Cuisine

Udon (우동 전문점)

District

Gangnam (강남구) , Seoul

Address

Seoul Gangnam-gu Gangnamdaero84-gil 23 Hanrakeulraesik Jiha 1층

Kiriyama Honjin is a multi-year Blue Ribbon-awarded udon restaurant located on Gangnam-daero 84-gil in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The restaurant was founded by a former first secretary at the Japanese embassy who sought to recreate the flavors he encountered during his diplomatic career. The noodles are made in-house and cut thinner than standard udon, yet they retain a remarkably springy and elastic bite that sets them apart from thicker styles. The signature zaru udon is served with grated yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam) blended into the tsuyu dipping sauce, bringing the seasoning to a natural balance while adding a viscous texture that clings to the noodles. The king prawn tempura features substantial, full-sized shrimp coated in a thin, light batter fried to a clean crispness that complements the noodles without overwhelming them. The miso tonkatsu, dressed in a miso-doenjang sauce rather than the usual brown variety, offers a flavor profile unique to this establishment, and the sushi offerings hold their own against dedicated mid-tier sushi restaurants. The lunch special pairs sushi with zaru udon in a single set, providing variety within one sitting. Located in the basement of a building along a side alley, the restaurant is not immediately visible from the main road, but the dining hall is spacious and private rooms are available for coursed dinner gatherings. One hour of complimentary parking is provided. Prices run on the higher side across the menu, and waits occur even on weekday lunches, so allowing extra time is advisable. Seating begins to fill before 11:30 a.m., making an early arrival the safer bet.