From hot, soul-warming udon to refreshing hiyashi (cold) ramen, Japanese noodles are a comfort-food staple. At Ichibantei in NYC’s East Village, our noodle menu includes Niku Udon (Angus beef, $22), Kitsune Udon (sweet fried tofu, $22) and Hiyashi Cold Ramen ($20) — with $15 lunch versions on weekdays.
Udon: thick, chewy Japanese noodles
Udon are thick wheat noodles served in a savory dashi broth. They’re soft, springy and deeply comforting. Our Niku Udon ($22) tops the bowl with Angus prime beef in dashi (choose raw or grilled beef, with yuzu, lime/wasabi and scallion). Kitsune Udon ($22) features sweet simmered fried tofu and mochi kinchaku, and there’s also a Kitsune Curry Udon ($24) and Beef Curry Udon ($24) for curry lovers.
Hiyashi cold ramen: a chilled summer favorite
Hiyashi means “chilled.” Our Hiyashi Cold Ramen ($20) serves spring egg noodles cold with cucumber, tomato, bean sprouts, wakame and a soft ontama egg in a sesame-soy sauce — light and refreshing. For something heartier, the Shabu Cold Ramen ($24) adds Kurobuta pork belly. (Note: we specialize in cold hiyashi-style ramen rather than hot tonkotsu ramen.)
Our noodle menu at a glance
- Niku Udon ($22) – Angus beef in dashi broth (extra beef +$5)
- Kitsune Udon ($22) – sweet fried tofu and mochi kinchaku
- Kitsune Curry Udon ($24) – fried tofu in curry dashi broth
- Beef Curry Udon ($24) – braised beef with curry and dashi
- Hiyashi Cold Ramen ($20) – chilled egg noodles, vegetables and ontama egg
- Shabu Cold Ramen ($24) – hiyashi noodles with Kurobuta pork belly
Prefer rice over noodles? See our guide to Japanese rice bowls (donburi).
Where to eat it in NYC (East Village)
You can find these dishes at Ichibantei, an authentic Japanese comfort-food restaurant and izakaya at 100 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, in the East Village — a short walk from Union Square. Lunch is served daily from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. See the full Ichibantei menu, or call 917-965-2327 to ask about a table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is niku udon?
Niku udon is thick udon noodles in a savory dashi broth topped with simmered beef. At Ichibantei it is made with Angus prime beef ($22); you can choose raw or grilled beef and add toppings like yuzu, wasabi and scallion.
What is hiyashi cold ramen?
Hiyashi ramen is a chilled noodle dish: cold egg noodles served with toppings such as cucumber, tomato, bean sprouts, wakame and a soft egg in a sesame-soy sauce. It is a popular refreshing dish, especially in warmer months.
Is udon vegetarian?
Classic udon broth is made with dashi (fish stock), so it is not vegetarian by default. Kitsune udon (fried tofu) can be a good base to ask about – please let our staff know your dietary needs.
Do you serve ramen near Union Square?
Ichibantei serves hiyashi (chilled) ramen and Shabu cold ramen at 100 3rd Ave in the East Village, a short walk from Union Square. We focus on cold hiyashi-style ramen rather than hot tonkotsu ramen.
Ready to slurp some Japanese noodles? Browse the complete menu, or follow us on Instagram for daily specials.
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