Located in the bustling heart of New York City’s Union Square, Tsurutontan presents a unique culinary experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of Japanese cuisine. Renowned for its innovative approach to udon noodles, this restaurant combines artistry with flavor, delivering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delectable.
The Tsurutontan Union Square menu showcases a diverse selection of offerings, each crafted to highlight the delicate textures and rich flavors that define authentic udon. Whether you are a devoted fan of Japanese food or a curious newcomer, the menu promises something special for every palate.
From classic preparations to bold, contemporary creations, Tsurutontan’s menu is carefully curated to satisfy a wide range of tastes. The ambiance of the Union Square location, paired with attentive service, enhances the dining experience, making every visit memorable.
Guests can explore a variety of broths, toppings, and noodle styles, each designed with meticulous attention to detail. This commitment to quality and creativity has made Tsurutontan a standout destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Understanding the menu’s structure and standout dishes can elevate your visit, helping you navigate choices and discover new favorites. Whether you prefer a light, comforting bowl or a robust, flavor-packed meal, Tsurutontan Union Square’s offerings are sure to impress.
The following sections delve into the various menu categories, highlighting signature items and providing insights into the culinary philosophy behind each dish.
Signature Udon Bowls
The heart of Tsurutontan Union Square lies in its signature udon bowls, where traditional Japanese noodles meet inventive toppings and broths. These dishes exemplify the restaurant’s dedication to quality, with each bowl carefully balanced to deliver both texture and flavor harmony.
Perfect for those seeking a substantial and satisfying meal, the signature udon bowls showcase the versatility of udon in creative combinations.
Tsurutontan’s udon noodles are made fresh daily, ensuring a perfect chewy texture that is neither too soft nor too firm. Each bowl is served piping hot, with broths that range from light and clear to rich and hearty.
The menu offers options that include seafood, chicken, beef, and vegetarian choices, making it accessible to a variety of dietary preferences.
Popular Signature Bowls
- Bukkake Udon: A chilled udon bowl perfect for warmer days, topped with grated daikon, green onions, and a splash of soy-based sauce.
- Spicy Curry Udon: Combines thick noodles with a robust curry broth, garnished with tender vegetables and a boiled egg for depth.
- Seafood Tempura Udon: Features crispy tempura shrimp and vegetables atop a light dashi broth, blending crunch with smooth noodles.
“The signature bowls at Tsurutontan highlight the essence of udon—simple yet complex, comforting yet exciting.”
Each bowl is designed to provide a balance of savory flavors and textures, allowing the udon noodles to shine while being complemented by thoughtfully selected ingredients.
Appetizers and Small Plates
To start your meal, Tsurutontan offers a variety of appetizers and small plates that perfectly complement the main bowls. These dishes are crafted to whet the appetite, showcasing traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist.
They provide an excellent opportunity to sample a range of tastes and textures before diving into the heartier udon bowls.
Many of the appetizers feature fresh ingredients and are prepared with precision, offering a harmonious balance of flavor and presentation. Whether you’re dining solo or sharing with a group, these plates are designed to enhance the overall experience, pairing beautifully with both hot and cold beverages.
Noteworthy Starters
- Agedashi Tofu: Lightly fried tofu cubes served in a savory dashi broth, garnished with grated daikon and green onions.
- Gyoza Dumplings: Pan-fried pork and vegetable dumplings served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Edamame: Steamed young soybeans lightly salted, a simple and healthy prelude to the meal.
- Seaweed Salad: A refreshing blend of seaweed varieties tossed with sesame dressing and garnished with sesame seeds.
These appetizers are not merely starters but are thoughtfully curated to complement the udon dishes, providing contrasting flavors and textures that enhance the dining journey.
“Appetizers at Tsurutontan set the tone for a balanced meal, offering a glimpse into the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Japanese flavors.”
Seasonal Specials
Reflecting a commitment to freshness and innovation, the seasonal specials at Tsurutontan Union Square change regularly to incorporate the best ingredients available. These dishes highlight the natural flavors of seasonal produce and seafood, often featuring limited-time offerings that provide a unique twist on classic udon preparations.
Seasonal menus are a testament to Tsurutontan’s adaptability and creativity, ensuring that repeat visitors always find something new to enjoy. They also emphasize the importance of sustainability and mindful sourcing, as ingredients are selected based on peak freshness and regional availability.
Examples of Seasonal Offerings
- Spring Bamboo Shoot Udon: Featuring tender bamboo shoots and fresh greens in a light broth.
- Autumn Mushroom Medley: A hearty bowl with shiitake, maitake, and enoki mushrooms, highlighting earthy flavors.
- Winter Crab Udon: Showcasing sweet crab meat with a rich seafood broth.
| Season | Featured Ingredient | Dish Highlight |
| Spring | Bamboo Shoots | Tender and refreshing with a delicate broth |
| Summer | Chilled Udon | Light and invigorating with fresh toppings |
| Autumn | Mushrooms | Earthy and robust, perfect for cooler weather |
| Winter | Crab | Rich and warming, ideal for cold days |
These seasonal specials encourage diners to explore new flavors and combinations, making each visit to Tsurutontan a fresh and exciting experience.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Tsurutontan Union Square takes pride in offering a thoughtful range of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that dietary preferences and restrictions are well accommodated. These selections maintain the restaurant’s high standards for flavor and quality, proving that plant-based dishes can be just as satisfying and complex as their meat-based counterparts.
The vegan and vegetarian menu items often feature fresh vegetables, tofu, and carefully prepared broths that avoid animal products. This commitment to inclusivity allows more diners to enjoy the signature udon experience without compromise.
Popular Plant-Based Choices
- Vegetable Tempura Udon: Crispy tempura vegetables served with a light soy-based broth.
- Spicy Miso Udon: A rich, flavorful miso broth paired with fresh vegetables and tofu cubes.
- Cold Sesame Udon: Chilled noodles tossed in a creamy sesame sauce, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
“The vegetarian and vegan dishes at Tsurutontan demonstrate that plant-based cuisine can be vibrant, bold, and deeply satisfying.”
By focusing on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, these options provide a fulfilling alternative that aligns with the restaurant’s overall culinary philosophy.
Side Dishes and Rice Bowls
To complement the udon offerings, Tsurutontan Union Square features a selection of side dishes and rice bowls that add variety and substance to the meal. These items deliver additional layers of flavor and texture, often inspired by classic Japanese comfort foods.
Each side dish is crafted with care, serving as a perfect accompaniment to the main udon bowls. Rice bowls, in particular, offer hearty options for those wanting a more substantial or alternative meal choice, featuring fresh ingredients and bold seasonings.
Recommended Sides and Bowls
- Chicken Karaage: Juicy, marinated fried chicken served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Spicy Tuna Donburi: Fresh tuna mixed with spicy mayo over a bed of steamed rice.
- Pickled Vegetables: A refreshing assortment of seasonal pickles to cleanse the palate.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Chicken Karaage | Chicken, soy sauce, garlic, ginger | Savory, crispy, mildly sweet |
| Spicy Tuna Donburi | Tuna, spicy mayo, rice, scallions | Spicy, creamy, fresh |
| Pickled Vegetables | Various seasonal vegetables | Tangy, refreshing, crisp |
These options provide an excellent way to customize your meal or share a variety of tastes with dining companions, enriching the overall dining experience.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To round out the meal, Tsurutontan Union Square offers a selection of desserts and sweet treats that balance traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary flair. These desserts are designed to provide a satisfying yet light finish to an already fulfilling meal.
The dessert menu often includes classics such as mochi and matcha-flavored sweets, as well as creative interpretations that surprise and delight. Each dish is carefully prepared to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making every bite memorable.
Popular Dessert Choices
- Matcha Tiramisu: A fusion dessert combining Italian tiramisu with rich Japanese green tea flavors.
- Black Sesame Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream with a deep, nutty flavor unique to black sesame seeds.
- Mochi Trio: A selection of three mochi balls filled with red bean, matcha, and mango.
“Desserts at Tsurutontan are crafted to offer a gentle, satisfying conclusion to a complex and flavorful meal.”
These sweet options not only complement the savory dishes but also invite diners to experience a final burst of cultural authenticity and culinary creativity.
Beverages and Sake Selection
Tsurutontan Union Square complements its food offerings with a carefully curated beverage and sake selection. This includes a range of traditional Japanese drinks as well as contemporary cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
The beverage menu is designed to pair seamlessly with the various dishes, enhancing flavor profiles and refreshing the palate.
The sake list features both warm and chilled options, showcasing different brewing styles and regional specialties. Additionally, the cocktail menu often incorporates Japanese ingredients such as yuzu, shiso, and matcha, creating unique and balanced drinks that elevate the dining experience.
Featured Beverages
- Junmai Sake: A classic, full-bodied sake with rich umami notes, perfect for pairing with savory udon bowls.
- Yuzu Margarita: A refreshing twist on the classic margarita using Japanese citrus for a zesty finish.
- Green Tea Soda: A non-alcoholic option combining sparkling water with subtle green tea flavors.
| Drink | Flavor Notes | Best Paired With |
| Junmai Sake | Umami, smooth, slightly nutty | Seafood tempura udon, gyoza |
| Yuzu Margarita | Citrusy, tart, refreshing | Spicy curry udon, chicken karaage |
| Green Tea Soda | Light, vegetal, effervescent | Vegetable tempura udon, edamame |
“The thoughtfully selected beverage menu at Tsurutontan complements the food perfectly, enhancing every bite and sip.”
This attention to detail in drink pairings underscores the restaurant’s holistic approach to dining, where every element contributes to a cohesive and memorable meal.
Conclusion
The Tsurutontan Union Square menu reflects a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, offering diners an immersive journey into the world of udon and Japanese cuisine. Each section of the menu—from signature bowls to seasonal specials, and from appetizers to desserts—is crafted with a deep respect for ingredients and culinary techniques.
This attention to detail ensures that every dish not only satisfies hunger but also delights the senses and tells a story.
Whether you are seeking a comforting meal on a chilly day or a refreshing, light option in the summer, Tsurutontan’s diverse offerings cater to every mood and preference. Its inclusive vegetarian and vegan selections further demonstrate a commitment to accommodating all guests without sacrificing flavor or creativity.
The thoughtfully curated side dishes, desserts, and beverage pairings round out the experience, making Tsurutontan Union Square a destination for those who appreciate the art of Japanese dining.
Dining at Tsurutontan is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and community. The menu invites exploration and promises a memorable culinary adventure in one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
For anyone looking to experience udon at its finest, Tsurutontan Union Square stands as an exemplary choice that consistently delivers excellence.
