Japanese noodles at The Urban Belly

Simple menu, simple decor and a catchy name.  You wouldn't had guess The Urban Belly is an Asian restaurant if you didn't see the menu, in fact the decor resembles nothing like traditional zen atmosphere. 

I discovered this place by accident just like many of my other unique findings.  Me a friend couldn't decide on where we wanted to eat and had been driving around for quite some time, until she mentions a place call The Urban Belly.  I really liked the name so i didn't even care what kind food it serves.  It's located off of California and Belmont only a quarter mile south of the ever so famous Hot Doug's which will be showcase in future blogs.  The decor looks more like living in a box that a starving artist has thought up from their own crazy imagination.   Although I do still think the owner stole the idea from Apple's CEO Steve Jobs.

The decor consist of only four wooden tables, no chairs but rather solid wooden Jenga box to sit on.  Basically you're eating next to strangers unless a whole table is empty which is really rare.  But who cares as long as you can experience this unique chi-town chowdown setting.

Here's how the ordering procedure work, first you order from a very small menu,  there's no waitstaff so you must grab your own menu up front and order first and pay.  You then seat yourself and find the most normal people to sit next too.  A number will be given to you.  Beverages are self serve unless it's a special drink you're getting.  You'll either be served by the chef himself or his lovely wife.

I'd ordered the shrimp udon noodles which was spectacular and full of flavors.  I really can't tell you if the noodles are made fresh but I had udon at many other places and it doesn't even compare.  The texture and flavor of the broth mix with the assorted veggies and shrimp was all cooked perfectly.

The Urban Belly specialize in dumplings and Japanese noodles such as ramen, solba and udon.  Udon is the largest and thickest of all noodles, ramen is an egg base flour and soba is wheat based.  These are you're typical Japanese noodle dishes which also can be serve cold with a dipping broth.  I highly recommend this place if you want a unique dining experience, plus no tips are required unless you are feeling generous that day.  

http://urbanbellychicago.com/