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| - This place is a hidden gem, and has the best udon in the city!
Nestled as a standalone restaurant in the middle of a foodcourt across from OCAD, this place is complete no frills but has amazing service, food and prices. I'm a regular frequenter of this place since being introduced, and no other udon I've had before or after can even compare.
Although many people call the foodcourt where it is located as depressing, I'd have to say it's one of the most ecclectic and multicultural foodcourts I've ever seen, with great looking food and amazing aromas as you walk through. Sure, it's dark as it's dated -and look at where it's located - in the core of the OCAD district, catering to students and low rental housing. But Manpuku is where it's at! The service staff are all super friendly - you are greeted by all the moment you walk into the resto and are told to sit wherever you like. The menu isn't huge, but every item we have had to date has been super flavourful and really hits the spot. I have never left Manpuku hungry (and trust me, I can eat!).
One of our favourite dishes is the Niku Udon - tender thinly sliced beef in a bowl of savoury beef broth and udon noodles. Top this with Nanami Togarashi, which they bring on the side, and it is nothing shy of delicious. It is a perfect winter warm-up and I consider it to be a perfect comfort dish whenever feeling tired or under the weather.
I am a huge fan of broth and always ask for extra, which they always bring without charging extra, whether for dine-in or takeout. The prices are super reasonable, and I honestly love all of the wait staff (one of the regular servers remembers us - we've been there maybe 10 times in total - and as soon as she sees us, knows exactly what we'd like without ordering. Surprising, considering how many people come in on a daily basis). We're always greeted by all when leaving as well, so I am completely impressed with this resto everytime from start to finish.
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