Tsuru Tsuru Noodlebar (Zürich, Switzerland)

Tsuru Tsuru Noodlebar Zurich review featuring udon, tempura, karaage and vegan broth in a busy city centre Japanese noodle bar.  Got lost in Zürich, found udon instead. Slurp worthy noodles, surprisingly good vegan broth, and a buzzing lunch crowd that says everything you need to know.

There are days when a craving hits so specifically that nothing else will do. For me and my daughter, that craving was ramen. The problem was we couldn’t find any ramen spots near where we were. So we did what anyone would do in that situation. We searched for the next best thing nearby.

That is how we ended up at Tsuru Tsuru Noodlebar, tucked away in Schützengasse, just a short walk from Zürich HB.

We arrived on a weekday lunch without a booking, which in hindsight felt a bit ambitious. The place was already busy. Not chaotic, but definitely full. That kind of steady crowd gives you confidence. When locals line up for noodles in the middle of the workday, something is clearly working.

First Impressions and Atmosphere

Tsuru Tsuru didn’t feel like one of those polished, minimalist noodle bars you see everywhere. Walking in felt almost like being transported straight into Japan. The space was tight, the decor was busy in that charming, slightly chaotic way Japanese eateries often are, and the whole place had this lived‑in energy that made it feel real rather than curated. The only thing that reminded me we were still in Switzerland was the staff, mostly Swiss, with a few Asians in the mix, but the overall atmosphere leaned heavily Japanese. It had that familiar, slightly cramped, bustling vibe you get in small Tokyo noodle shops, where every corner is used and every table fills up fast.

The atmosphere is lively, especially during lunch, but not overwhelming. It feels like a place where people come for a quick, satisfying meal before heading back to their day.

Service matches that pace. The staff are friendly but efficient. Orders are taken quickly, food arrives without delay and everything flows smoothly. It feels like a well run operation, which is exactly what you want in a busy city centre restaurant.

Starting with Karaage

We began with the tori karaage served with yuzu kosho mayo, priced at CHF 21.00. The presentation was slightly different from what I expected. The pieces were smaller and more rounded, almost resembling chicken balls rather than the usual irregular chunks.

The flavour was solid. Well seasoned and complemented nicely by the citrusy kick of the yuzu kosho mayo. That sauce added brightness and lifted the dish.

The only downside was the texture of the coating. It separated slightly from the chicken, which took away from that ideal crispy bite. It was still enjoyable, just not the highlight of the meal.

Udon That Stands Out

The udon noodles were where this place really impressed.

We tried the zaru style udon, priced at CHF 18.00. The noodles are served separately from the broth, which is used as a dipping sauce. The toppings were simple. Leek, nori, and ginger. Nothing complicated, just clean, and focused.

The biggest surprise was the vegan broth. Vegan broths can sometimes feel lacking, but this one had depth. It tasted rich and balanced, close to what you would expect from a traditional broth. If I had not been told it was vegan, I might not have guessed.

The noodles themselves were excellent. Smooth, slightly chewy and with that satisfying bounce that good udon should have. It reminded me of the texture you get at well known udon spots, which says a lot.

Tempura Udon for a Hearty Option

We also ordered the udon with Ebi Tempura, which came with three pieces of prawn tempura for CHF 29.00.

The tempura leaned more towards a thicker, crunchier coating rather than the ultra light and airy style. It was not traditional in that sense, but it was still enjoyable. The prawns were fresh and cooked properly, which made the dish satisfying overall.

Combined with the udon and broth, it created a comforting and filling bowl. Especially considering we were not even planning to eat udon that day.

What Makes Tsuru Tsuru Work

After the visit, I looked into what others were saying, and it aligned closely with our experience.

People consistently mention the quality of the noodles and the reliability of the food. The portions are satisfying without being too heavy, which makes it ideal for a quick lunch.

Service is often described as efficient and friendly, which reflects what we experienced. The atmosphere is busy but comfortable, making it a great spot for a casual meal.

The karaage and tempura tend to get mixed feedback, mostly around texture, but still generally positive in terms of flavour.

The location is also a big advantage. Being so close to Zürich HB makes it an easy stop for both locals and visitors.

Final Thoughts

Tsuru Tsuru Noodlebar is not trying to reinvent Japanese cuisine. It focuses on doing simple things well. Good noodles, balanced broths, and efficient service.

For us, it turned a random craving into a genuinely enjoyable lunch. The vegan broth was a pleasant surprise, and the udon noodles were easily the highlight.

There are small areas that could be improved, like the karaage texture, but overall the experience felt honest and satisfying.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially on a cold day in Zürich when all you want is a warm bowl of noodles and a place that delivers exactly that.

Tsuru Tsuru Noodlebar
Address: Schützengasse 5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 77 419 32 99
Website: https://www.tsuru-tsuru.ch/