Overview
Udon (うどん) are thick Japanese noodles made from wheat flour. They are thicker and chewier than soba noodles, with a white color. Udon is widely available at restaurants throughout Japan and is prepared in a variety of hot and cold dishes.
Popular Udon Dishes
Below is a list of udon dishes that tourists will commonly find at restaurants across Japan. Note that there are some regional differences in naming and seasoning.
Zaru Udon noodles are chilled and served on a bamboo mat. They come with a dipping sauce, and you dip the noodles before eating. This dish is very similar to Zaru Soba, with the only difference being the type of noodle.
Kake Udon is a basic udon dish served in a hot broth that covers the noodles. It has no toppings and is usually garnished only with green onions. In the Osaka region, Kake Udon is also known as Su Udon.
Kamaage Udon noodles are served in hot water, accompanied by a variety of seasonings and a dipping sauce. Some places serve individual portions in small wooden bowls, while others offer family-sized servings in large shared wooden tubs.
Tanuki Udon is served in a hot broth topped with leftover deep-fried tempura batter (tenkasu). This dish is not usually served in Osaka, as tenkasu is often available for free at udon restaurants there.
Kitsune Udon is served in a hot broth with aburaage (thin sheets of fried tofu) placed on top of the udon noodles.
Tsukimi Udon ("Moon Viewing Udon"), like its soba counterpart, features a raw egg on top of the udon noodles, meant to resemble the moon.
Tempura Udon is usually served in a hot broth with tempura pieces placed on top of the noodles. Sometimes, the tempura is served on a separate dish beside the bowl or tray of noodles. Tempura ingredients vary by season and shop.
Curry Udon is udon noodles served in a bowl of Japanese curry. It is a popular winter dish because it is very warming. Since eating curry udon can be messy, some restaurants offer disposable bibs. If not provided, take care to avoid splashing curry on your clothes.
Chikara Udon is udon noodles served with a rice cake (mochi) added to the hot broth. The Japanese word "chikara" means strength, as it is thought that the mochi gives strength to the person eating it.
Nabeyaki Udon is a dish cooked and served in a hot pot (nabe). The udon noodles are cooked directly in the nabe with broth and vegetables. Tempura is a common addition before serving, but typical ingredients include mushrooms, egg, kamaboko (a pink and white steamed fish cake), and various vegetables. Many shops serve this dish only during the colder months.