If you haven’t noticed amongst all the changes to Ala Moana, there’s a new udon shop in the old Panya spot. Like many udon shops in Japan, you have your choice of udon, and then a sides bar where you can pick and choose from an assortment of fried foods and toppings.

Iyo Udon opened in June and is known as Iyo-seimen in Japan, where the company has 30 udon restaurants. The company recently expanded to open a shop in Korea, and the Honolulu store is its first in the United States.

The udon at Iyo Udon is Sanuki Udon, a famous style of udon throughout Japan that originated in the Kagawa Prefecture, which borders the Sister Prefecture of Honolulu, Ehime on the island of Shikoku. The thick style noodle is served hot or cold. And the restaurant is casual, self-service.

Iyo Line

The food here was great; the Fried Chicken, and Mixed Vegetables were exactly like what you’d get from any udon shop in Japan.  The Kamage Udon is something I’d highly recommend, it was just all around delicious.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s the price that will blow you away.  Starting at $3.75 for a small, and $4.75 for a large, you can’t beat the price of meal here.  It’s cheap, but great eats.

Iyo Kakeage

Be sure to try Iyo Udon the next time you’re at Ala Moana, just make sure you get there early, because this place gets packed.

Iyo Udon
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Located on the 2nd Floor behind Victoria’s Secret
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Open 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
955-5888
www.iyo-udon.com.