The best way to eat udon noodles is something we don't do in Australia
Plate up Here's a thing we don't really do in Australia, or any of the Western world: cold noodles. You wouldn't eat pasta cold. You wouldn't tuck into your Chinese takeaway straight from the fridge. So it can take some adjusting to appreciate the glory of Japanese udon noodles, which can be served warm but some would argue are even better when they're cold.
Udon are thick noodles made with wheat flour; a simple dough is kneaded and rolled, cut, and then the noodles boiled until tender. Classic, hot udon are served in a simple broth of dashi (made with kombu and shaved, smoked bonito called katsuobushi), seasoned with soy and mirin. This soup is sometimes topped with tempura seafood or vegetables, or occasionally tofu.
Hot udon noodles are also popularly served in a thick curry sauce, or as part of a hotpot meal. All these dishes are great. However, for the true, unadulterated taste of udon, try them cold: often served with a cold dashi broth for dipping, with sliced green onions and wasabi on the side. It's a revelation.
First serve The cooks of Japan are never afraid to take influence and ideas from other cultures and make them their own. Udon is a case in point: this style of wheat noodle came directly from China, said to have arrived some 1200 years ago via a Buddhist monk named Kukai, who returned from a study trip to China with inspiration for thick, wheat-flour noodles. Udon began as food for monks, and then as cheap sustenance for farmers. By the 17th century, however, there's evidence of shops selling udon to the masses, and a national passion was born.
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Order there One of the great things about udon is that you will find distinct local variations throughout Japan. In the city of Akita, try inaniwa udon, a thin version that is incredibly tasty served cold at Sato Yosuke (sato-yoske.co.jp).
Order here In Sydney, sample udon at Mappen (mappen.com.au). In Melbourne, head to Udon Yasan (udon-yasan.shop). In Brisbane, try Udonya Tokoton (udonyatokoton.com.au).
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