If you visit Kagawa, the heart of Japan’s udon culture, you’ll quickly notice that udon restaurants come in two styles:
- Standard restaurants (Ippan-ten) – These are just like regular restaurants. Perfect for beginners, as staff will guide you through the process.
- Self-service restaurants (Self-ten) – This is where the real Kagawa experience begins! You’ll build your own udon bowl, warm your noodles, add toppings, and even clean up after yourself. It may feel confusing at first, but it’s a fun way to dive into local food culture.
Not sure how to order? Don’t worry—this step-by-step manual will help you feel like a pro!
Step-by-Step: How to Order at a Self-Service Udon Shop
- Choose your noodle size (Tama = serving size)
- 1 Tama (Hitotama) → Small
- 2 Tama (Futatama) → Medium
- 3 Tama (Santama) → Large
- Pick your side dishes
Tempura, onigiri (rice balls), or oden (simmered vegetables and eggs) are popular choices.
(Optional—you don’t have to take any.) - Pay at the counter
Udon usually costs between 200–600 yen. Having small change ready makes things smoother.
(Some shops let you pay after eating, so watch what others do.) - Warm your noodles
Put the noodles in a strainer and dip them into hot water for about 15 seconds. - Pour the soup
Find the soup container and ladle in just the right amount of broth. - Add toppings
Customize your bowl with ginger, tempura flakes, sesame, chili powder, or wasabi.
(If you want to enjoy the pure flavor of udon, skip the toppings.) - Clean up after eating
Return your dishes to the designated area. Some shops also ask you to separate leftovers or utensils—just follow what locals do.
Popular Udon Varieties
If you prefer to relax and simply enjoy the noodles without the “self-service” steps, head to a standard restaurant. Here are some of the most common types of udon you’ll find:
- Kake Udon – The simplest style: noodles in hot broth.
- Bukkake Udon – Cold noodles with a strong soy-based broth poured over.
- Kijoyu Udon – Just soy sauce on noodles, a local specialty.
- Kamaage Udon – Freshly boiled noodles served with hot dipping broth.
- Kamatama Udon – Hot noodles mixed with a raw egg.
- Zaru Udon – Cold noodles served with dipping sauce, refreshing in summer.
- Curry Udon – Udon served in Japanese-style curry soup.
- Niku Udon – Topped with sweet-simmered beef.
- Yudame Udon – Noodles reheated in hot water, served piping hot.
Side Dishes to Try
- Tempura – Vegetables, seafood, or chicken fried in light batter.
- Onigiri – Rice balls, often wrapped in seaweed.
- Oden – Simmered daikon radish, eggs, and konjac in udon broth.
- Kayaku Gohan – Rice mixed with seasonal vegetables.
- Inari Sushi – Sweet fried tofu skin stuffed with rice.
- Barazushi – Vinegared rice mixed with seasonal ingredients.
My Top 3 Udon Recommendations for First-Timers
If you’re visiting Kagawa for the first time and wondering what to try, here are my personal favorites:
🥇 Kamatama Udon – Hot noodles topped with a raw egg. The heat of the noodles gently cooks the egg, creating a creamy, rich texture that’s both simple and unforgettable.
🥈 Bukkake Udon – A refreshing bowl of cold noodles with a strong soy-based broth poured over. Perfect for warm days and one of Kagawa’s signature styles.
🥉 Niku Udon – Udon topped with sweet-simmered beef. The balance of savory broth and tender meat makes this a comforting choice, especially if you’re hungry.
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