Thursday 6 June 2013

Koya



It’s not hard to spot Koya, despite its neutral-toned exterior- a long queue frequently winds down from its door and spills onto the street, and I can certainly see why...


Their specialty is udon- white, wonderfully chewy noodles made from Japan-imported wheat flour, served in a beautifully fragrant, light broth. The five- hour process which goes into kneading and forming these noodles is responsible for this sublime texture, and I can confidently say that Koya’s dishes would give noodle bars in Japan a run for their money. A firm favourite of mine would be the buta miso – a piping hot bowl of pork and miso udon.



If you don’t fancy that during the hotter days, there is always a range from the hiya-hiya cold udon menu- with an intense savoury cold sauce accompanying the noodles served meticulously on delicate bamboo mats- or alternatively the quintessential Japanese donburi: a rice bowl with your preferred toppings. Seasonal specials listed on a blackboard are always worth exploring, often featuring more exotic combinations than the regular menu, and in typical Japanese fashion, the staff are courteous and more than willing to assist you in your culinary adventures when you visit here.

The only fly in the ointment is the price- quite expensive for a bowl of udon, averaging about £10.  Nevertheless, few restaurants manage to capture the traditional simplicity of udon quite like Koya does (yes, Wagamama, I'm looking at you disdainfully) - so grab a friend, brave the queue and be rewarded with truly authentic Japanese comfort food in a bright, airy setting.

4/5

49 Frith Street, London W1D 4SG ~Opening times and more info at www.koya.co.uk

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