Must-Try Udon in Kagawa / Episode 1: Kodawari Menya

This is a series where I introduce udon restaurants that I truly recommend —
not as a tourist, but as a local from Kagawa.

For the first episode,
Kodawari Menya.

“It’s a Chain… Is It Really That Good?”

Kagawa has over 500 udon restaurants,
and Kodawari Menya is one of the largest chains in the prefecture, with multiple locations.

So you might be thinking:
“Isn’t a chain restaurant just average?”

Not in Kagawa.

People here are extremely serious about udon.
If a restaurant isn’t good, it simply won’t survive.

The fact that Kodawari Menya has expanded so widely
is proof that locals trust and love it.

What Makes It Special

1. Perfectly Balanced Noodles

The noodles strike a perfect balance between firmness and elasticity.

• Served cold: firm and satisfyingly chewy
• Served hot: soft, smooth, and pleasantly springy

The texture changes depending on how you eat it — and that’s part of the experience.

2. The Broth Everyone Talks About

Ask anyone — locals or visitors —
and you’ll hear the same thing:

“The broth is amazing.”

3. A Health-Conscious Innovation

What makes the broth even more impressive
is the story behind it.

Kagawa has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Japan,
partly due to its strong udon culture.

To address this, Kodawari Menya made a bold decision:
they completely removed sugar from their broth.

Instead, they use something called
rare sugar, a natural sweetener known to help control blood sugar levels.

Hundreds of Trials to Get It Right

Creating a healthy broth without sacrificing taste wasn’t easy.

According to the company’s president,
it took hundreds of attempts to perfect the flavor and color.

The result is a broth that is
both incredibly delicious and healthier than traditional versions.

Attention to Detail

Even the toppings reflect this commitment.

Green onions are grown in-house,
and pesticide use is kept to a minimum.

Every detail is carefully considered.

Fast, Efficient — Even at Peak Hours

Even during busy lunch hours,
you won’t be stuck waiting in long lines.

Thanks to the highly efficient and fast-moving staff,
service is quick and smooth.

This is one of the reasons locals keep coming back.

What You Should Definitely Try

If you visit, there’s one dish you shouldn’t miss:

“Bukkake Udon” — often said to have one of the best broths in Kagawa

It’s simple, but that’s exactly why it stands out.

You can truly taste the depth of the broth
and the quality of the noodles in every bite.

A Safe First Choice in Kagawa

With so many udon restaurants in Kagawa,
it can be hard to decide where to go.

If you want a place you can trust, start with Kodawari Menya.

Don’t Just Eat — Experience It Like a Local

The timing, the way you order,
and even how you eat can change the experience.

Join me, and I’ll take you at the best time to avoid crowds and enjoy udon at its freshest — just like a local.