Udon Know What You’re Missing Till You’ve Tried Team Udon’s Fusion Flavours

By Lara Kramer  •  16 Oct 2024 in Features

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Last week, the JUICE team embarked on an udon adventure!

Some of us are seasoned udon eaters, well-versed in slurping up those savoury noodles and eager to critique the meals at Team Udon. Others, like myself, were fairly new to the udon game and didn’t really know what to expect.

But we all had one thing in common—our shared excitement for a meal at Team Udon.

It seemed like a fun idea, especially since we’re all foodies, and the TTDI outlet is conveniently close to our office. But the lingering question was: What would make this lunch special? We’ve had team lunches before, so how would this one stand out? After all, udon is udon, right?

WRONG.

Team Udon happens to be Malaysia’s very first fusion udon restaurant. That’s right—classic udon flavours with a unique local twist. For a team that often finds itself torn between local or international fare during lunch hour, this was basically a dream come true.

Now, we’re a small team, so naturally, we couldn’t try everything on the menu in one go. But in this article, we’ll walk you through our top picks and give you our honest verdicts:

1. Chilli Crab Udon with Shrimp

Dan: “The noodles had a really good balance of flavour, particularly the Chilli Crab Udon. Normally you’d expect this dish to be overpowering, but Team Udon made it just right.”

This dish ended up being the top pick of not one, not two, but three of our team members (including the fussiest one), so best believe it’s worth the hype!

2. Buttermilk Udon

Dan: “The Buttermilk Udon was another standout for me. I was worried the richness would be too much, but it was perfectly balanced.”

Lara: “I loved the Buttermilk Udon! I’m not usually a fan of udon in general, but this dish had a rich, creamy, pasta-like vibe that really worked for me that meshed especially well with the karaage chicken pieces. Maybe don’t tell the Italians, though!”

3. Niku Udon

Lara: “If you’re into classic udon flavours, the Niku Udon, with its succulent beef, will be your comfort-food pick. Hearty and satisfying with a warm, flavourful broth.”

Yup, simply put, this one’s the go-to if you’re seeking a light and balanced meal with that renowned umami goodness.

4. Udon Lemak

Ben: “The Udon Lemak was surprisingly well-balanced. Not as creamy as the other dishes, but the onsen egg mixed perfectly with the sambal. Maybe they should experiment by adding petai! (They currently use edamame).”

Lara: “It sounds strange, but the Udon Lemak is 100% worth trying. The combination of flavours is really unique, and the presentation is absolutely Instagrammable.”

5. Matcha Udon

The Matcha Udon is a bit divisive. We didn’t love it, but if you’re a true matcha fan, you’ll likely appreciate how authentic it tastes. But even if it’s not your thing, it’s definitely not a dish you’ll find anywhere else.

6. Golden Mantao with Chilli Crab Sauce

We all agreed that the mantao buns, paired with the Chilli Crab Sauce, were a delightful surprise. Soft and pillowy, they complemented the rich, flavourful sauce perfectly. We saved them for last, and they were a great way to wrap up our meal.

7. Rempah Karaage Chicken

The rempah karaage chicken was an unexpected favourite. It had a nostalgic, homey flavour, a bit like something you’d eat during Raya—but with an extra crispy twist. The perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken paired beautifully with the udon noodles, adding an amazing contrast in texture.

8. Mochi (Pandan and Red Bean)

Though we probably should’ve saved dessert for last, curiosity got the better of us. The mochi was adorable and delicious. The pink mochi, with its distinct red bean filling, was blissfully sweet, while the green (pandan) had a kaya-like taste and scent that was both familiar and comforting.

All in all, Team Udon is the perfect spot for adventurous foodies to challenge their palates and try something new. There’s truly something for everyone here, and it all pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of ice-cold green tea.

Team Udon also strives to use halal-sourced ingredients, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. And trust us, there’s plenty more to explore on the menu—check out their Instagram page for more!