[Review + Promo Alert] Japanese Inaniwa Udon Arrives at Le Shrimp Ramen and LeNu

Le Shrimp Ramen and LeNu recently introduced Inaniwa Udon, one of Japan’s most prized noodle varieties, in their latest limited-time menu. Available from January 27 to April 30, 2025, this exclusive selection seeks to bring together the best of Japanese noodle craftsmanship and Chinese culinary tradition.

We were invited for a dinner tasting and sampled three of the noodles, along with an assortment of side dishes. This limited-time offer is worth a try for something different from the usual Taiwanese-style braised beef noodle. I am a big fan of the latter and found the creations to be refreshingly different, but yet delivering the same, satisfying experience of a bowl of warm noodles.

What Makes Inaniwa Udon Special?

Unlike the thick, chewy udon commonly found in Japanese cuisine, Inaniwa Udon is thinner, silkier, and hand-stretched, making it a delicacy in its own right. First crafted in 1655 in Akita Prefecture, Japan, these noodles were once reserved exclusively for aristocrats and samurai families due to their intricate four-day handmade process. Each strand is carefully kneaded, stretched, and air-dried before being massaged by hand, resulting in an exceptionally smooth texture that absorbs broths beautifully.

Le Shrimp Ramen and LeNu are bringing this rich history to Singapore, offering four specially curated dishes that showcase the versatility of these premium noodles.

Le Shrimp Ramen:

Dry Shrimp Broth Curry Japanese Inaniwa Udon with Big Prawn ($16.80)

For those who love bold, umami-packed flavours, you would love this. The velvety Inaniwa Udon is tossed in a fragrant dry shrimp broth curry, creating an indulgent fusion of spice and seafood sweetness. Topped with succulent big prawns and handmade ebiko prawn paste, this bowl delivers a satisfying balance of richness and depth. This is also the only option that offers the noodle in a flat shape, think an elevated version of the Singaporean hawker favourite meepok noodle.

Ebiko Prawn Paste and Dumpling with Japanese Inaniwa Udon in Clear Broth ($16.80)

This lighter option highlights the delicate silkiness of Inaniwa Udon in a double-boiled chicken broth. Accompanied by handmade ebiko prawn paste, plump prawn dumplings, radish, and fried garlic, it is the perfect, nourishing comfort food at the end of a long day at work.

LeNu:

Marbled Beef with Japanese Inaniwa Udon in Clear Broth ($15.80)

This dish pairs marbled beef with Inaniwa Udon, served in a double-boiled chicken broth with radish, crispy fried garlic and fresh spring onions.

Wagyu Beef with Japanese Inaniwa Udon in Clear Broth ($19.80)

For an elevated indulgence, this bowl features succulent braised Wagyu beef cubes. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture perfectly complements the silkiness of Inaniwa Udon. The slow-cooked broth, infused with beef essence and enriched with radish and fried garlic, creates a luxurious umami-packed experience. This is our favourite among the three we sampled and we would recommend going for this.

Add-On Sides

If you like more side dishes to go with your bowl of noodles, just top up $3.70 for a small plate of appertiser or up to $14.90 for an added serving of braised wagyu beef:

Limited-Time Exclusive for DBS/POSB and PGR Members

Diners can enjoy these seasonal specials at a special price from $14.80 per bowl when paying with DBS/POSB credit or debit cards or as a Paradise Gourmet Rewards (PGR) member. The promotion is valid for dine-in only and until 30 April 2025, while stocks last.