Table of Contents
1. Basic Information on Sanuki Udon
2. Udon Discussion between Sales Manager “Sugar” and Branch Manager “Strong”
– Sales Manager “Sugar’s” Kagawa Udon Trivia
– Branch Manager “Strong’s” Serious Restaurant Recommendations
1. Basic Information on Sanuki Udon
When you think of Kagawa Prefecture, “udon” immediately comes to mind. While udon is eaten nationwide as a homestyle dish, Kagawa Prefecture is known for its high-quality udon. It boasts the highest production and consumption rates in Japan, earning it the nickname “Udon Prefecture.”
Udon is a simple yet profound traditional Japanese noodle dish. Characterized by its thick, chewy texture, it’s typically served in a warm dashi broth. This broth, made from soy sauce, mirin, kombu seaweed, and bonito flake, offers a rich umami flavor with subtle nuances. However, udon in Kagawa Prefecture is cut above the rest.
Kagawa’s udon, known as “Sanuki udon,” is notably thicker and more elastic compared to other types. This unique texture results from a meticulous handmade process where the noodles are slowly aged and then boiled using special techniques. Sanuki udon is also sometimes served cold, accompanied by a special soy-based dipping sauce or tsukejiru.
Kagawa Prefecture boasts nearly 500 udon shops, many of which produce their own noodles locally. As a result, each shop offers slightly different noodle thickness, chewiness, and flavors of sauce or dipping broth. Exploring these variations and finding your personal favorite is one of the joys of traveling in the region.
To gain a deeper understanding of udon, the Nakano Udon School is highly recommended. This facility teaches the traditional Sanuki udon-making techniques of Kagawa Prefecture, allowing visitors to acquire specialized skills. First, you create your own dough using the basic ingredients: wheat flour, water, and salt. Then, through the process of kneading, stretching, and cutting the dough, you can experience making your very own handmade udon.
In addition to noodle-making techniques, you’ll learn how to properly boil the noodles and can taste your own creation on the spot. The flavor of this freshly made udon is incomparably better than store-bought varieties.
Furthermore, at the Nakano Udon School, you can learn about local culture and history. By understanding how Sanuki udon became a specialty of Kagawa Prefecture and how its production methods have evolved, your udon-making experience becomes even more enriching. This offers travelers not just a chance to enjoy a meal, but an excellent opportunity to deeply understand and experience local culture.
When visiting Kagawa Prefecture, be sure to taste the local udon. The unique texture, deep flavor, and the opportunity to witness the cooking process offer an experience that goes beyond just a meal. Each bowl of Sanuki udon expresses Kagawa’s rich food culture and the passion of its local people, providing visitors with an unforgettable culinary experience.
2. Udon Discussion between Sales Manager “Sugar” and Branch Manager “Strong”
Sales Manager “Sugar’s” Kagawa Udon Trivia
(A sharp travel company salesperson who always gives their all to gourmet experiences and never misses a target!)
You can eat udon in Kagawa for about 300 yen. (So cheap!) Many people order large portions, which costs around 450 yen. If you add meat or other toppings, it’ll exceed 500 yen. At slightly more expensive udon shops, it might cost 700 to 800 yen. Still, it’s cheap, and Kagawa’s udon is delicious! My recommended shops are… (blah blah blah)
Branch Manager “Strong’s” Serious Restaurant Recommendations
(Knows everything about Chugoku and Shikoku tourism!? A branch manager with decades of experience living in the region)
Sugar and I have completely different tastes! On this site, DiCS, it’s definitely better if I introduce my recommended shops. If you want to eat udon in Kagawa Prefecture, check these out. I guarantee the taste. They’re cheap and delicious. When you come to Japan, you absolutely must eat udon in Kagawa. I’ll introduce both self-service udon shops and regular udon restaurants. When you come to Japan, you absolutely must eat udon in Kagawa.
Strong’s Recommendations, first for the Self-Service Udon category!
1. Ueharaya: The dashi broth, rich with dried sardines, is exceptional. The noodles are smooth and have an excellent texture!
https://ueharayahonten.com/
2. Mendocoro Wataya: Famous for their meat bukkake udon. Recommended for its taste, volume, and price – it’s got it all!
https://www.maruwa-wataya.com/
3. Matsushita Seimenjo: A direct sales store next to the noodle factory. Sometimes, simple is best!
https://www.matsushita-seimen.jp/
4. Yamagoe Udon: This is the birthplace of kamatama udon! Every udon lover should visit at least once.
https://yamagoeudon.com/menu/1884/
5. Gamou Udon: This is the pioneer of self-service udon! It embodies the essence of Sanuki udon.
https://www.shikoku-np.co.jp/udon/shop/518
Strong’s Recommendations, next for the Udon Restaurant category!
1. Handmade Udon Matsubara: Their zaru udon with chicken tempura is exquisite. You must try it!
https://www.my-kagawa.jp/udon/4251/
2. Handmade Udon Hariya: Their zaru udon with chicken tempura is delicious! Their curry udon is also irresistible.
https://www.my-kagawa.jp/udon/517/
3. Kamaage Udon Nagata in Kanoka: The number one shop for kamaage udon. You’ve got to visit the best!
https://www.kanoka.jp/
4. Sanuki Udon Okasen: Their bukkake tempura is superb. They have the best noodle texture in the Sanuki udon world!
https://www.okasen.com/
5. Handmade Udon Tsurumaru: A super famous shop for curry udon. Curry lovers and those looking for a change should definitely go here.
https://teuchiudon-tsurumaru.com/
(Strong) Well, in the end, seeing is believing. Just come and try it once. Sanuki udon is delicious~
(Sugar) Strong’s recommendations are impressive as expected! Indeed, you can’t go wrong with any of these 10 places. I wonder where I should go next. I’ll have udon for lunch today. I’m starting to feel hungry…
(Strong) As always, Sugar, you’re only thinking about food. Let everyone else share their recommendations too~
