Reader’s Question: Please tell me about delicious places in Kagawa that serve udon from the morning. When I visited once before, I went to Susaki, Gamao, and Hinode Seimen. I preferred Hinode, but Gamao was also tasty. I want to
go to a place that people recommend as a must-visit at least once in a lifetime.
Kagawa’s Morning Udon Adventure: A Delicious Journey Awaits
Ah, Kagawa Prefecture, the land of udon! If you’re a noodle enthusiast like me, you know this place is sacred ground. Known as the udon capital of Japan, Kagawa boasts a plethora of udon shops that serve these chewy, flavorful noodles any time of day. However, there’s something uniquely special about indulging in a steaming bowl of udon first thing in the morning. Just imagine it: the sun barely up, the air crisp, and you’re slurping down delicious noodles to kickstart your day. Heaven, right?
During my last trip to Kagawa, I had the chance to hit a few spots, including Susaki, Gamao, and Hinode Seimen. I still remember savoring that umami broth at Hinode, which was simply divine! All those places were fantastic, but I’ve been on the lookout for a must-visit udon shop that you can’t leave Kagawa without experiencing. Spoiler alert: I found a couple that fit the bill beautifully!
The Allure of Morning Udon
Why morning udon, you ask? Well, there’s something about starting your day with a hearty bowl of udon that feels right. The world is still waking up, and you can take your time enjoying your meal. Plus, the early birds often get the freshest noodles, straight from the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every single bite.
Sanuki Udon: A Local Treasure
First up on my list is a place that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance—Udon Baka Ichidai. This delightful gem is known for its Sanuki-style udon, a special type native to Kagawa. When I arrived, I was greeted by the warm smell of dashi (a savory Japanese broth) wafting through the air, and my heart skipped a beat.
What makes this place so special? It’s all about the freshness! The noodles are made from local wheat, and you can actually see the chefs crafting them right in front of you. I watched in awe as they expertly kneaded the dough and cut it into thick, luscious strands. If you’re into that whole “foodie” experience, it’s a must-see!
But let’s get to what really matters—the taste. I ordered the kitsune udon, which comes topped with a delightful piece of sweet, fried tofu. As I took my first bite, the flavors danced on my palate. The broth was rich and comforting, and the noodles had that perfect chewy texture. Seriously, I could eat this every morning for the rest of my life.
Finding My New Favorite
I’ll be real with you, though. I almost didn’t want to leave this place. The ambiance was cozy, and the friendly staff made the experience even better. I struck up a conversation with the owner, who mentioned that they open at 6:30 AM! So if you’re an early riser, this is the ideal spot to start your day.
The Hidden Gem: Udon Taro
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, you absolutely have to check out Udon Taro. Tucked away in a quaint corner of Takamatsu, this place is a local secret that serves udon from 7 AM. I stumbled upon it purely by accident, and boy, was that a lucky break!
As I walked in, the first thing that struck me was the decor—it felt like a cozy, traditional Japanese house. There were wooden beams and tatami mats, making me feel right at home. The menu was simple, featuring just a few udon options, but that’s what made it special. Sometimes, less is more, you know?
I chose the tempura udon, and as soon as it arrived, I was smitten. The tempura was crispy and light, a perfect contrast to the silky noodles. But the real star was the broth. It was a delicate balance of savory and umami. I found myself closing my eyes after each bite, savoring the depth of flavor. Who knew a bowl of udon could evoke such emotion?
Chatting with the Locals
While I was enjoying my meal, I struck up a conversation with a couple of locals who were also indulging in their morning noodles. They shared stories about their favorite udon spots and joked about the “udon wars” that Kagawa is famous for. It was so refreshing to connect over something as simple as food, and I felt like I was part of the community for just a moment.
My Personal Favorite: Kagawa’s Udon Mecca
Now, I can’t wrap up this blog without mentioning a place that’s revered among locals and tourists alike—Kagawa’s Udon Mecca, which is simply referred to as “The Udon Hall.” This place is legendary and rightfully so! Not only do they serve up some of the best udon in the prefecture, but they also have the most extensive menu of toppings imaginable. From your basic scallions to unique seasonal ingredients, the possibilities are endless!
It opens bright and early, around 7 AM, and I recommend getting there right as they open to avoid the lines. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as fellow udon lovers gather to get their fix. I went with the classic udon with beef, and let me tell you—best decision ever! The beef was tender, and the broth had that perfect umami kick that made my taste buds sing.
A Must-Visit Experience
The experience of dining here is not just about the food; it’s about the communal atmosphere. You’ll find yourself sitting next to locals and fellow travelers alike, all sharing the love for udon. It’s like a big, happy family gathering, and everyone is there for the same reason: to devour some of the best noodles in Japan.
As I slurped up the last bits of my udon, I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Kagawa had once again proven that its udon scene is unparalleled, and I couldn’t have asked for a better morning adventure.
Final Thoughts: Your Udon Journey Awaits!
If you find yourself in Kagawa, make sure to prioritize a morning udon experience. It’s not just a meal; it’s an adventure that brings people together and creates beautiful memories. Whether you choose the vibrant atmosphere of Udon Baka Ichidai, the hidden charm of Udon Taro, or the legendary Udon Hall, you won’t be disappointed.
So, grab your chopsticks and get ready for a delicious journey! You never know what hidden gems you’ll discover along the way. Let your taste buds lead the way, and remember: life is too short to skip breakfast, especially when udon is involved!
Happy travels and happy slurping!
