Udon Yasan

Forget the overpriced CBD lunch traps. Udon Yasan is the undisputed king of the ten-dollar meal. A bustling, no-frills shokudo right on Bourke Street. Budget-savvy noodle hunters pack this tiny space daily for one specific reason—impeccably springy, tsuru-tsuru udon swimming in deeply savory broth. It’s a high-speed, grab-a-tray operation. Order the classic beef udon with a soft-boiled egg. Pile on the complimentary tenkasu (crunchy tempura flakes), fresh scallions, and sesame seeds from the DIY garnish station. Snag a few golden tempura sides or sweet inari for mere pocket change. Insider tip: pay cash to dodge the card surcharge. It’s loud, heavily crowded, and unapologetically eat-and-go. But for a steaming, hearty bowl of authentic Japanese comfort at prices that feel like an absolute steal, this high-turnover joint is essential eating.