Best Udon in Penang

Definitely not your ordinary curry house as this casual and homey restaurant has been stacking up solid reputations for their Japanese-styled curries. And the best part here is giving the rice a break and opting for udon noodles which are ladled with either pork, chicken or vegetarian curry. The texture of the each strand is springy and soft, just like an exemplary one should be and the thick broth is slurp worthy. Expect a hearty portion that keeps you going all day long. 

Progressively udon revolution has been occurring in Penang and this feted international chain is the latest evidence. Housed in Sunway Carnival Mall, the buoyant bright restaurant has been an instant hit among the udon fanatics with gazillion choices of udon dishes that sets your stomach rumbling. Among the best sellers on the menu is their Ontama Bukkake, where the chewy and soft noodles are steeped with a sweet and savoury dashi stock and a soft-boiled egg. The real deal here is further augmenting the flavours with assorted condiments and sauces that are free. 

Eating healthy with varieties isn’t a challenging quest anymore, and we are not talking about mundane stir-fried vegetables and rice sets. Think vegetables going big on creativity and bigger on flavours like Spinach Spaghetti, Vietnamese Rolls, Veggie Bak Kut Teh and Pumpkin Fungus Dessert, these are among the masterstrokes being served in The Leaf Healthy House. If you’re hankering for an udon fix, hands down their nourishing black pepper udon noodle is a sleeper hit too. Aside from the thick and dense texture of the wheat strands, the colourful slices of peppers and sprinkle of sesame offer a fine crunch and flavour. 

This renowned Taiwanese brand has finally touched down in Automall at Karpal Singh Drive, leaving the locals raving about their authentic and absolutely sumptuous udon noodles. The interior definitely scores on an aesthetic scale - embellished with vibrant Japan street paintings, bamboo sticks, beautiful masks draping up the ceilings, and wooden tables and chairs. During peak hours, expect staffs rushing out bearing bowls of steaming udons and ramens. Their udon noodles are made from buckwheat and can be doused in a soup of your choice – miso, kelp bonita and spicy, then comes the real deal, a range of mouthwatering tempuras luring to leap into your balmy bowl. With the simplest bowl starting at RM4.90, it’s a complete steal. 

This vegetarian restaurant stands out for delivering healthy and hearty Japanese fare that blows your mind away. If you think sushi and noodles can never amaze without meats and seafood, you’re about to swallow up your notions. Their udon noodles are not to be missed as they come in various flavours, from simple miso soup which is filled with organic enoki mushrooms, kelp seaweed, toasted black and white sesame seeds to red sea udon which is amassed with white cabbage, chillies, turmeric, lemongrass and cubes of tofus and many more, nothing is short of a delicious. Every flavour is so good, you might think of bringing over the “boat noodles” concept to the table. 

This hipster cafe continues to delightfully dominate in the competitive cafe scene on the island. Two simple credos justify the success of Pit Stop – an ambiance that invites you to linger a little longer and eclectic mix of delectable dishes that has something for everyone. Rather underrated yet utterly succulent, their slowly braised vinegar pork with udon noodles is a triumph. The dense texture of the wheat noodle complements the tender and flavoursome meat. The halved boiled egg and salad add a layer of crunch and colour to the palate. Catch up with good friends, sip down quality brews, feed your Instagram and always return for more. 

If you’re a noodle junkie, this commodious establishment is sure to pump you up with energy and excitement. Ramen noodles usually top the billings here yet you can never afford to overlook its swollen companion that swells up your stomach delightfully too, udon it is! From soothing miso soup to spiced up curry, seaweed to deep-fried vegetables – every bowl has scrumptious written on it.  And, make sure gracing up your table with fresh sushis and fried tempuras for an optimal gratification. 

Being a Malaysian, stir-fried got to be an option, regardless of the dish, and at Boston, udon noodles take part in a seductively delicious dish that has you slavering at first sight. Stir-fried with soy sauce and liberally loaded with plump prawns and crabsticks, it’s a dish that is hard to resist and gives all those soupy versions a threat. Fresh, tasty and well presented, another platter is always welcomed. 

Planted in Gurney Plaza, Sushi Tei has been magnetising patrons over with an authentic spread of Japanese delicacies in a sophisticated and spacious backdrop. What to love besides their kaleidoscopic sushis and ramen, is their udon noodles which is plump, chewy and delicious in its simplicity. Doused in a mildly flavoured broth and topped with chopped scallions and handful of wakame, you would want to finish till the last drop. If you need a strong steep of flavours, their kimchee udon is tailor-made for you – noodles tossed with kimchee sauce and mixed vegetables and topped with fresh clams. 

Tucked away tranquilly at Botanical Garden, Garden Paradis fits the bill as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city as well as a sure palate pleaser with a range of local and Western delights. You may hem and haw looking at the extensive menu, yet if you’re looking for a simple and satisfying meal, variety of udon varieties are available – from aglio olio pasta to Tsukimi udon, a soupy dish where raw egg and thump of fresh greens are added, and pan-fried version with fresh seafood - everything is certainly a pull for the punters.