If you’re a student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) or just hungry in downtown Toronto, Sanuki Udon is one of those spots that’s affordable, delicious, and comforting.
Specializing in Sanuki-style udon made fresh daily, this cozy spot located on Carlton Street serves some of the chewiest hand-pulled udon noodles, perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner near campus.
📍 20 Carlton Street, Unit 3, Toronto, ON, M5B 2H5
Like many of us these days, I first found out about Sanuki Udon through TikTok (I couldn’t stop seeing their pork belly udon pop up), and it definitely lived up to the hype.
If you’re going for a warm, comforting meal, I recommend trying one of their udon soup combos. Four around $25, you get a hearty bowl of soup, plus your choice of a side, and a drink included too.
But if you’re not into soup, they also offer a wide variety of options including cold noodles, rice dishes, and even tonkatsu.
So here’s everything I tried at Sanuki Udon.
Oh, and pro tip: bring a good friend so you can share, and try twice as many dishes!
From top left to right, then bottom left to right: mushroom tempura, Signature Sanuki-style angus beef udon, Signature Sanuki-style pork belly udon, and shrimp veggie tempura pancake.
Entrées
I ordered the Signature Sanuki-style pork belly udon, and also got to sneak a taste of my friend’s Signature Sanuki-style angus beef udon.
Both bowls were absolutely delicious, made with thick, chewy hand-pulled Sanuki noodles. They also come loaded with savoury dashi broth, fishcake, seaweed, crispy tempura bits, and my favourite topping of all: the soft, silky onsen egg with the most perfect gooey yolk!
Sides
There are SO many sides to choose from, and honestly, they all looked amazing.
I really wanted to try the oyster tempura (I’d never heard of anything like that before, and I heard it’s a must!), but they were sadly sold out the night I went.
That said, I got to taste the shrimp veggie tempura pancake and mushroom tempura, and WOW. Some of the best tempura I’ve ever had. Super crispy, not too greasy, and the portions were HUGE.
Drinks
Sanuki Udon‘s drink menu is simple, but has something for every mood.
You’ve got your usual sodas like Coke, Sprite, and iced tea. Plus, they have green tea if you’re feeling more traditional, and even sake if you want a little buzz.
But the second I saw Calpico on the menu, I knew I had to get it. Light, refreshing, and the perfect way to balance all the savoury flavors from the meal.
I’ll definitely be back for another bowl (or two!).
So the next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by Sanuki Udon! Your taste buds will thank you!
The Lilac Blog 