Best Udon
Sanuki udon is a traditional Japanese wheat noodle originating from Kagawa Prefecture, formerly known as the Sanuki region. The noodles are distinguished by their square, flat cross-section and a notably firm, chewy texture achieved through a specific kneading and resting process. They are typically...
Why this score?
Benchmark udon style celebrated throughout Japan for exceptional chew, clean flavor, and preparation versatility; few substantive weaknesses when freshly made.
Scoring methodology
Inaniwa udon is a traditional Japanese wheat noodle originating from the Inaniwa area of Akita Prefecture. Produced using a hand-stretched method, the noodles are dried for extended periods, resulting in a distinctively thin, flat, and smooth texture. They were historically developed in the 17th cen...
Why this score?
Premium hand-stretched udon acclaimed for refined smoothness and delicate texture; high cost and less assertive chew reduce broad accessibility.
Scoring methodology
Misonikomi udon is a regional Japanese specialty originating from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. The dish is distinguished by its dark broth made from hatcho miso and dashi stock. Thick, chewy udon noodles are simmered directly in this savory broth alongside ingredients like chicken, pork, kamaboko, an...
Why this score?
Esteemed Nagoya comfort food with robust hatcho miso character and substantial noodles; dense saltiness and firmness can polarize newcomers.
Scoring methodology
Mentaiko udon is a Japanese dish consisting of thick wheat noodles topped or mixed with spicy, marinated cod or pollock roe, butter, and soy sauce. The dish utilizes the savory and umami qualities of mentaiko to create a rich, coating sauce for the dense noodles. It emerged as a popular comfort food...
Why this score?
Widely enjoyed modern combination of chewy udon and savory spicy roe; richness and pronounced seafood salinity limit universal appeal.
Scoring methodology
Curry Udon offers a comforting bowl of Japanese cuisine. It features thick udon noodles immersed in a mild, savory curry broth created using dashi and curry roux. This dish is popular for those seeking a warming and flavorful noodle soup experience, particularly appreciated by fans of Japanese curry...
Yaki Udon is a Japanese stir-fried udon dish in which thick wheat noodles are pan-fried with vegetables, meat, or seafood in a soy-based sauce, a style said to have originated in Kokura, Fukuoka, during post-WWII food shortages.
Why this score?
Popular stir-fried udon with broad appeal, valued for chewy noodles, though less refined than classic soba or ramen.
Scoring methodology
Kitsune Udon is a traditional Japanese noodle soup consisting of thick udon noodles served in a savory dashi broth, with origins commonly traced to the Osaka region. The dish is distinguished by its topping of aburaage, or sweetened deep-fried tofu pouches, which are simmered in soy sauce, mirin, an...
Tsukimi udon is a traditional Japanese hot noodle dish named after the autumn tradition of moon viewing. It consists of thick udon noodles served in a savory broth, topped with a single raw egg yolk that visually resembles a harvest moon. Often consumed during the Tsukimi season in early autumn, the...
Why this score?
Enduring Japanese comfort dish praised for elegant simplicity and enriching egg yolk; comparatively modest complexity keeps it below top-tier udon preparations.
Scoring methodology
Ise udon is a regional Japanese noodle dish originating from Ise City in Mie Prefecture. The dish is distinguished by its extremely thick and soft noodles, which are boiled significantly longer than standard udon to achieve a tender texture. It is traditionally served with a small amount of intensel...
Why this score?
Culturally important specialty with memorable thick noodles and concentrated sauce; deliberately soft texture is frequently polarizing outside its home region.
Scoring methodology
Nabeyaki udon is a Japanese noodle dish in which thick wheat udon noodles are cooked and served in a small individual pot, traditionally an earthenware vessel. The noodles sit in a hot, seasoned broth and may be accompanied by ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, chicken, fish cake, egg, or sh...
Tofu udon is a Japanese-style dish combining thick, chewy udon noodles with tofu, usually in a hot broth or soup. The liquid may be based on dashi and soy sauce or another Japanese seasoning combination, while the tofu can be silken, firm, fried, or simmered depending on the preparation. The dish is...
