What is Sanuki Udon noodles like?
Sanuki udon” is a type of udon originating in Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture, where it is firm and satisfying.It is made with simple ingredients: flour, salt, and water, but its flavor and texture are so exquisite that once you try it, you will never forget it.
Characteristics of Sanuki Udon
- Firmness: The most distinctive characteristic of Sanuki udon is its firmness. The glutinous texture of Sanuki Udon is what sets it apart from other udon noodles. When you bite into it, it seems soft for a moment, but the more you chew, the more you feel the elasticity of the glutinous texture. That is the “koshi” (firmness).
- Simple flavor: Simple seasoning that makes the most of the flavors of the ingredients. Recommended for those who want to taste the original flavor of udon.
- Various ways to eat udon: Kake udon, bukkake udon, kama-age udon, and more. You can enjoy it topped with condiments, tempura, and other toppings as you like.
How to eat Sanuki Udon
- Choose the dipping sauce: soy sauce based dipping sauce for kake udon and cold dipping sauce for bukkake udon are generally used. Bukkake udon is recommended.
- Choose your toppings: Tempura, fried tofu, green onions, and many other toppings.
- Adjust the taste with condiments: Use ginger, green onion, grated daikon, or other condiments to adjust the taste to your liking.
Types of Sanuki Udon
- Kake Udon: This is the classic way to eat udon with hot sauce.
- Bukkake Udon: A refreshing way to eat udon with cold dipping sauce.
- Kama-age Udon: Freshly boiled udon noodles are eaten as is, allowing you to enjoy the original flavor of the udon.
Notes on Eating Sanuki Udon Noodles
- Many restaurants are self-service: In Kagawa Prefecture, there are many self-service restaurants. Check how to order and how to eat.
- Lots of noodles: ordering a large serving can be quite filling. If this is your first time, try a regular serving. The smooth texture makes it easy to eat, but you can drink it like a beverage, so chew it well and savor it!
Let’s go eat Sanuki udon!
Sanuki udon can be enjoyed not only in Kagawa Prefecture but also throughout Japan. When you travel to Japan, please try the authentic Sanuki udon. It will surely be an unforgettable dining experience. In major cities in Japan, Marugame Seimen and Hanamaru Udon are famous chains. They are very popular among foreigners who come to Japan because they are inexpensive and delicious!
I actually tried the real Sanuki Udon!
This is a report from my trip to Kagawa Prefecture, where I actually tried Sanuki Udon noodles! I had eaten at Marugame Seimen before, but I had never had it in the real place, Kagawa Prefecture, so I was very curious.
Here is the restaurant we visited.
Udon Sho Go Yashiki
Unlike self-service Sanuki Udon restaurants, where the waiter brings the food to you.
This is a slightly upscale Sanuki Udon restaurant where you can enjoy not only Sanuki Udon but also Kaiseki cuisine and a la carte dishes. Recommended if you want to enjoy Sanuki udon and other dishes such as tempura in a relaxed atmosphere.
On the menu, I ordered bukkake udon noodles topped with seasonal puffer fish tempura.
There were many kinds of Sanuki udon, a la carte dishes, and set menus, so I was very worried, but I decided to order this Sanuki udon because it was a menu only available during this season and I was very eager to try it.
Udon Sho Go Yashiki accepts electronic money, credit cards, and cash. The menu is available in English and Chinese, so you can order with confidence!
This blowfish tempura Sanuki udon is not covered with tsuyu, so you pour the tsuyu yourself. It seems that the tsuyu is poured just before the tempura in order to keep the tempura crispy. This ensures that both the tempura and the Sanuki udon noodles are at their best! Very good attention.
Thick and beautiful Sanuki udon. It was aromatic, glutinous, and very tasty.The tempura was freshly fried, and the soft flesh of the puffer fish was flaky and went very well with the Sanuki udon. The dipping sauce was a little sweet, with a hint of dashi broth, and not too salty. I should have ordered a large portion. I finished it in no time.
Store information
Takamatsu Sta.
Open: 11:00 – 15:00 17:30 – 21:00
1,000 – 3,000
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/742103392821823/