01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
The scent of spices greets you as you slide open the door, whetting the appetite. Tucked into a backstreet in Minami-Ikebukuro, Suzuriya draws many diners for its signature Spicy Curry Udon. Unlike the thick, gravy-like curry udon often found elsewhere, this lighter broth layers the savoury flavours of minced meat, tomato and onion with dashi. The hot bowl brings a gentle flush, while a chilled version is also available, served with firm noodles.
Clear broths, shaped by different soy sauces
The curry may grab the attention, but the restaurant’s real strength lies in its dependable dashi and udon. Suzuriya selects soy sauces from western and eastern Japan to suit each dish, offering a range of flavours from a light broth made with pale soy sauce to a deeply savoury dipping broth. The Meat Udon, topped with sweet-and-savoury simmered meat, is hearty; the Kitsune Udon comes with fried tofu that soaks up the well-seasoned broth. These are simple, deeply satisfying bowls.
From Chinese-inspired noodles to drinks and small plates
The menu also ranges beyond traditional udon. Chinese-inspired options include Beef Noodles with tender, simmered beef shank and greens, and Sichuan Mala Udon, sharpened with chilli and Sichuan pepper. The calm, wood-toned dining room has a good selection of small plates and drinks, making it an inviting place to linger over a few dishes in the evening. It suits a quick noodle lunch as well as a bowl to round off a night out.
