Kokura Yaki Udon with Dried Noodles and Savory Sauce
Kokura yaki udon boils dried udon, drains it well and fries it on a hot griddle with pork belly, cabbage and onion before seasoning it with sauce, fish shavings and often local sake. The use...
At a glance
| Name | Kokura Yaki Udon with Dried Noodles and Savory Sauce (Yaki Udon) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Fukuoka |
| Region | Kyushu & Okinawa |
| Type | Kokura-style stir-fried dried udon with pork, cabbage and sauce |
What is it?
Kokura yaki udon boils dried udon, drains it well and fries it on a hot griddle with pork belly, cabbage and onion before seasoning it with sauce, fish shavings and often local sake.
The use of dried noodles distinguishes the Kokura origin style from generic stir-fried udon made with precooked or frozen noodles.
History and local context
Kokura tradition dates the dish to 1945, when Darumado in Uomachi substituted dried udon because Chinese noodles for yakisoba were difficult to obtain after the war.
The local research group defines seven elements—dried noodles, Wakamatsu cabbage, pork belly, sweetened onion, a researched sauce, horse-mackerel or mackerel shavings, and Kokura sake—with at least five used in its origin style.
How to enjoy it
Eat it immediately to compare the browned surface and resilient center of the noodles. Look for dried udon, pork, cabbage, sauce and fish shavings when seeking the Kokura style rather than a generic seafood version.
At home, boil dried udon slightly firm, drain thoroughly, fry without crowding the pan and check wheat, pork, fish and soy ingredients in the noodles, sauce and toppings.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kokura Yaki Udon with Dried Noodles and Savory Sauce from?
It is associated with Fukuoka, in the Kyushu & Okinawa region of Japan.
What kind of food is Kokura Yaki Udon with Dried Noodles and Savory Sauce?
This guide classifies it as kokura-style stir-fried dried udon with pork, cabbage and sauce. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Kokura Yaki Udon with Dried Noodles and Savory Sauce online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
This section contains an advertising affiliate link to Rakuten Japan.