What Are Udon & Why The Japanese Obsessed With Them – Everything You Need To Know About Japan's Famous Thick & Chewy Noodles

From Japan To Your Doorstep: Savor Authentic Japanese Udon

Introduction

Who doesn't enjoy a delicious, long, slippery, and slightly chewy noodle dish? The Japanese certainly do, taking regular noodles to the next level with their own unique and irresistible version called udon (うどん or 饂飩). Feeling curious already? Read on to find out more about this popular traditional dish that has been Japan's all-time favorite type of noodles throughout the year – from its preparation to its various tasty types to the traditional way of savoring it (yes, it involves slurping!), and even how you can relish authentic Japanese udon without stepping outside your home!

What Is Udon?

Udon is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of thick noodles made from wheat flour, often served with delicious soup stock. Udon holds such immense popularity and love in Japan that it's a must-have dish enjoyed everywhere - be it homes, restaurants, or specialty udon shops (udon-ya). Both locals and foreigners alike find themselves constantly craving the delightful flavors of these chewy noodles, and always keep coming back for more!

The Japanese prepare udon in different ways, using various cooking techniques and toppings that reflect the uniqueness of each region in the country. However,  the heart of this dish lies in the simplicity of making the noodles, allowing their mild taste to blend perfectly with any added flavors. While udon might appear to be a hot and hearty dish at first, you can actually enjoy it cold too, especially in the summer. That means you'll always have an udon type to relish, regardless of the weather!

Types of Udon Noodles

One of the greatest things about Japanese udon is that you simply can't get tired of it since stars in a variety of delightful and innovative udon recipes, each delivering a one-of-a-kind taste and experience.  Below, you'll find some of the most beloved and widely consumed udon varieties in Japan:

Kake Udon (Hot)

For those who appreciate authentic flavors, Kake udon is the most basic and simple form of these Japanese noodles.  It starts with a bowl of perfectly cooked udon noodles, generously bathed in flavorful hot tsuyu (soup broth), and finished with a satisfying garnish of green onions.

Kamaage Udon (Hot)

If you prefer your udon soft and tender, this hot version is just for you. Kamaage udon consists of freshly boiled udon noodles served without the cold-water rinse, ensuring a softer and gentler chew. You have two options to enjoy Kamaage udon - either dip the noodles in tsuyu for a rich taste or pour soy sauce over them to add a flavorful twist.

Kamatama Udon (Hot)

This udon type involves well-drained udon, which is then combined with either tsuyu or soy sauce along with a raw egg. The bright yellow egg on top isn't just a visual treat but also delights the taste buds with its creamy texture and unique flavor, making Kamatama udon a favorite for many.

Kitsune Udon (Hot/Cold)

Kitsune udon type is perfect for those who love a crispy addition to their noodles. It's served with a comforting hot broth featuring aburaage (油揚げ)—thin, crispy fried tofu sheets—placed on top of the udon noodles.

Tsukimi Udon (Hot)

Tsukimi udon is not only delicious but also carries a poetic name. The term "tsukimi" (moon gazing) is derived from the resemblance of the egg whites to clouds in the sky and the yolk to a full moon. This hearty dish is made with thick udon noodles and a clear dashi broth, complemented by aburaage seasoned to perfection with soy sauce.

Curry Udon (Hot)

Another much-loved hot udon variation is curry udon, which is perfect for warming up in the cold winter and is made by either mixing curry powder into the hot broth or pouring pre-made curry over the noodles.

Chikara Udon (Hot)

This udon variety comes with a unique twist—an addition of a chewy, soft rice cake (mochi) in the hot broth. A noteworthy fact about this dish is that the Japanese word "chikara," meaning strength, is used because it's believed that the mochi provides strength to the eater.

Tempura Udon (Hot/Cold)

If you're a fan of udon and tempura, you'll absolutely love indulging in the popular Japanese noodle soup, tempura udon. This delightful dish features delicious chewy thick wheat noodles paired with addictively crispy prawn tempura, fish cake, and garnished with chopped green onions.

Udon Etiquette: How To Eat Udon the Traditional Way 

All traditional Japanese foods have their own etiquette and special ways to enjoy them, and the deliciously sticky udon is no exception. If your udon comes with a dipping sauce, simply take a few strands of noodles, dip them into the sauce, and then enjoy.

On the other hand, if it's served in a soup or sauce, use the chopsticks to guide the noodles into your mouth. And remember to slurp like the Japanese do since it's important for cooling down the hot noodles and allows you to savor every single flavor in your mouth.

From Japan to Your Doorstep: Savor Authentic Japanese Udon

Although udon appears to be a simple blend of flour, salt, and water, mastering the art of making it from scratch requires some hands-on experience to reach the level of a Japanese udon chef. From Mastering the precise ingredient measurements, to skillfully mixing, handling, kneading, rolling, and cutting the dough  – there's definitely a lot to learn.

The great news is that you can have authentic Japanese udon delivered straight from Japan to your doorstep with just a few clicks using the e-commerce platform ZenPlus. It allows those outside Japan to easily access thousands of rare Japanese products without even stepping out of their homes. So, go ahead and savor the goodness of chewy udon!

About The Writer

Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.