The original no-frills udon shop in Cambridge has moved to flashier digs in the same building—and expanded to an even flashier second location in the Seaport—but the slippery, chewy noodles remain as inimitable as ever, worthy of the local and national acclaim they’ve received since the restaurant’s 2017 debut. We think the spicy cold version of the dish showcases the noodles best, letting them sing through a simple—yet delicious—combination of hot-but-not-too-hot chili paste and oil, tempura, dried shrimp, thin strips of beef, scallions, and a squeeze of lemon. But for those looking for something less fiery and more refreshing, try the classic version (pictured above) with grated ginger and dried seaweed.

To say we were excited about a collaboration between Pammy’s, a “new-American trattoria,” and Yume Ga Arukara, a Japanese udon shop serving niku (beef) soup, is a lie. We were beyond thrilled. (The two restaurants met as a result of making it on our 2018 BA Top 50 restaurants list; Yume Ga Arukara won a place on the BA Hot 10.) We couldn’t wait to see how Pammy’s Italian flavors and American techniques would match up with Arukara’s iconic udon.

On Tuesday morning, the food and drink magazine released the final edition of its 2018 “Hot 10,” honoring America’s best new restaurants. Yume Ga Arukara, a Porter Square eatery that opened in fall 2017 and specializes in savory beef udon bowls, nabbed the No. 8 spot on the list. The restaurant is down the street from another noodle spot with the same ownership team, popular ramen restaurant Yume Wo Katare.

The noodles are served in a cold, slightly spicy broth and topped with beef, scallions, chili paste, and tempura flakes for a satisfying crunch. It’s seriously the best udon I’ve ever had (you know a restaurant is good when they specialize in one thing only). Although this is a best Japanese restaurants Boston list, they only have a location in Porter Square, Cambridge, at the moment.

At Yume Ga Arukara, we are a great sushi restaurant specializing in small plates, which means you can order several different dishes to try out. This makes it the perfect place for both date night or just grabbing dinner with friends. Our prices here are also quite affordable, so stop by if you’re looking for something tasty.[email protected]

Yume Ga Arukara is a one of a kind udon place for many reasons. First one being they only have 4 items on their menu and the second being this is one of the only places that we know of that serves cold udon. This restaurant is small but they’re mighty as they always have a long line of customers waiting for a seat.

Yume Ga Arukarais offering Cold and Hot Niku Udon, plus house-made chili oil and marinated beef, for takeout Wednesday through Monday. The formerly cash-only noodle shop is now offering online ordering. Updated by Jacqueline Cain

The name Yume Ga Arukara translates to "because I have a dream." The menu is simple but effective. The restaurant offers bowls of udon served multiple ways, hot or cold. The dishes here are all made lovingly from scratch.

Yume Ga Arukara in Cambridge is a ramen lover's dream come true. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat. The cozy yet vibrant atmosphere set the stage for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

pork: just slightly crunchy, but also fatty and so many flavors. how do i describe this flavor profile. it’s the exact opposite of the shio ramen

Yume Ga Arukara makes just one thing and makes it well: udon, the thick Japanese wheat flour noodles,” Pang wrote of the eatery.