11:30, there was no line. Lucky me. The curry udon is popular here. I ordered the chicken and egg on udon. The happiness of feeling the chewiness of the udon in my mouth. I wonder if it comes with a hot spring egg. I am waiting to eat three pieces of chicken tempura. The crispy batter is delicious. Maybe the parts are different? I felt like it was breast meat and thigh meat. Unfortunately, one of the chicken tempura pieces was not cooked through and remained red inside. It was disappointing because I had high expectations. Being cautious, I couldn't bring myself to say "Hey, this is undercooked" and instead, I am writing about it in this review. Of course, I didn't eat that particular chicken tempura. What do you do in such situations?

I arrived nearby and went with my friend around 2 pm. There were no people waiting outside, but it was full inside, so we waited outside in the heat for about 10 minutes before entering. While waiting outside, I looked at the menu and decided on "Cold Bamboo Chicken Tempura Curry Udon + Small Rice + Medium Portion" for ¥1,290. My friend ordered the "Bamboo Chicken Tempura TKU" medium portion for ¥1,080. We sat at the counter and waited for a while. I passed the time by looking around the restaurant. When the dishes arrived, we were recommended to try the "Hachiroku Okra Tempura" for ¥110, so we ordered it. I took a bite of the udon and then tried the bamboo shoot tempura, which was freshly fried and hot, crispy on the outside, and delicious. The chicken tempura also had a generous portion and was tasty. When the okra tempura arrived, it was so hot that I had to eat it while panting. After finishing the udon and tempura, I alternated between the remaining broth and rice until I finished everything. I was completely full and satisfied.

I visited the restaurant around 6pm on Thursday. I was able to enter without waiting. I often pass by the front of the shop, but depending on the day and time, there may be a line. I ordered the ladies set. It was my first time visiting, so I was torn between the famous curry udon, but I was in the mood for something refreshing, so maybe next time. The noodles were firm and refreshing, and delicious. However, maybe because my expectations were high, I wasn't overly impressed. Personally, the tempura was really delicious, so I definitely plan to get udon with tempura next time.

The popular restaurant in Tamatsukuri always has long lines, but on this day, it seemed like we could get in quickly, so we went for it without hesitation. What I ate: Toriten Rokutama Bukkake Udon for 1,110 yen. The udon default comes with about 400g (approximately 2 servings), and you can get a medium serving of 500g for the same price. The six large pieces of Toriten (chicken tempura) on top are very impressive. The noodles are firm and satisfying, and the fried chicken is well-seasoned and easy to eat with pre-cut slices. The attention to detail is truly impressive. Thank you for the delicious meal. Restaurant Information: Name: Gokuraku Udon TKU Address: 1-1-4 Higashi Kobashi, Higashi Asahi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Nearest Station: Tamatsukuri Business Hours: 11:00-15:00, 17:30-22:00 Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 06-6981-1333 *All information is taken from gourmet websites, so there may be changes. Please call to confirm before visiting the restaurant.

I passed by the restaurant several times before but this was my first time entering. There were about three suitcases left outside and when I peeked inside, there was a group of tourists. I wondered if it was okay to leave them unattended even though Japan is relatively peaceful. One side of the restaurant was filled with the group, and there were a few people waiting, so I managed to get a seat in a few minutes. It was hot, so I ordered the "Zaru Toriten" cold noodles in a small size. Even the small size was 300g, while the regular size was 400g, so it was quite a generous portion. It was also a bit pricey. The dish arrived in a few minutes. The cold noodles were neatly arranged with a clear broth. The chicken and bamboo shoot tempura were served on a separate plate. There were chopped green onions and grated ginger in small dishes. I first tried the broth, and the flavor of dried baby sardines spread in my mouth without any unpleasant taste. When I tried the noodles, I was surprised by the strong texture. It felt a bit stronger than the Sanuki udon I had in Kagawa. Maybe a little too strong. I couldn't really tell the difference in flavor and umami from the wheat. Both tempura were delicious, especially the bamboo shoot tempura. I added the green onions and ginger halfway through and continued eating, but the small size was enough for me. Everyone seemed to eat a lot. I envy them. Because the noodles were strong, I chewed each strand carefully and finished my meal. If I pass by again and it's not crowded, I would definitely go back.

I visited around 12:30 on a regular weekday. There was no line, so I was able to enter the restaurant right away. I ordered the tempura bowl and the cold curry udon. The food came out quite quickly. The udon had thick noodles that were on the firm side. Personally, I prefer noodles that are a bit chewier. The curry udon was served warm, not cold, and it was delicious. The cold curry had a rich and aromatic spice flavor. I think it would be better enjoyed in the winter with warm udon.

I had been curious about this place for a while, and I finally got to visit. I arrived after 8 pm and there were about 3 groups ahead of me, so I waited for about 20 minutes before getting inside! The interior of the restaurant was filled with lots of signatures and framed certificates, a sign of its status as a famous restaurant. When the staff brought water and a wet towel, they politely asked if it was okay to take a little time to make and cook the udon noodles. I was more than happy to wait if it meant getting to eat! The attentive service from the staff left a great impression on me. I ordered the Zaru Tori Tamabukkake (¥930) and a small bowl of rice (¥150). The dishes arrived sooner than I had expected. The udon noodles had an amazing chewiness to them, one of the strongest I've ever had. It really felt like "eating udon" if that makes sense! Despite the satisfying texture, I almost regretted not getting the rice as the udon alone was so filling. The tempura bamboo shoots and chicken were crispy and generously sized, adding to my overall satisfaction. The soft-boiled egg, seaweed, lemon, and green onions all added their own unique flavors, creating a harmonious dish. I look forward to trying their curry udon next time. Thank you for the delicious meal!

Ordered chilled curry with chicken egg udon (summer limited edition) and chicken tempura over noodles. I lined up before the store opened. The taste did not live up to the high expectations I had before coming. However, the chicken tempura, which was highly recommended, was delicious. I plan to come back and try the regular menu items next time for a better experience.