What is Sanuki Udon? — Japan's Top Udon Culture
Sanuki Udon is Kagawa Prefecture's proud local udon and is one of the most famous udon noodles in Japan.
Its characteristics are strong chewiness and smooth texture, offering a simple yet profound flavor!
Kagawa Prefecture is also known as the "Udon Prefecture",
and there are over 600 udon shops scattered throughout the area.
Characteristics of Sanuki Udon
1. Strong Chewiness and Elasticity
The greatest characteristic of Sanuki Udon is its strong chewiness.
When bitten, it has a firm elasticity and a great texture!
2. Smooth and Easy to Swallow
Despite its firm chewiness, it is smooth when swallowed.
You can taste the flavor of wheat, offering a simple yet addictive taste.
3. Various Ways to Enjoy
Sanuki Udon offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy it.
Let's introduce some classic ways to eat it!
① Kake Udon (Hot/Cold)
- A style where you eat it simply with broth poured over
- Features a fragrant broth made with dried sardines (iriko)
② Bukkake Udon (Hot/Cold)
- A style with thick sauce poured over
- Add lemon, grated daikon, and green onions for a refreshing taste
③ Kamatama Udon
- Mix freshly boiled noodles with raw egg and dashi soy sauce
- Offers a mellow and creamy taste
④ Kamaage Udon
- A style where you eat the boiled noodles as they are
- Dip the hot noodles in a special dipping broth to eat
⑤ Shoyu Udon
- A simple style with only soy sauce for seasoning without using broth
- Enjoy the aroma of wheat and the deliciousness of the noodles themselves
Top 5 Recommended Sanuki Udon Shops in Kagawa
1. Udon Honjin Yamada-ya (Takamatsu City)
Location: Mure Town, Takamatsu City
Hours: 10:00–20:00
Feature: A long-established renowned shop! Enjoy Sanuki Udon while viewing the garden
2. Sanuki Udon Gamou (Sakaide City)
Location: Kamo Town, Sakaide City
Hours: 8:30–14:00 (Closes when sold out)
Feature: Exquisite chewy udon! Popular shop, be prepared for lines
3. Teuchi Judan Udon Baka Ichidai (Takamatsu City)
Location: Taga Town, Takamatsu City
Hours: 6:00–18:00
Feature: Famous for Kama Butter Udon! Open from early morning
4. Nakamura Udon (Marugame City)
Location: Iino Town, Marugame City
Hours: 9:00–14:00 (Closes when sold out)
Feature: Exquisite udon with strong chewiness! Simple bukkake is popular
5. Nagata in Kanoka (Zentsuji City)
Location: Konzoji Town, Zentsuji City
Hours: 9:00–17:00
Feature: Famous for Kamaage Udon! Smooth noodles and exquisite dipping broth
Useful Information for Travelers
1. When is the best season for Sanuki Udon?
Sanuki Udon can be enjoyed all year round,
but spring and autumn are particularly good as they coincide with the tourist season, making it perfect for trying various shops!
2. Tips for a Sanuki Udon Tour?
- Many shops open early, so morning udon is recommended!
- Enjoy hopping from one udon shop to another
- Since the thickness and texture of the noodles vary by shop, try comparing them!
3. Are there take-out options and souvenirs?
- Semi-dried and dried noodles are sold at supermarkets and souvenir shops in Kagawa
- Available for purchase online too! Enjoy authentic Sanuki Udon at home
Summary and FAQs
Summary
- Sanuki Udon is characterized by "strong chewiness" and "smooth texture"
- There are many ways to eat it, allowing you to find your favorite taste
- With over 600 udon shops in Kagawa, you can enjoy trying different ones
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Sanuki Udon different from regular udon?
A: The biggest difference is the strong chewiness and elasticity.
Compared to udon from other regions, it has a firm texture with a smooth swallowing experience!
Q: What is the recommended way to eat Sanuki Udon?
A: For beginners, "Kake Udon" is the most recommended.
You can simply taste the flavor of the ingredients!
For connoisseurs, "Shoyu Udon" is popular,
as they often enjoy the flavor of the noodles themselves!
Q: Can I eat Sanuki Udon outside of Kagawa?
A: You can enjoy Sanuki-style udon at nationwide chains like Marugame Seimen and Hanamaru Udon.
However, the chewiness is different from authentic Sanuki Udon, so
be sure to try the real thing in Kagawa!
If you visit Kagawa, make sure to taste authentic Sanuki Udon!
