Umai Artisanal Udon Bar - Singapore's First Specialty Udon Experience

When the team behind popular chirashi spot Omote decides to venture into udon territory, you know something special is brewing. Umai Artisanal Udon Bar has been creating serious buzz since opening at Guoco Midtown, and it's not hard to see why - this is Singapore's first dedicated artisanal udon bar concept.

Ambience

Located just six minutes from Bugis MRT at Guoco Midtown, Umai occupies a spacious, light-filled unit that screams modern Japanese aesthetics with a retro twist. The vibe is lively and casual, perfect for the young office crowd that frequents the area. Fair warning though - this place draws serious queues, with weekend waits stretching up to an hour.

The Udon Game-Changer

What sets Umai apart is their dedication to four distinct udon types from different Japanese prefectures. We're talking Hippari (the thinnest), Sanuki (most familiar to local palates), Hoto (ban mian thickness), and the TikTok-famous flat Himokawa noodles. With 25 udon dishes on the menu, choice paralysis is real.

Must-Try Dishes

Miso Carbonara ($19++)

The crowd favorite that frequently sells out during dinner service. Sanuki udon gets the Italian treatment with a blend of parmesan and pecorino cheese, crowned with a thick slab of 72-hour slow-cooked black pork. It's fusion done right - bold flavors that somehow make perfect sense together.

Spicy Prawn Hibachi ($18-19++)

This bowl is a sweet umami bomb. Thin Hippari udon swimming in robust crustacean soup that's almost gravy-thick, reminiscent of local hae mee but supercharged. Generous chunks of kurobuta pork and sakura ebi make every spoonful satisfying.

Himokawa Udon with Niku Shabu & Tempura Set ($23++)

The Instagram star of the menu. These ultra-wide flat noodles (served cold or hot) have the perfect bite, paired with quality beef shabu and double-fried tempura that stays crispy. The cold version is particularly impressive - like elevated kueh chap with Japanese finesse.

Chilli Pan Mee ($15++)

A clever fusion using Hoto udon in caramelized clam sauce with hae bee hiam-style aioli. The umami balance is spot-on, with quality black pork adding richness without overwhelming the dish.

Behind the Bowl

While Umai markets itself as "artisanal," the reality leans more toward creative fusion than traditional Japanese techniques. The concept brilliantly marries Japanese udon traditions with local, Korean, Thai, and Italian influences - a strategy that works surprisingly well for adventurous diners.

Quick Details

Average Price: $15-$25 per person

Location: 128 Beach Road, #01-05, Guoco Midtown

Operating Hours: Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Phone: 8748 3750

Pro Tip: Make reservations or arrive early - popular dishes sell out and queues are notorious!