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Manpuku Japanese Eatery
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
105 McCaul StToronto, ON M5T 2X4
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 979-6763
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 8 pm
Thu-Fri 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 12 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Manpuku Japanese Eatery
Review Highlights
"I always pick either salad or soup, and the takosen."
(in 11 reviews)
"The highlight, though, was truly the black sesame ice cream."
(in 4 reviews)
"I had the niku udon combo with salad and takosen."
(in 7 reviews)
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Nao C.
North York, ON
1/3/2012
I've been coming here so long the owner has practically seen me grow up from a sheltered junior high school student who would make special trips downtown just to eat here to a university student who now lives quite close by. Not to sound too arrogant, but ever since my friend and I found out about this place, we've tried our best to spread it like a fabulous, delicious disease. I've introduced many a friend to this restaurant, who've in turn introduced their friends, etc. to the point where I'll often run into people I know when eating here.
Why is it so good? It's good because it doesn't try too hard. Manpuku doesn't sell itself on being a "trendy" restaurant capitalising on its Japaneseness. (Asian restaurants that play up their own Asianness as 'exotic' just ring warning bells!) Instead they try to be good at what they do, which is make delicious and cheap casual Japanese food not easily found at other Japanese restaurants in Toronto.
I'm too shy to make conversation with the employees but you do see many other regulars who will sit at the bar counter and chat with them.
Don't be surprised then, to come at a time when the place is very busy. The service is usually very good, with the owner and the more experienced waitresses usually being very reliable. Expect longer wait times and reminding them when it's really busy though. Only once recently did we get an obviously-new waitress (I'd never seen her before either), but it wasn't an inconvenience.
Almost all the food is good, I promise. This isn't fine dining, but it's great comfort food. They do a hearty udon soup that I haven't had anywhere else in Toronto. There are also other dishes that are fairly original or are just not common here, like hotate rice and shirauo rice. They also have natto, if that's your thing. I haven't had better takoyaki in Toronto for their price, either.
I could keep raving about it but I think the reviews and what I've written so far have said enough, so go try it yourself! -
Review from Joeie K.
Mississauga, ON
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know if I came on an OFF day or I just have different expectations of Japanese snack food, but... can I say - WOW. What a non 5-star experience I had!
Good things first - I came on a Saturday for lunch, and it wasn't crazy packed which is great. They have more space than you'd expect, the interior was cute and quaint and the service was friendly and helpful.
But... that's like talking about buying a shirt, and loving the colour, the workmanship and having the shirt not fit.
So - The Food. Gosh.
There were three of us and we ordered two curry pork udons, one of the regular beef udons (it's the one that's listed right above the curry pork udons on the regular menu).
... To be continued! -
Review from Emily H.
11/26/2011
This is feel good food right hurr. I can come here when I miss Japan and be comforted by udon, onigiri and nattou. And I can eat without worrying grease and sodium. That's comforting too.
This is a very tucked away joint but your life will feel more fulfilled when you find it. Atmosphere is nothing to write home about, but food wins no questions asked. So authentic, so affordable and so delicious. Try their Tsukimi udon (best!) and try their Hotate don (scallop don) - it's almost like an okonomi yaki on rice.
Atmosphere - 3/5
Service - 4/5
Food - 5/5
Price 5/5Listed in: 30 Day November Challenge!
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Review from howard d.
York, ON
1/27/2012
Niku udon + noodle refill
I don't need to say anything else -
Review from Craftlover K.
Markham, ON
11/25/2011
I attended a part time study in OCAD , and it's really good to have a quick dinner at this place.
I love the place as it's has a little essence of Japanese style. :)
and then, the servers are all very friendly, polite and nice.
I ordered a bowl of beef of rice, very tasty, with lots of juice there. :)
I could finish the whole bowl of it, very yummy!!
If I ever go to downtown again, will definitely visit one more time. -
Review from Jess W.
Toronto, ON
11/19/2011 6 photos
Nothing like a warm bowl of noodles on a cold, wet day! Located in the Grange food court is Manpuku, a small sit-down restaurant serving up cheap and delicious bowls of udon.
I ordered the Curry Udon - basic plain udon topped with a Japanese blend of beef curry sauce ($5.99). I was expecting the broth to be a lot thicker from the curry but it was still a pretty light soup base with a mild curry flavour. Very enjoyable! The slices of beef were tender and the green onion garnish was the perfect addition to the dish.
There's an option to make any of the udons or donburi's a combo for $2 which comes with a choice of two sides including chips, salad, soup or Takosen. I went with the soup (miso) and Takosen. The Takosen was basically a takoyaki sandwiched between two Japanese rice crackers. I didn't like the rice crackers very much, which I found to be a bit stale (but I'm not sure if they're supposed to be this way). As for the takoyaki themselves were delicious! And hot, so you might want to let them cool a bit before popping them in your mouth.
My boyfriend ordered the Niku Udon - basic plain udon topped with pork and onions in a special blend of sauce ($5.99). The pork was nice and I really enjoyed the broth, which wasn't too salty. If you find yourself still hungry after a bowl of noodles, you can get a noodle refill for $1.10.
Since I was starving while ordering, we also ordered the Yakionigiri - traditional rice ball stuffed with tuna and grilled in soy sauce ($3.49). I've never had this before but it was surprisingly delicious. I loved the crispiness of the exterior from being grilled. There wasn't actually much tuna on the inside (which I believe was canned tuna), but I didn't mind. This would make for a nice little snack.
Overall, I really enjoyed Manpuku. The food was cheap, quick and delicious and the service was friendly. A great spot for those craving a warm bowl of noodle soup. -
Review from stefanie d.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2011
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. -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
10/8/2011
I want to love Manpuku. Japanese operated and affordable I am always hoping to get a taste of Tokyo fast food here, but it usually disappoints cause the food is just meh.
Not to be avoided but you can do better. -
Review from Christian P.
Toronto, ON
11/2/2011
original, excellent, Japanese udon restaurant, with great curry udon and rice! Wish they also do ramen... lots of different tasty appetizers (good takoyaki, though still not like in Osaka, and with very tiny octopus pieces...). A short advice, add systematically for a udon double dose or refill, because basic portion of udon remains relatively small (add 1.10 CAD). friendly waiters. and sooo cheap!!
they should be open later than 8PM on Monday-Tuesday and Wednesday also!!! (and open on Sunday...?) -
Review from Blair M.
12/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am a huge fan of Manpuku!!!! a great find for a quick, delicious, cheap meal especially on a cold winter day. I have tried most things on the menu at this point and I really haven't been disappointed with anything they serve plus the price really can't be beat.
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Review from Chu Z.
Hamilton, ON
9/2/2011
This is my go-to place when I'm cold and hungry with only a fiver and two loonies in my pocket.
Although it's in a depressingly lit and cramped food court, they managed to carve out a space that feels warm and cheery. Service is brisk and no-frills, but friendly.
I usually choose from any of the udon selection because of their satisfying prices and tastiness (I'm especially partial to the kitsune), but if I'm feeling like I need something more hearty, I go for the salami rice curry. I always top if off with pudding for dessert if it's available. Simple but supremely comforting.
I also recommend the jumbo inari, onigiri, imo-mochi, and ochazuke. -
Review from Theresa W.
Vancouver, BC
9/25/2011
I love that this place is tucked away in a little food court. I love the restaurant itself, it's comfy and homey and makes me feel like I'm going to get some decent food. I'm not crazy about the service - our server seemed really disinterested in taking our order or refilling our water. The food was okay, definitely worth it's price but nothing out of the ordinary. I was itching to try the natto but it only came with noodles and not on its own as a side, so I didn't want to use my one opportunity to dine here on a dish I wasn't sure I'd like.
The udon noodles are good, they've got a nice texture to them. The soup base is delicious as well but the meat is just okay. The curry udon is just the same thing with a spoon from a curry stock added in, and one carrot and one potato.
The place was certainly popular with the crowds coming in from OCAD though. Even at 530pm this place was full-up. If I'm ever back, I'll try out the natto, I promise! But for it's price, it's a no-brainer choice if you're looking for something to warm you up on a cold day. -
Review from Sandra T.
Toronto, ON
7/22/2011
I really wanted to like this place...
So, the restaurant is located in a bit of a rundown bit of a depressing food court. It is a restaurant so don't despair if you walk into the mall and find all the food kiosks to be closed.
I ordered the salad udon. I was expecting some sort of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger type dressing ... what I got was a bowl of noodles topped with some waxy tasting lettuce - DROWNING in hyper sour, very from the bottle tasting ITALIAN dressing.
My husband ordered some sort of rice and meat dish. What he got was a sad looking bowl of rice topped with an even sadder lump of ground beef cooked in sweet brown sauce ... basically something I could have made at home but better.
We were also a little disappointed in the portion size of our meals too. Even though we managed to finish both our dishes, we left hungry.
Not sure if it was an off day for the restaurant but we'll most likely not come back to see...
p.s. There are no highchairs -
Review from Athena Y.
Toronto, ON
10/6/2011
An absolute jewel located in the dark, depressing, but surprisingly eclectic Village by the Grange.
I had the niku udon combo with salad and takosen. The salad was small but fresh and nothing particularly special, and I didn't like the takosen at all. I really wanted to, but the takoyaki was mushy and had very little tako in it - in short, absolutely no redeeming qualities.
The udon, however, was a completely different story. While I was a little disappointed that the noodles were the frozen kind, they were chewy and cooked to perfection. The portion of beef was huge. You know how ramen usually comes with a couple slices of meat? Well this came with spoonfuls upon spoonfuls of savoury, delicious beef. Soo good. The real crown jewel, however, was the broth. It was extremely savoury, not over-seasoned and -salted, allowing the natural richness of the broth to come through. It was so good that I drank the whole. Damn. Bowl.
In short, I am definitely going back again, although I think I'll skip the combo option next time. I mean, where else can you eat your fill of authentic Japanese goodness for under $10??!! -
Review from Denise S.
6/11/2011
When I get nostalgic about my travels to Japan, I like to come to this small, casual, and very authentic spot. From the cute logo (a daruma doll -- you are supposed to colour in one eye and make a wish, and colour in the other eye when it comes true) to the thoughtful service, it's really like being in Japan.
The menu is simple. I always get the udon noodles, although at some point I will try the yam noodles. $4.50 for a big bowl of kitsune udon? That's cheaper than most take-out/fast-food places, and so much more satisfying! The noodle dishes are pretty standard (light, not overpowering broth, fish cakes, green onion + whatever topping you want), but if it ain't broke... A standout for me was the yaki onigiri ($3.50). One order includes 2 triangle shaped onigiri stuffed with tuna. I've eaten lots of onigiri before, but this was the first time I've had it grilled and it's delicious! All nice and crispy outside with sesame seeds and soft and warm inside.
Servers make sure your tea/water cup never goes empty. Just like in Japan, when they bring your entree, they also bring your bill. This is nice, so you can stay as long as you want, but when you're ready to pay you don't need to flag down your server. (If you order dessert, they'll just take the old bill away and make a new one). Other than the takoyaki, food is brought out pretty fast, which makes this a good place for a quick lunch as well.Listed in: Oishii!, Hospital Row Lunch Spots
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Review from Amy L.
10/17/2011 3 photos
Although for me, sushi and sashimi reign supreme when it comes to Japanese food, I wouldn't mind opting for a hot bowl of u-don or rice on a cool autumn day. What I like about Manpuku is that they offer humongous portions at affordable prices without sacrificing the quality in both their food and service. Manpuku is located inside the food court of Village By The Grange, near OCAD University and Art Gallery of Ontario.
Manpuku can be easily identified for their wrap-around glass windows and interesting logo - an angry looking doll :D When you first step inside Manpuku, you'll feel like you've genuinely entered a restaurant in Japan. Quite distinctive for their authenticity, I find that they're able to create an atmosphere where customers can associate themselves with the casual, inexpensive eateries found in the fast-paced cities of Japan. Aside from a U-shaped counter in front where customers can interact with the staff and peek into the kitchen, there is a fair bit of space to the left for a more comfortable dining area. I grabbed a seat at the counter where I could read the menu by simply lifting my head up, as well as having my eyes glued at the takoyaki, as they slowly cook in the grill at the back.
Manpuku offers a tasty selection of comfort dishes like Curry Don (curry with rice), Ochazuke (rice in a tea broth), U-don (soup noodle), takoyaki (grilled octopus balls), and custard pudding. Additionally, they have a wide variety of Japanese alcohol available, with familiar names such as Saporro, Kirin, and Asahi. I started off with a Shigure Don - rice with thin short plate beef and onion in a special sauce ($6.49). The thin slices of beef were delicious with the addition of their special sauce. The sauce was tasty yet not overpowering; allowing the beef to shine as it should. They also managed to grasp just the right amount of sauce needed; leaving the rice moist and not drained in the sauce itself. Although this Shigure Don was already very flavourful, I couldn't help but to add a few dashes of the famous Japanese spice. It's so colourful and taste wise, heavenly. This was such a satisfying dish that kept my stomach so jolly XD
After a 25 minute wait from the time I ordered, my delish Takoyaki ($4.99) arrived. It's one of my favourite izakaya foods. The basic Takoyaki is made with a pancake-like batter with a piece of baby octopus inserted in the centre, along with other ingredients for flavour, grilled on a special hot plate. Wow, describing Manpuku's as being cooked perfectly is an understatement. The outside a little crispy, soft and piping hot on the inside. I guess it's a preference thing when it comes to whether people like their takoyaki fully cooked or partially cooked. As for me, I like mine gooey on the inside and so hot that it burns my tongue - I love that (lol). The ones I've had in Japan were also gooey and not perfectly round. These takoyaki were garnished with a drizzle of takoyaki sauce, sweet mayonnaise, katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and aonori (green laver). All of the flavours and textures worked well together; nothing negative to say about Manpuku's takoyaki.
Lastly, dessert time! Because they were out of pudding (sad face), I tried their Castella (Kasutera) instead ($3.99). I didn't expect such a huge portion so needless to say, after stuffing myself with all those carbs and protein, I was beyond full. The cake was light and fluffy, so finishing it wasn't a problem for me. The honey was a great complement since it added some natural sweetness and cut out the dryness. On top were some sifted matcha powder - I guess I don't have to mention that it's one of my favourite things in the whole world? ;)
The staff at Manpuku are very friendly and inviting, with the typical "irrashimase" and "arigatou gozaimashita" greetings. The place definitely has an authentic Japanese vibe to it. I wouldn't mind returning for their Ochazuke one day ;D -
Review from Nick Y.
Toronto, ON
6/11/2011
Love love love love. First time here, so figured I'd try their staple dish. Beef Udon. This was superb. The beef was tender and falls apart in the soup which makes every spoonful chockful of beefy goodness.
It also drove me to write my first Yelp review - which shouldn't be taken lightly.
Try the Ramune drink. It's a mix of cream soda and sprite. The bottle is sealed using a lodged marble that you have to jam through to open. Go ahead and order one. Life's too short. -
Review from Fern H.
6/3/2011
When we have a craving for Japanese food that's not all dynamite rolls and tempura, we head to Manpuku.
It's a small-ish Japanese restaurant in the OCAD area that serves a variety of Japanese fast food for a very reasonable price.
We ordered the beef niku udon ($5.95) and the curry udon ($6.95) and both were bowl fulls of noodle and brothy goodness. Extremely satisfying, not to mention at a thrify price.
When we asked about dessert, the waitress said "We have black sesame ice cream". OH MY GOD, YES!!!
We ordered 2 portions but I think 1 order would have been enough to share between two people because each order comes with 2 scoops. This is not your piddly one small scoop of ice cream (unlike Sushi on Bloor).
Nevertheless, I had managed to polish mine off. I woud go back just for the ice cream. It's so unique and tasted exactly like the filling inside those sesame balls at dim sum, but more creamy and cold. At $3.25/serving, it was a bargain. -
Review from Tina N.
Toronto, ON
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Manupuku might be hard to find at first as it's located in a corner of the food court in Village by the Grange. When entering the eatery, you'll notice that the place itself is quite small but it definitely gives you that authentic Japanese feel.
I came here to try the Curry Udon and I found it to be mediocre - it wasn't bad, or was it great. The soup base was refreshing but the udon noodles were from packages and not made fresh as I hoped.... The portions are also small for big eaters but the food is inexpensive so you can always order more and try different dishes. I recommend the tako-sen - a creamy octopus ball smushed between 2 thin crackers *drool. All food is cooked so no sushi here. -
Review from Alfred K.
Richmond Hill, ON
I love this little authentic Japanese spot. It is almost out of place amongst the sad mass produced fast-food food court that surrounds it. But like a desert oasis, Manpuku gives you hope. Honestly love the authentic tastes offered here, and the simple no-nonsense selection. There is nothing wrong with basic good food, and Manpuku delivers. My favorites here include the takoyaki, curry udon and sesame ice cream.
The takoyaki takes 20 minutes, but it is worth the wait. Think of it as a post-meal appetizer if it comes after you're done you're noodles. For the un-initiated, consider takoyaki to be a pan-fried dumplings with squid. It is difficult to describe, as i can't think of anything comparable.
All their noodle dishes are excellent, with flavourful but not oversalted stock. The curry udon is my favorite.
For something crazily different, the natto curry don is interesting. Natto is at best an acquired taste (that I have acquired) so be warned it is not for all. On the up side it is vegetarian and you'll get your protein with the natto. On the down side, not everyone is into fermented soy beans. -
Review from Tyler L.
Hamilton, ON
6/11/2011
Noodles were pretty good and fairly priced. For a small eatery in a food court style shopping arcade, the food was surprisingly authentic. This isn't quite your run-of-the-mill Japanese noodles.
Also had the octopus balls, a first for me. They were quite mushy (I'm not sure if they're supposed to be this mushy), but tasty nonetheless.
The highlight, though, was truly the black sesame ice cream. Wow - I've never had it before, and it's extremely delicious. I would go back again and again for the black sesame ice cream! -
Review from David D.
12/9/2010
Easy on the wallet without taking away the quality of the food.
Tucked away in Village by the Grange, conveniently near OCAD, it's a great location for a quick eat for students.
I tried the kitsune udon (poached egg?) with the combo (salad and takosen). After reading upon the reviews from fellow Yelpers on the Takosen, I just had to try it. :)
The udon was cooked nicely. I liked the soup base, as I cleared it all away before the waitress took it away.
The service was friendly and attentive.
Once again, the takosen does take 20 mins to prepare. Honestly, I didn't think too much of it. the takoyaki didn't taste anymore different with the shrimp crackers.
I will definitely pop my head in from time to time for the udon. -
Review from Leeor J.
10/1/2010
I hope guu is way better than this. anyone who is willing to wait 2 hours to eat anything even close to this is in for a disappointment.
I ordered the niku udon (the standard beef one) and the octopus appetizer everyone raves about. The beef in the soup was rubbery. broth lackluster. nothing special. The octopus appetizer is kinda gross. deep fried with some japanese mayo thats a tad too zippy. not worth waiting the 20 minute prep time.
One of my friends had the curry udon and said it was really good, so maybe thats worth trying.
I will say, pretty cheap (most soups run around $5-6) and you get plenty. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
2/24/2011 5 photos
Manpuku Japanese Eatery is great for some cheap eats!
I cannot fault my $3.99 udon.. Yes I have much better udon before. The udon at Manpuku is a little overcooked.. the soup is a little salty... and the fish cake that comes with it are supermarket quality.
The extra $2 to upgrade to a combo is a really great option!
The salad I have to say that the dressing tasted like something from Kraft Zesty Italian... If Manpuku would use some Japanese dressing that would be great!
Takosen is quite good even with the less than 20 minute wait.. :P I was there when the restaurant was quite empty.. good side selection if you are eating alone and want to try more items without ordering the whole order!
The waitress is really attentive and friendly. I like Manpuku Japanese Eatery because it is just so unpretentious.. and great for student's budget!! -
Review from Robin D.
2/8/2011
This place is a gem. Delicious! And cheap!
Would highly recommend takoyaki and black sesame ice cream (i warn you its sweet but good!). Udon is also good. -
Review from Vivien L.
12/10/2010
This is my go-to place for japanese curry udon and that's all i've ever order from there. (thought i did get a combo once for an additional $2, the salad was decent and the octopus balls were alright... very breading-y)
Service is great and I appreciate that it's authentically japanese.
It's worth the money u spend and it's very filling too! -
Review from Mark M.
Toronto, ON
9/10/2010
I now think I can truly say I enjoy Japanese cuisine. Before if I told you I was a Japanese food lover, I would be lying because my knowledge and experience of the fine foods of Nippon only included sushi. I was a sushi fan but I just wasn't qualified to say I was a fan of the whole spectrum that is Japan's cuisine. Once I realized that, I went out of my way to try all things Japanese that didn't consist of raw fish on rice. So I tried real ramen, teppenyaki, onigiri and even Japanese snacks like natto. Manpuku was just one of the places that helped me on my eating quest.
Manpuku is a little food joint right inside a tiny mall. The place is comfy and the people running the place are all very friendly. Good choice for lunch or a casual dinner.
The food is what makes this place unique from all the other restaurants near by. They serve very casual Japanese comfort food. Hearty rice bowls and steaming hot noodle soups. I tried the shigure don. It was a simple dish of beef and onions on rice. Very solid dish that was filling. Also had some takoyaki with my meal. They're octopus filled dumplings/balls. They were pretty good tasting but I couldn't help but notice some of my takoyaki had no Octopus inside at all! A real letdown to an otherwise yummy treat.
Best thing about this place is the price. Eat a filling meal for just about 10 bucks. A great bargain in my books. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
4/21/2010
*2.5 Stars*
The UDON is decent, as good as the frozen packs I get at Asian Markets which are about $1.00 per individual serving. What I cannot replicate(YET) at home is the balance of the Soup Base, or at least I haven't been that dedicated to attempt. I have BONITO Flakes in the cabinet waiting tho.
In terms of Takoyaki, my ranking at the moment is the following:
1. Street Stall @Tokyo Nakamise Dori (Japan)
2. Food Court Takoyaki @T&T Middlefield - TIED
2. Food Court Takoyaki @First Markham Place(Closed) - TIED
4. Manpuku
5. Guu (or similar)
I won't go in details but if you wish you can message me about this List-like List UTL(Unofficial Takoyaki List). The ones I had this FIRST time, It was FRESH and HOT however it didn't hold the shape and the texture was too soft almost Gooey but better than Guu's Frozen Bagged Re-Fried.
The service was NICE as the ladies did refill our tea from time to time. There is VALUE as well only if you do not like to PREP and CLEAN at home attempting to re-create a similar Udon item, especially the CURRY Flavour.
My friend pointed out that the Udon wasn't STEAMING hot, and he was right. It was hot enough but NOT hot enough to make SLURPING the Udon necessary, which I always believe is part of the reason for the Noodle Slurping Culture(NSC) so to COOL the Noodle down.
The UDON here is a very Close Relative to the one I had at NARITA Airport in Tokyo. I'm not even sure if that comment is good or bad, whatever...Listed in: 2.5 **Stars**, Oishii, Pull my Noodles - Korea +…
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Review from Alex x.
NORTH YORK, ON
7/31/2010
A small, cozy place inside a pretty unpleasant mall. Nevertheless, the decor is clean and inviting, and the staff are friendly and keep filling up your cups with tea or cold water.
Food was good, I had curry udon, my mom the miso chicken udon, and my sister had some rice dish. The soup/broth was made very well, and the noodles were tender and done just right. The takoyaki we had took about 20min, which the server let us know beforehand, but when it finally came out it seemed a bit rushed since there was no crispiness to it at all, just very mushy congee like texture...which was disappointing.
My other complaint is that there is no AC...which is brutal because there is no ventilation whatsoever and also no draft/fresh air (since it is inside a mall). -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
1/10/2010
There are lots of options at the Village by the Grange food court, but Manpuku and Gallery Sushi are the only two sit-down restaurants of which I am aware. From the outside it looks like the seating area in Manpuku is tiny, but when we entered we discovered an upper level with more tables.
The menu is mostly in Japanese, or English renditions of Japanese, and not very descriptive. Luckily, they provide pictures of the food, so you can take an educated guess at what you're ordering. The waitress was also very happy to answer our 457 questions about the food options so that we could decide what to order.
My rice with beef was larger and more filling than expected, especially for the low low price (around $5). For slightly more you can make your meal a combo and add a couple of appetizers. A few people at my table ordered the Takosen - something I had never heard of before my experience at Manpuku - with their meals. (As described in other reviews, Takosen is Takoyaki served between two shrimp rice crackers.) The waitress warned us that it would take a while (this just means it wouldn't be served instantly) because it was made fresh once ordered. It was well worth the wait! I dare you to try it!
If you're adventurous and like good value for your dollar, Manpuku is a great place to dine. -
Review from Patty L.
North York, ON
I love that you can get a decent meal here for about $10. It's tucked in a corner of the Village on the Grange, across from OCAD and a quick walk from St. Patrick subway station.
The udon is good - the noodles are a good texture and the soup broth is delicious! I wasn't impressed with the takoyaki balls - they were mushy and not nearly as good as the ones I've had in Vancouver and Japan.
That said - the location is convenient for when I'm downtown so I'll be back! The "balcony" part of the restaurant seats about 16-20 people so if you call ahead that area can be reserved for a party but there is very little privacy. -
Review from Tammy Y.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 11/5/2009
Business has been booming for our friends at Manpuku, but can it be that their popularity has given way to slightly lackluster-leaning food? Most notably, their takoyaki (which requires patrons to wait "at least 20 minutes" for, even on a weekday) has the "balls" to be served SANS octopus. Every single otherwise flavourful, but much more mushy morsel, was missing it's star ingredient: the ball of octopi (?) that should have been snuggled within.
And the response upon payment? "Oh... sorry." And yes, they charged us. Lucky for you, Manpuku, you've won me over before, and I have faith you can redeem yourself.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/10/2009
This place is so solid and that is partially due to the fact that the staff here are actually,… Read more »
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Review from Vivek S.
10/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
Awesome Japanese restaurant in the Grange Food court. Thoroughly modern with rock solid noodles and great prices. Order the Takosen (Takoyako served on a Senbei, obviously). They're like grilled calamari smores, served between shrimp crackers, made to order, and served piping hot. The portions here are enormous and the service is fine. I shall return.
Obligatory Title Pun: MAN that's some good PUKU.
Menu Readability: Perfect. Giant white on black laminated broadsheet with easy-to-read descriptions and pictures of the fare. Veggie dishes are color-coded.
Need to mention: The place is bigger than you think. There is lots of seating at the back.
What this place teaches me about myself: I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so. -
Review from Karen S.
2/25/2010
This place is GOOD. Ever since I went there once with Catherine L., I couldn't get this place out of my mind. Since then, I've tried to go there 2 or 3 times, and each time I was thwarted by either getting there too late, or one time, by a roaring private party.
Today, not only did we get there on time, there were no too hip too cool parties to hinder me from what I was craving - gimme my warming bowl of noodles on this chilly day! I had a bowl of their regular noodle soups, replacing the udon with the 0 calorie yam noodles. The broth was light and delicious. The noodles were chewy and yet crisp, with a very pleasant feel on the tongue. For an extra $2, I added a salad and the takosen . So good! For dessert, we got the ice cream mochi which is an ice cream ball surrounded by a glutinous rice cake layer. There are four flavours - green tea, mango, red bean and chocolate. Mmm... a great way to end the meal! I left with my belly warm and full, extremely satisfied and my desire unquenched for another go at the yumminess that is Manpuku.
Credit cards accepted, friendly, attentive service, and they sell durian flavoured candy at the counter. Eeps!Listed in: A good time with friends
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Review from sunnee s.
Toronto, ON
3/21/2011
i havent done a review on manpuku ?! i love manpuku !
reasons why i love manpuku;
1 . flavorful soup base . unlike other places .
2 . tender beef . not stringy or chewy or rubbery like other places .
3 . cheap !
4 . staffs are ... actually japanese ! :D
5 . niku udon . mmmmm
but there are also cons, that being; closing too early on weekdays & their takoyaki . its no biggie tho, my standard is sky high for takoyaki since my first time trying it was at osaka's most popular takoyaki joint, otako . takoyaki here is too bready . oh, and why do they not serve okonomiyaki ? :( in my opinion, get rid of takoyaki & replace it w okonomiyaki !! -
Review from Angela L.
11/4/2009
I'd heard nothing but amazing things (admittedly all from Tammy Y.) about Manpuku, so I was beyond stoked to finally wrap my frozen paws around a big steaming bowl of udon. Now, the only problem I had was that besides the bowl, nothing else served to me could actually be called sizeable. You know that freak flush of the toilet when only half the water returns and you think to yourself that something weird is going on? That's what I felt like when I was presented my half bowl of noodles.
My friend's beef don was reportedly awesome. It reminded her of this very specific and unbeatably delicious oyako don of her childhood. My other friend's beef udon was apparently also awesome. Both the udon and the toppings in his bowl were more than double that of the ones in mine too. Strange, but I'm not complaining - just telling it like it is.
The two measly slices of sweet tofu skin in my noodles were inari-like and indeed sweet. They could have really used some veggies or other space-filling sidekick. For two extra bucks, I got a tangy and colourful salad and a miniature bag of "chips" (crushed instant noodles). I would highly recommend allowing the extra 20 minutes (how long it takes for the custom order to be prepared) for your meal and getting the takoyaki in your combo instead.
A word of caution: It was sweaty like a sauna in the restaurant. Arrive prepared, dressed in layers. Sweat moustaches might be sexy, but they may also alter the taste of your soup. -
Review from Catherine L.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2009
I was so excited when Manpuku opened up in Village of the Grange in my neighborhood. It's a nicely decorated place - clean and spacious, and the menu is CHEAP. For $4, I can get a steaming bowl of udon noodle soup. For $2 more, I could pick 2 things from the following options: salad, miso soup, takosen (which is Takoyaki sandwiched between 2 shrimp rice crackers), and chips. I always pick either salad or soup, and the takosen. I am addicted to the takosen! There's something perfect about the combination of a hot octopus ball and crispy light shrimp crackers. So much so that I had takoyaki at another restaurant, but when I realized they didn't have shrimp crackers, I bagged it to go and bought shrimp crackers from manpuku just to eat with them. And they were infinitely improved. :)
I went again recently and found that they have added to their menu where you can substitute the udon noodle with another noodle that is supposedly 0 calories. Not sure how that is possible, but it definitely made me feel better about straying off my grapefruit diet. The noodle is white and chewy, and actually quite tasty. My friend I was dining with said they offer that in Japan too (she used to travel there a lot on business), so it's still authentic japanese food.
So I left there having only spent $8 on a bowl of low calorie noodles ($4 + $2 noodle substitution), salad, and takosen ($2 combo option).
Another note - the takosen does take 20 minutes from the time you order, but I don't mind since I just start eating everything else and it comes well before you are done your meal, and I know it's fresh!
Manpuku is definitely a staple for japanese udon noodles that's light on your wallet. The curry is pretty good too. -
Review from Camille K.
North York, ON
9/13/2008
Had the Pork Udon, Takoyaki, Ice Mochi, and the cookie.
The Pork Udon wasn't really anything special but decent. The pork was a bit different then what I'm used to seeing in pork.
The Takoyaki was pretty good. It seemed a bit heavy on the flour side but since I'm not a Takoyaki expert I can't say if that's good or bad.
The green tea ice mochi was really good. I particuarly enjoyed that dessert. The cookie was good as well, wasn't very soft (which I prefer) but it was different. It was white chocolate and some other ingredient.
The atmosphere was pretty good though it seemed a bit thin for a Thursday night. All in all, a good cheap meal that I will definitely be going back to. -
Review from Kristy P.
Toronto, ON
4/17/2011
CHEAP AND DELICIOUS.
What more can you ask for?
I love my meat so I always order the Niku Udon ($5.99) and make it a combo (soup + takosen) for $2 extra. The udon is perfect: not too al dente, not too soft, and it's got the right amount of chewy-ness to it. The broth/soup is very tasty without being too oily (I'm pointing at you, pho restaurants!) The takosen is so much fun to eat (it's basically a takoyaki sandwich). With the combo, you get 2 pieces of takosen and really, that's all you need! Yes, you'll have to wait for 20 mins for takosen or takoyaki and the waitress will always tell you that. It doesn't matter to me because I like to finish my udon first anyway :) The service is friendly, fast, and attentive. I also like to end my big meal with an order of their ice mochi. One order consists of 3 ice mochis and you can mix the flavors (green tea, mango, and two others I can't remember because I always get the green tea and mango, hahahaha...) For $3.99, it's the perfect ending to my perfect meal at Manpuku.
I'M A BIG FAN OF THIS PLACE! :D -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
3/22/2010
Great alternative to Guu instead of waiting 2 hours in line, this small little place under the Grange on McCaul is very good and serve the same izakaya type food.
Be sure to get the Takoyaki (order it first, 20 mins wait, but worth it). Also liked the Curry Udon. They have a limited menu, but there's something there for everyone. Also be sure too check out the specials on the wall .
I also was able to call ahead and ask them to save a table for me while I was heading there. They don't take reservations.
They don't open Sundays and Mondays, and close early on some day.
