Sanuki Udon Guide: The Ultimate Noodle Experience in Kagawa Prefecture
Let me tell you something – Kagawa Prefecture is obsessed with udon. Not just “we like noodles” obsessed, but “we have over 700 udon shops for 1 million people” obsessed. Sanuki udon is legendary in Japan, known for its chewy texture and the unique culture around eating it. Having made multiple pilgrimages to Kagawa, I can confirm: this is noodle heaven.
Kamaage Udon: Straight from the Pot
Kamaage udon is the purest way to experience these noodles. The udon is served directly from the boiling water into a bowl with the hot cooking liquid. You dip each bite into a concentrated dashi sauce. The noodles are incredibly chewy and slippery, still warm from the pot. Simple, but absolutely perfect.
Where to try: Yamamotoya or any shop with “kamaage” in the name.
Price: JPY 300-600
Zaru Udon: Cold and Refreshing
Zaru udon is served cold on a bamboo mat, with a dipping sauce on the side. The cold temperature makes the noodles even chewier, and they’re incredibly refreshing, especially in summer.
Where to try: Any udon shop in Kagawa serves this.
Price: JPY 400-700
Shoyu Udon: The Simplest Perfection
Shoyu udon is literally just noodles with soy sauce. Maybe a raw egg. Maybe some green onions. That’s it. Sounds boring, but here’s the thing – with Sanuki udon’s incredible texture and Kagawa’s quality soy sauce, it’s absolutely delicious.
Where to try: Self-service shops where you add your own toppings.
Price: JPY 200-400
Bukkake Udon: Drenched in Flavor
Bukkake udon features cold noodles “drenched” in a concentrated, flavorful dashi broth. It’s richer than regular cold udon, almost like a light soup.
Where to try: Most udon specialty shops in Takamatsu.
Price: JPY 500-800
Kashiwa Ten: The Perfect Udon Topping
Kashiwa ten is a chicken tempura that’s become synonymous with Sanuki udon. Large pieces of chicken, battered and fried until crispy outside and juicy inside.
Where to try: Any udon shop with tempura toppings.
Price: JPY 100-200 per piece
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