■ What is Kashiwa Udon, Kitakyushu’s Local Specialty?

If you visit Kitakyushu, one dish you absolutely must try is Kashiwa Udon. This beloved local specialty features tender, sweet-savory simmered chicken (kashiwa) served atop a bowl of udon noodles, making it a comforting and flavorful meal cherished by locals for generations.

Unlike other regions in Japan, where tempura or fried tofu (kitsune) are the most common udon toppings, Kitakyushu has a unique tradition of using kashiwa, the local term for chicken. This tradition stems from Kitakyushu’s rich history as a hub of industry, where quick, nutritious, and satisfying meals were in high demand. The combination of soft, chewy udon, delicate dashi broth, and flavorful kashiwa makes for a truly unforgettable dish.

Whether enjoyed at a train station’s standing udon shop or at a well-established local restaurant, Kashiwa Udon is an essential part of Kitakyushu’s food culture. In this article, we’ll explore the dish’s appeal, history, and where to find the best bowls in the city!

■ Why Kashiwa Udon is So Special

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet-Savory Chicken and Light Dashi Broth

The defining feature of Kashiwa Udon is its sweet-savory simmered chicken topping.

The chicken is slowly cooked in a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, making it incredibly tender and full of umami. As you eat, the flavorful juices from the kashiwa mix into the broth, gradually deepening its richness.

Kitakyushu’s udon broth is typically light and delicate, made with kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through. The result is a heartwarming, soul-satisfying bowl of udon that’s impossible to resist.

2. Kitakyushu’s Unique “Soft Udon” Culture

One thing that sets Kitakyushu’s udon apart from other regions, such as the firm-textured Sanuki udon of Kagawa, is its soft and chewy noodles.

Locals affectionately refer to it as “yawa-men” (soft noodles), and while it may surprise first-time visitors, this unique texture is what makes Kitakyushu-style udon so comforting. The soft noodles effortlessly absorb the broth’s flavors, creating a gentle and soothing eating experience.

Many Kitakyushu residents have grown up eating this style of udon, making it a nostalgic and essential part of their culinary identity.

3. The Unique Experience of Eating Kashiwa Udon on a Train Station Platform

One of the most iconic ways to enjoy Kashiwa Udon is at a standing udon shop inside a train station.

A must-visit spot is Platte Pit, located on the platforms of JR Kokura Station. This shop is a favorite among locals, travelers, and businesspeople alike, offering a quick yet deeply satisfying meal before catching a train.

The experience of standing at the counter, slurping up a steaming bowl of udon while the trains come and go, is something truly special. Many visitors leave with fond memories of that one unforgettable bowl of Kashiwa Udon eaten between train rides.

■ Where to Eat the Best Kashiwa Udon in Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu Famous Kashiwa Udon Tangae Market Branch

Kitakyushu's specialty Kashiwa Udon, which has long been loved by residents and tourists alike as a stand-up udon store located inside JR Kokura Station, is now available at Tangae Market. There are only two types of udon on the menu: “Kashiwa Udon” and “Kashiwa Soba” . Inari” is available as a side dish.

The sweet and spicy kashiwa, sticky noodles, and soup with a nostalgic aroma for Kitakyushu residents are, of course, the same as at the store inside the station. It is a great pleasure to be able to enjoy this dish, which is tasty, fast, and inexpensive, inside Tangae Market as well.

Kitakyushu Station Bento Kashiwa Udon Platte Pit, platforms 7 and 8

This is a small, cozy, and popular stand-up udon restaurant located on the station platform. They serve kashiwa udon topped with sweet and spicy seasoned chopped chicken. Take-out is also available.

■ Warm Your Heart and Soul with Kitakyushu’s Kashiwa Udon

For Kitakyushu locals, Kashiwa Udon is more than just a dish—it’s a comforting, nostalgic taste of home. The combination of sweet-savory chicken, rich dashi broth, and soft, chewy noodles creates a one-of-a-kind flavor that warms both the body and soul.

Whether you try it at a historic standing udon shop on a train platform or at a traditional udon restaurant, every bowl tells a story of Kitakyushu’s unique food culture.

Next time you visit Kitakyushu, don’t miss the chance to experience the unforgettable taste of Kashiwa Udon. One bite, and you’ll understand why it has been loved for generations!

■ Here is the area where Kashiwa Udon is available

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