These sort of places are beginning to pop around Brisbane. Little shops with a focus on Japanese Udon Noodles. You can have a meal for between 6 and 8 dollars. This includes noodle and rice dishes (the noodles are faster that rice). You can also order various Japanese street food as side snacks.

Approximate cost: $8

The meals are so affordable that I would consider going there to eat every night the hassle of cooking. You can get a proper bowl of rice or noodles with meat and veggies for less than $10. I love the fact that you can choose extra entree or snacks to serve with your meals. The downfall is that it's not the best place to catch up with friends as the seats all face the wall, which reminds me of eating ramen noodles in Japan. Meals are prepared relatively quick. It is one of the best choices for fast food or take away if not choosing to have deep fried items from the menu.

I've been meaning to try this place but always forgot about its existence cos you have to walk just outside of the shopping centre. Ordering is a bit confusing for first timers - first you decide what rice/noodles you want - the guy gives you the dish, then you move across and grab a plate and help yourself to whatever fried dishes you like in front of you, then slide across to counter to pay.

I tried the beef udon with takoyaki. Takoyaki was crisp on the outside and still hot, and the udon was very nice - soup not salty at all, just refreshing with a pleasant taste. Price is reasonable. The interior design of the place makes you feel like you're in Japan!

A very basic Japanese noodle/rice menu but in a very cool 'Japanese alleyway' decorated space. It is small and gets V busy too. The noodles are made fresh and it is very inexpensive. I love the mixed vege tempura as well :-) My husband and i are always here when we are on a budget! The staff are really cool and outgoing too.

Approximate cost: $8

Genuine Japanese noodles, specialising in only rice, udon and ramen noodle dishes. Really friendly service, there's some other fried stuff in the self service area which is equally as yummy.

The highlights for me is the potato cakes. For about $17 we get 2 medium sized noodle bowls and 2 fried items, so definitely value for money.

It's only a small eatery so it's best to arrive when they just open. No eftpos facilities, cash only.