Yaki udon

Yaki udon is a delightful Japanese stir-fry featuring thick, smooth udon noodles, a savory soy-based sauce, meat, and a variety of vegetables. Think of it as a cousin to yakisoba, but with the satisfyingly chewy texture of udon noodles instead of the thinner soba variety.

This dish is a favorite in Japan and is often enjoyed as a late-night snack at izakayas, which are Japanese pubs. The origins of yaki udon can be traced back to Kokura in Fukuoka Prefecture, shortly after World War II. At that time, food was scarce, and the owner of a noodle restaurant called Darumado had to get creative. Traditional soba noodles were hard to come by, so he substituted them with udon noodles, thus giving birth to yaki udon.

What makes yaki udon so special is its simplicity combined with incredible flavor. It is a dish that has stood the test of time, winning hearts both in Japan and around the globe.