When you hear the words “curry” and “udon,” you typically expect a standard bowl of thick noodles in a spicy, brown broth. However, at Shodai in Ebisu, this classic comfort food is transformed into a visual and culinary mystery.
At first glance, the dish looks like a dessert topped with a mountain of whipped cream. There is no visual clue that this could be curry or udon. Served in a sleek black bowl, the contrast with the pure white topping is striking.
The Secret of the “White” Topping
What makes this topping look so creamy? It is actually a smooth potato mousse that tastes like a rich, velvety potage. If you try the white cream on its own, you won’t taste any curry at all!
The curry is hidden beneath this perfectly whipped layer. To experience the dish as intended, the chef recommends mixing the topping well with the curry. This blends the spicy, dashi-rich broth with the mild potato soup, creating a unique “curry potage” flavor. Inside, you’ll find bits of extremely soft beef and handmade udon with a perfect, chewy bite.
A Gourmet Experience
Each table is equipped with a set of six unique salts—including varieties from Pakistan, France, and various Japanese regions like Okinawa and Niigata—allowing you to experiment with flavors.
The “dashi-maki tamago” (rolled omelet) is a must-try. You can even grate fresh wasabi yourself to enjoy with it.
While famous for this “Instagrammable” curry udon, Shodai is at its heart a traditional soba and udon house where you can watch chefs roll fresh noodles from certain counter seats.
Shusai Soba Shodai (Ebisu)
Due to its ongoing popularity, the restaurant often has a queue. It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes before opening to secure a seat.
Address: 1-1-10 Ebisu Minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (5-min walk from Ebisu Station on Yamanote Line)
Opening Hours: 11:30 – 21:30
A Foodie’s Bucket List Item
Shodai’s White Curry Udon is a masterpiece of modern Japanese “fusion” that manages to be both a visual surprise and a genuinely delicious meal. Whether you’re there for the photos or the handmade dashi, it remains one of the most rewarding food stops in Ebisu for 2026.
