100 BEST ’16: MENTAI CAVIAR UDON at TSURUTONTAN

This year the iconic Union Squarre Cafe closed due to rising rents. They have since reopened in another location. But in its original space came a Japanese udon shop called TsuruTonTan which is causing quite a ruckus. The signature dish showcases the thick chewy noodles without the need for any broth. This refreshing cold dish is not too dissimilar to a rich carbonara sauce but instead of cheese and bacon, the noodles are slathered with a spicy cod roe sauce and brightened with a refreshing shiso leaf. Price: $16