If you’re in Nara and looking for an authentic Japanese meal that won’t break the bank, Kamaiki should be on your list. This cozy little spot is famous for its udon, and after tasting it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite amongst both locals and tourists alike.
Why Kamaiki?
Kamaiki won the second best in a national udon contest in 2014 and ever since then it has been popular among udon enthusiasts. The noodles are freshly made each morning then cooked to order. These are thick, firm noodles with bite; they go great with crispy tempura too.
This place just screams small, simple, cozy Japan restaurant. Besides this humble size though, it’s somewhere you can enjoy a peaceful meal before you head out for sight seeing.
You can get to Kamaiki by walking just 3-5 minutes from the Kintetsu Nara Station.
Location: 13-2 Higashimuki Minamimachi, Nara 630-8216 Nara Prefecture
What to Order
The menu at Kamaiki offers many options but their soup bowls of udon and tsukemen (dipping noodles) really steal the show. In summer I’d recommend going for the cold udon since it’s so refreshing in hot weather. And in winter who could resist a steaming bowl of udon topped with crispy tempura shrimp or chicken?
Tsukemen Kamaiki Dipping Udon: Starting at just 990 yen, this dish is a must try. You could decide to have it served hot or cold depending on how you feel like eating it today. The sauce comes together with the noodles and makes each bite satisfying.
Soup Udon: Whether you choose the shrimp, fish cake, or chicken tempura, you’re in for a good time. The broth is rich and yummy, and the tempura maintains that crisp factor longer than usual even as it soaks in the broth.
Additional Tips
- How to Slurp: Slurping your udon isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged! It cools the noodles so you’re not burning the inside of your mouth. So go ahead, slurp away, and enjoy the full experience.
- Bring Cash: Like many small restaurants in Japan, Kamaiki primarily accepts cash, so make sure you’ve got enough yen on you.
- Check the Menu Online: If you’re unsure what to get, take a peek at their menu online. It has pictures, so you can get a nice preview of what you get before you go in person. As an aside, this is one of the things I love about restaurants in Japan. Showcasing food is very visual. To the point that some restaurants will even have sampuru, or plastic/wax food displays that look eerily delicious.
The Final Verdict
With prices ranging from 800 to 1500 yen (at the time of writing), Kamaiki is not just keeps your wallet full but your stomach as well. So rejoice noodle enthusiasts, this place delivers on all fronts.
The next time you’re wandering around Nara, skip the fancy spots and head straight to Kamaiki for a bowl of udon you’ll remember.