Mappen, Bondi Junction
Noodles and self serve tempura has opened in Bondi Junction so noodle lovers do not have to trek all the way to George Street to get their udon or tempura fix. Exactly the same concept as the one on George Street, self service, instructions are exactly the same – choose a drink, select the type of noodles you want, pick toppings, grab a bowl of tempura sauce, eat it and you are done.
The location of Mappen is ‘not exactly’ on Oxford Street, it is actually on Spring Street, and you can’t miss it, it is quite spacious, a lot bigger than the one on George Street I thought. E and I were a little lost but thankfully our Iphone maps led us here.
I haven’t been to mappen for a while now so not quite sure what the menu is like, however, I noticed that the Bondi Junction branch has a lot more options. It has Japanese style curry, and a lot more other rice dishes which weren’t on the Menya Mappen menu.
I wanted something heartier than noodles – what can be heartier you ask? Japanese curry of course! Ontama with half boiled egg ($4.90 for small and $5.90 for large) – small was already generous enough. The curry wonderful and the half boiled egg just oozed with yolk which I absolutely love. It was definitely a hearty dish and exactly what I needed on a cold day!
You can’t go to Mappen without having any of the tempura! I wanted one of each but opt for sweet potato – which is my favourite, pork cutlet and chicken karaage, which unfortunately was a little cold but was still tasty. The tempura was lightly battered and was the perfect with my curry and rice!
E had the udon with beef (no photo sorry! I was too hungry and forgot) and it looked good!
I remember going to Menya Mappen on George Street numerous times, it has been a while since my last visit and the Bondi Junction branch is just as good, if not better, it is definitely more spacious.
GA’s ratings: 8 / 10
183 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction 2022
Ph: +61 2 9388 0609
Glad to see menya has expanded yet again! I like the idea of self service. It really does speed things up a little
Oooooh, now I’m CRAVING Mappen! I wish they’d open one in Parra…or even Eastwood would be good.
lol i have noticed you havent had it for a while!
It’s really the weather for curry and noodles
it sure is! i love curry comfort food