A taste of Tokyo
Excellent Japanese udon in New York City.
When I close my eyes at night, I dream of many things: the strawberry passionfruit pastry from Hani’s Bakery, the Cervo’s lamb burger with anchovies. A bowl of tagliatelle with Parmigiano, prosciutto, and peas from Via Carota. The New World Mall in Flushing, and the Ocean View Cafe (with no ocean view) in Brighton Beach.
Years ago, my friend Adam and I took an unbelievable trip to Japan. A bowl of ramen changed my life! Really!
So mostly, I dream of Tokyo.
While I’m perpetually waiting for my next trip, let’s not forget there’s fantastic Japanese food right here in New York City. In this NIGHTCAPS itinerary, we’ll hit excellent udon and a vibrant matcha latte.
It’s a taste of Tokyo.
This itinerary is perfect for: 1-2 people
Location: East Village, NoHo
Dress code: (Matcha) Green Goddess, Shrimp Tempura-mazing
Time to udon
Perfect udon is a balancing act - the noodles need that signature bite, both in the soup and on their own. The broth should have incredible depth with a touch of lightness.
And Raku, a tiny gem in the East Village, is absolutely nailing it.
The atmosphere is warm and minimalist, all soft light and blond wood - it feels unmistakably Japanese. Raku is low-key special - even for a solo meal (very Tokyo).
Raku’s menu focuses on udon in two classic forms: cold with a dipping broth, or hot in a warm soup. Both are precise and deeply satisfying.
Here’s what you need:
Start with the Otsumami — small Japanese snacks typically served with alcohol — like the Hijiki (braised seaweed with carrots and bean curd) or the Ankimo (monkfish liver with scallion and ponzu). As tradition suggests, pair with a glass of Hojun Yuzu Sake or a crisp Japanese beer like the Wakayama Sansho Ale.
Agedashi Tofu (deep-fried tofu with scallion and bonito flakes) is classic for a reason - savory and deeply comforting. The Gyoza, stuffed with pork and cabbage, are juicy and packed with flavor. Order both, of course.
Depending on what chaos New York weather throws at you, go hot or cold:
On a “7th-circle-of-hell” kind of summer day, the Zaru Cold Udon (chilled noodles, shiso leaf tempura, dipping sauce) is bright and refreshing. Pair it with the Shrimp or Vegetable Tempura - crisp, golden, and impossibly light.
On a “so-cold-even-the-subway-can’t-save-you” kind of day, go hot. The Nameko Hot Udon (with nameko mushrooms and wakame seaweed) is earthy and soothing. Want something with more kick? The Tantan Udon (spicy miso pork, peanuts, egg) will light you up.
Don’t sleep on the udon upgrades: grated daikon, chili oil, mochi - oh my!
Matcha magic
Today’s nightcap is shockingly green – in the best way.
The first thing you’ll notice at 12 Matcha Cafe is the long line outside. I’m sorry! The second thing? The matcha – vibrant and bright, exactly as it should be.
12 Matcha Cafe stands out by sourcing its matcha directly from a 180-year-old family farm in Japan, ensuring top-tier quality. The water is charcoal-filtered to enhance the matcha’s natural flavors, and every cup is prepared with exacting precision, from whisking to serving. It’s a refined process that delivers an authentic, bold taste.
The menu is delightfully minimal at 12 Matcha Cafe, and the Iced Matcha Latte (with real milk from a real cow!) is my go-to. The matcha here is rich, with a nutty depth and an umami kick that you don’t often find in New York.
These spots bring me a little closer to my Tokyo dream.
In this itinerary:
Raku: 342 East 6th Street
12 Matcha Cafe: 54 Bond Street
Reservations needed: Raku (Resy)
Notes: Raku also has locations in Soho (for a post-shopping refuel) and Midtown (if you must).
12 Matcha Cafe is open Wednesday through Saturday, 9am to 4pm - plan accordingly.
Niconeco Zakkaya (263 East 10th Street) is a Japanese stationery store that's beyond cute and fits perfectly into this itinerary. You should visit.
This newsletter is dedicated to Adam, whose friendship turned our trip to Japan into something unforgettable. I love you, the puppy Name, and that spicy ramen forever.
Iced matcha latte - happy juice from heaven.
Ah, your Tokyo memories and that transformative ramen adventure with your friend Adam have me completely envious (in the best way, of course!). Japan has been calling my name for ages – it's right up there on my dream destination list. The thought of experiencing authentic udon and matcha like you did is seriously exciting.
So, while I'm over here picturing myself wandering the streets of Tokyo, thank you so much for highlighting these gems in the East Village. Raku sounds like the perfect spot to get a taste of that incredible udon, and 12 Matcha Cafe's dedication to quality matcha has definitely caught my attention. It's wonderful to know there are places in NYC that can offer a little slice of that Tokyo magic while I continue to plot my eventual trip. Thanks for the delicious recommendations!