Mappen

Mappen is a casual Japanese noodle bar on George Street in Sydney's CBD, tucked inside an arcade. It is quick and inexpensive, built around udon and soba with self-serve toppings, and it fills up at lunch with limited seating. Regulars come for the value and reliable udon. Chinese Garden of Friendship is about four minutes' walk away.

Cuisine at Mappen

Food at Mappen

Mappen serves udon and soba in soup, with tempura and karage chicken as sides. Bukkake udon comes up in more than one review, and the bukkake ontama mentaiko is a specific recommendation. Other udon regulars have tried include the kake curry and the kake chilli pork. Toppings include huge shredded vegetables and shrimp tempura, and a mini set lets diners try several small dishes. The restaurant does not list dietary options.

What to order: Bukkake udon, including the ontama mentaiko version · Kake curry udon · Kake chilli pork udon

Drinks at Mappen

Mappen is licensed for BYO wine only, so bring your own bottle if you want wine with a meal. Soft drinks such as Coke Zero are sold on site, and free tap filtered water is provided.

Toppings and value

Diners pick their toppings from a self-serve spread, and visitors often name it as a highlight. Food comes out quickly, even at busy times. Diners return their own trays after eating. Separate soup containers cost extra. Free condiments are available near the payment point, and one visitor said the toppings alone make the meal feel good value.

What customers say about Mappen

• 💬Visitors praise the low prices and generous portions for the money
• 💬Regulars say the udon is consistently good and tasty
• 💬Diners say the food arrives quickly, even when it is busy
• 💬Seating is limited, and you can only sit down once your food is ready

Tips for visiting Mappen

• ✓Seating is limited, so grab a seat as soon as one frees up.
• ✓Takeaway costs a bit more than eating in.
• ✓Expect a queue at busy times; the restaurant is known for a daily queue.
• ✓Wine is BYO only, so bring your own bottle if you want one.

Getting to Mappen

Shop 11, 537-551 George St, Sydney NSW 2000. It sits inside an arcade, and one visitor found it a little hard to spot from the main street. Parking is available.

Near Mappen

• ☕Incanto Coffee1 min walk
• ☕Caffe Casina1 min walk
• ☕Sydney Boardgames Cafe - Dice Inn Boardgames1 min walk
• 🌳Chinese Garden of Friendship4 min walk
• 🌳Darling Quarter Village Green (South)4 min walk
• 🌳Tumbalong Park5 min walk

FAQ about Mappen