Unideli is a hidden gem in the Twin Cities, it is a small restaurant inside an Asian food market that serves excellent Japanese food. Opened in 1972, it has been featured in City Pages as one of the best kept secrets of 2014. It also has won awards for Best Asian Grocery and Best International Grocery. It is also to be featured in season 23 of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.

I discovered this restaurant in 2013, my first year of college when I wanted to try takoyaki, which is octopus in batter with toppings. It seemed like the only place around the Twin Cities that had it was Unideli, so off I went. Finding it was a bit tough because it’s hidden among some warehouse and business buildings, you have to keep an eye out for it. Inside, you enter a grocery store featuring all types of Asian foods. Right now moon cakes are featured, as the Mid Autumn Festival is coming up. There are all sorts of things to find like tea, candy, drinks and even fresh fish.

Delicious authentic ramen with the works is one of the dishes Unideli is well known for. They have many different styles, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Rice bowls are also an option, my personal favorite being the katsudon, which is rice, eggs, onions and a deep fried pork cutlet on top. Fabulous! I end up getting it every time because I can’t stay away from it. Desserts are also available such as dango, matcha icecream sandwiches and taiyaki.

Check out the menu at http://www.unitednoodles.com/unideli