Tsukumo Udon - Shiokoji Main Shop

A true hidden spot under Kyoto Station if you're able to find it under the behemoth building! It took me over 15 minutes to find this udon shop, especially after everyone I asked kept telling me saying it's "underground" and that didn't really help me much since everything was underground from the top floor. You really have to differentiate which part of Kyoto Station from JR Kyoto Isetan Department Store as well. This restaurant is indeed part of JR Kyoto Station so please be on the lookout when you're about to enter/exit the subway station or Kyoto, not the Shinkansen platform.

Just like any typical Japanese restaurant, there's an ordering machine right by the entrance of the restaurant; sorry there's no English menu but everything is self-explanatory if you go by the pictures. It's relatively cheap as with most food in Japan and once you get your ticket, hand it to the chef at the end of the kitchen, right where you pick up your food (you'll see a sign telling you to go forward with your ticket). Once you're at the end, they'll prepare all the food you ordered and you'll have to find a seat to sit at or a table to stand at. Try not to reserve a table before getting your food and be respectful for the locals who try to eat fast as they can and get to work right away.

As for the food, I ordered the curry udon bowl with egg slurry because it was something I've never tried or seen before. Once I got it, I topped it off with extra tempura flakes and it was the most hearty breakfast I've had while in Kyoto over summer. There's also dried anchovies for you to add to your bowl of udon but they're larger than your typical anchovies, so they might freak you out. All in way, the food is quite delicious and hearty for the soul. I would definitely recommend for those visiting in the winter months. Just hope you're able to find it through all the chaos, especially if it's during rush hour.

Their food for just 600yen is absolutely divine - the udon with the fried chicken is so tasty! My go-to place here while living in Kyoto and when I just want something fuss-free.

There is limited seating space, and you’ve got to order from the machine itself which (if I recall correctly has no english option) might be a little challenging for customers who can’t read Japanese.

Where this is situated at can also be confusing in this huge Kyoto station - but very convenient if you come from the subway.

I heard their curry udon is really good too, will try it when I can!

Ordered their curry egg udon with chicken. Noodle was chewy and the broth has a generous amount of egg “swimming” in the aromatic curry. Chicken was juicy and fried chicken has always been a good side dish with soup dishes. They have free flow of tempura flakes and dried sardines as toppings, it goes well with the curry egg broth.

It was my comfort meal before I left Kyoto. Also, if you’re Malaysian, this dish is similar to Maggie Curry with Egg. If you know, you know.