Midtown NYC

Embrace the “Goop” of Onya’s Bukkake Udon

I’m excited to welcome our newest contributor Profiled Midtown Lunch’er Amy, from the blog AmyBlogsChow (where she posts videos showing you how to make smores in the microwave.) She works in Midtown East, and will be covering that area for us. -Zach

Onya menu

On Zach’s first visit to Onya last fall (on 47th btw. Lex+3rd), he pointed out that the fresh noodles and mix-and-match menu at this udon joint made it a worthy alternative to nearby Udon West (on 46th btw. Lex+3rd). Five months after their opening, Onya is still one of my favorite Midtown East lunch spots, and last month, they added some nine lunch options to the original five! Even though I tend to stick with what I know (the #5 Kamatama) I figured it was time to tear myself away from the same old, same old. With thirteen similar-sounding udon varieties to choose from (there are a few rice combos, but most of the menu consists of udon prepared in different broths served either hot or cold) I basically closed my eyes and pointed at an entrée.

My finger landed on Number 14, the Mentaiko-Tororo Bukkake Udon – cold udon noodles that’s “a little bit sweet” the lady behind the counter said. Whatever, I like sweet- and while cold noodles is not exactly the best choice for a week like this I felt the need to follow the finger.

The bukkake fell on the pricier side, but I was able to stay within price range by ordering the small bowl ($7.95) with two pieces of tempura. When my order was ready, I had to ask about the odd-looking toppings – white foam covered half of the noodles while pink cod roe added needed color. Turns out, the white foam was grated Japanese yam – “Tororo” in Japanese.

bukkake

Stirring the yam foam into the udon and fish eggs only served to spread the goop. The flavor was mildly fishy, so I added plenty of pepper to give it some kick and to minimize fishiness. The slime-like texture of the grated vegetable confused the hell out of me. I have to admit, I’m gonna avoid foods with the word “tororo” from now on, but I’m glad I tried it. That said, you might think differently. I’ll probably stick to the rice bowls and “classic” noodles like Onya’s Sanuki (Number 1, medium size bowl for $4.95) and Kamatama udon ($5.95 for medium) with tempura for the rest of the winter. And this week is perfect for a warm bowl of noodles… plus they’ve extended their “Special Thanks Week” promo (order beef or chicken udon and get more meat for free), so what are you waiting for?

Related:
My First Taste of Onya Japanese Noodles
Onya Noodles Wants to Thank You With Extra Meat

Posted by Zach Brooks at 11:45 am, February 12th, 2010 under Japanese, Onya.
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