Sanuki udon facts for kids
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| Alternative names | 讃岐うどん |
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| Type | Japanese noodles (udon) |
| Place of origin |  Japan |
| Region or state | Kagawa Prefecture |
| Main ingredients | Wheat flour, salt |
Sanuki udon (讃岐うどん) is a very popular type of udon noodle from Japan. It comes from the Kagawa Prefecture, but you can find it all over Japan now. These noodles are special because they are square-shaped with flat edges and have a really chewy texture.
Contents
What Makes Sanuki Udon Special?
Sanuki udon is known for its unique texture. It's often described as being very chewy, which is a big part of why people love it.
Local Ingredients
For a truly traditional Sanuki udon, the ingredients should come from the local area. This includes:
- Special wheat flour
- Salt
- Niboshi (dried young sardines) for making the delicious soup broth and dipping sauce.
Many udon restaurants now focus only on making this chewy Sanuki-style udon. You can often tell if a shop specializes in it because the word "Sanuki" in Japanese (さぬき) will be in the shop's name or on its sign.
How Sanuki Udon is Served
Sanuki udon is usually served in a few different ways:
- As a noodle soup, where the noodles are in a flavorful broth.
- As kamaage, which means the noodles are served in plain hot water. You then dip them into a special sauce before eating.
The Broth
Originally, the broth for Sanuki udon in Kagawa Prefecture was made with local ingredients. Today, different kinds of dashi (Japanese soup stock) are used across Japan. These broths can vary in how strong they taste and what ingredients they use, like more expensive Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name "Sanuki udon" comes from the old name for Kagawa Prefecture, which used to be called Sanuki Province.
Sanuki Udon in Pop Culture
Sanuki udon has even appeared in popular culture! It was featured in the 2016 Japanese animated TV show, Poco's Udon World.
See also
- In Spanish: Sanuki udon para niños
