Raku NYC Review: Is This the Best Udon in New York?

Raku NYC Review: Is This the Best Udon in New York?

Udon was never really my thing. I always thought of it as just another type of noodle soup, kind of bland, too soft, and easily forgettable. But then I stumbled upon Raku in Soho, and my perception of udon completely changed. What started out as a casual visit on a chilly New York afternoon has now turned into a ritual. I’m writing this after my fifth visit to Raku Soho, and every time, it only gets better.

Why Raku NYC Is Always Busy

It’s not just hype. Raku has built a quiet cult following in New York for a reason. At first glance, it might seem like just another cozy Japanese spot tucked into the city’s endless dining scene. But the moment you take that first bite of their udon, you realize this place is different.

What makes Raku special?

• Handmade udon noodles that are chewy and full of texture.
• Clean, deeply flavored broths made from scratch.
• A minimalist Japanese aesthetic that reflects in both the food and the atmosphere.
• And most importantly, incredible consistency across dishes and visits.

No matter which Raku you go to. Soho, East Village, or the new Brooklyn location expect a wait. And people still line up happily, because they know the food is worth it.

Differences Between Raku Locations

So far, I’ve only been to Raku Soho, but I’ve talked to friends who’ve tried the other locations. Here’s what they say:

• Soho: The original and most serene. Great for solo meals or quiet dates.
• East Village: A bit more lively and faster-paced. Still cozy, but tighter quarters.
• Brooklyn (Williamsburg): Spacious and still slightly under the radar, for now.

Menus are nearly identical, and the quality remains strong across locations. Some prefer Soho for the peaceful vibe, others like the East Village’s energy. Either way, you’re getting excellent udon.

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Raku NYC Menu

These are the basic menu for Raku NYC.

What We Ordered at Raku

During this visit, we tried a comforting mix of both hot and cold dishes:

• Cold beer – Sapporo light
• Chicken Tatsuta-age – Japanese-style marinated and deep-fried chicken
• Kitsune Udon – Light broth with sweet tofu skin
• Ankake Udon – Thicker soup with egg
• Zaru Udon – Cold udon with dipping sauce
• Ebiten Udon – Hot udon with shrimp tempura

Chicken Tatsuta-age: Japanese-style marinated and deep-fried chicken

If you think crispy coated deep fried chicken like KFC, this is not the same. Compare to other franchised chicken restaurant’s fried chicken, this is more closer to soft and tendor, but flavorful. It comes with spicy mayo sauce.

Zaru Udon: Cold Elegance with a Crunch

This cold udon dish is served on a bamboo tray with a concentrated dipping sauce. Mix in blue wasabi and a raw quail egg yolk for a tangy, rich flavor. It comes with shrimp and vegetable fries.

The noodles are firm, chewy, and refreshing, while the shrimp tempura is crisp and delicate, offering the perfect contrast. It’s a summer must-have, though I’d eat it year-round.

There’s even a recipe for Zaru Udon on our site, but Raku’s version is hard to beat.

Ebiten Udon: A Bowl of Comfort

This dish features hot udon noodles in a clear, savory broth, topped with shrimp tempura and extra wakame seaweed. The balance of textures, chewy noodles, slightly softened tempura, and soft seaweed are absolutely spot-on. I personally like to add seaweed as a topping for udon. I recommend to add seaweed as a topping!

It’s comforting without being heavy. The kind of bowl that makes you forget the cold outside.

Kitsune Udon: Simplicity at Its Best

Don’t underestimate the simplest bowl on the menu. Kitsune Udon comes with a light, delicate broth and a large piece of sweet fried tofu skin that soaks up all the flavor.

The broth has real depth from dashi and kombu. The tofu is spongy, sweet, and juicy. Sometimes the most basic dish ends up being the most memorable.

Ankake Udon: Silky and Soul-Warming

This one was a surprise favorite. Ankake Udon features a thicker, egg-enriched broth that clings to the noodles like velvet. It’s rich but not overwhelming.

If Kitsune Udon is clean and light, Ankake is deep and cozy. It’s the kind of dish you want to eat on a rainy day.

Frozen fruits as a dessert (Free!)

When we finished with our meal, they gave us a frozen fruits for rereshing dessert! We really loved it.

Raku’s Handmade Udon Noodles

What truly sets Raku apart from every other udon spot are the handmade noodles. These aren’t store-bought or frozen. They’re dense, bouncy, chewy and they hold their shape all the way to the last bite.

If ramen is bold and punchy, Raku’s udon is calm and controlled. You can taste the craftsmanship in every bite.

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Is It Worth the Price and Wait?

Most bowls range from $18 to $23, and appetizers hover around $10-15. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

You’re getting:

• Handmade noodles
• Small-batch broth
• Premium ingredients
• A peaceful, beautiful dining experience

Even if you have to wait outside for a bit, you’ll understand why people do it once your food arrives.

Tips for Visiting Raku NYC

Want to make the most of your visit? Here are a few tips:

• Visit on a rainy weekday to avoid crowds.
• Go solo or with just one other person - smaller parties are seated faster.
• Order extra egg or wakame to boost flavor.
• Must try cold udon in Summer, even in winter. It’s that good.
• Check Yelp or Google waitlist - some locations support online queues.

How Raku Changed My Mind About Udon

Before Raku, I wasn’t a fan of udon. I always preferred ramen or soba. Udon just seemed boring.

But at Raku, everything is intentional. Every garnish, every ingredient, every noodle. It’s thoughtful, not flashy and that’s what makes it special.

After my first visit, I found myself thinking about the food days later. That says a lot. Now, five visits in, it’s become something I crave regularly.

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Final Thoughts on Raku NYC

If you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant in NYC that takes udon seriously, Raku is one of the best in the city.

Whether you’re trying udon for the first time or you’re a long-time fan, Raku will either change your mind or remind you why you love it.

It’s warm, nourishing, and beautifully done.

And yes, I’m already planning my sixth visit.