Hello, food lovers! Welcome back to Hidden Gem Seoul, your go-to guide for the absolute best eats in the city. 💎
When it comes to Japanese cuisine in Seoul, finding truly authentic, mind-blowingly chewy udon noodles can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Today, we are taking you to Hapjeong to visit Udon Caden, a renowned noodle house run by the famous Korean celebrity chef, Jung Ho-young.
Known for serving their udon in comically giant bowls and offering an unmatched bouncy texture, this place is a must-visit for any noodle enthusiast. Let’s dig into why Udon Caden constantly has a line out the door! 🕵️♂️
📍 Udon Caden (Hapjeong Branch): Basic Information
(Note: They also have another popular branch in Yeonhui-dong!)
- Location: 7-1 Yanghwa-ro 7an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (2-minute walk from Hapjeong Station, Exit 2)
- Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 AM ~ 8:00 PM (Break time 3:00 PM ~ 5:30 PM) / Sat 11:30 AM ~ 8:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Phone Number: 02-6463-6362
- Google Maps Link: Click here to view Udon Caden on Google Maps
📝 Waiting Tips: Catching the Noodle Rush
Because of Chef Jung's TV fame and the genuinely stellar quality of the food, expect a crowd.
- How to Wait: They use a waiting list right at the entrance. You simply write down your name and the number of people in your party.
- 💡 Hidden Tip: The turnover rate is relatively fast since it’s a noodle shop, but the line gets especially long during the hot summer months when everyone craves their famous cold Bukkake Udon. Arrive about 15 minutes before opening or right after the afternoon break time to secure a quick seat!
🏛️ The Vibe: Casual, Cozy, and Fast-Paced
Udon Caden offers a warm, bustling atmosphere that feels like a classic, busy Japanese noodle eatery. The wooden interior is cozy, and the open kitchen lets you catch glimpses of the chefs meticulously boiling and chilling the noodles. The most shocking part of the experience? The sheer size of the bowls! They are absolutely massive, making for a fun and highly photogenic dining experience.
🍜 Signature Menu & Prices (Subject to change)
- Ebi Ten Bukkake Udon (Cold Udon with Shrimp Tempura): 11,000 KRW
- Mentaiko (Pollack Roe) Kamatama Udon (Warm): 12,000 KRW
- Kakiage (Mixed Veggie Tempura) Udon (Warm): 11,000 KRW
- Ebi Mayo (Fried Shrimp with Mayo): 7,000 KRW
Amazing Perk: You can request up to 3 FREE noodle refills if you have a big appetite!
🍽️ The Honest Taste Review!
1. The Star of the Show: 'Bukkake Udon' (Cold Udon) If it is your first time here, you must order a cold udon. Chilling the noodles tightens the starch, resulting in a texture that is unbelievably bouncy, elastic, and chewy. The Ebi Ten Bukkake Udon comes with a perfectly fried, crispy shrimp tempura sitting in a shallow pool of savory, slightly sweet, and deeply umami soy-based broth (tsuyu). Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon over it, and you have a refreshing masterpiece.
2. Creamy & Savory: Mentaiko Kamatama Udon If you prefer your noodles warm, this is the ultimate comfort dish. It features hot udon noodles topped with a generous scoop of spicy, savory pollack roe (mentaiko) and a raw egg yolk. When you mix it all together, the egg and roe coat the warm noodles in a rich, creamy, carbonara-like sauce. It is deeply savory and incredibly addictive.
3. Crispy Perfection: The Tempura & Sides Chef Jung is not only an udon master but also a tempura expert. Whether you get the giant Kakiage (a crispy web of deep-fried vegetables and seafood) or the sweet and tangy Ebi Mayo on the side, the frying technique is flawless—light, airy, and never greasy.
4. The Free Refill Magic One of the best things about Udon Caden is their generosity. If you finish your giant bowl and still want more of those glorious, chewy noodles, you can ask for a refill (myeon-chuga) for free! They bring you a fresh batch of noodles to slide right into your leftover broth.
💎 Hidden Gem Seoul’s Final Verdict
- Taste: ★★★★★ (The gold standard for chewy udon noodles in Seoul)
- Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆ (Cozy but fast-paced; purely focused on the food)
- Waiting Difficulty: Moderate ⏳ (Worth the wait, and the line moves steadily)
One-Line Summary: "Giant bowls, insane chewiness, and free refills—Udon Caden is a noodle lover's paradise!"
Whether you are craving a refreshing bowl of cold noodles in the summer or a warm, creamy mentaiko bowl in the winter, Udon Caden delivers perfection every single time.