Udon: Japanese-styled noodles in Korea

Kitsune udon, one of the udon’s Japanese variations. (Wikipedia)

Udon is a popular instant or homemade noodle dish in both Korea and Japan. They are thicker than soba noodles, white and chewier. It is a type of thick, wheat-based noodle, usually served in a mildly flavored broth which is seasoned with soy sauce and mirin. And due to the influence of the Korean drama “Pinocchio”, more people are interested in this dish.

Udon is highly popular in Japan, with one of its variations being a main dish in one of Japan’s most popular anime shows “Naruto”.

Common Udon toppings include tempura, often shrimp or fish cake, or a type of deep-fried tofu pockets seasoned with sugar, mirin, and soy sauce. A thin slice of half moon-shaped fish cake is often added, topped with thinly chopped green onions as well.

Unlike ramyun, udon has mild flavors and it can contain dried seaweeds. So if one doesn’t prefer spicy noodles, udon is the perfect substitute dish. However, both types of noodles have delicious broths which are considered to be very refreshing in taste. The flavor of broth and topping may vary from region to region in Asia, and whether it’s a meat-flavored broth or a fish-flavored one, it’s very rich in its flavor.

Udon served with a side sauce (Wikipedia).

This is even noticeable in packaged instant udon noodles, which are often sold in different versions depending on the geography.

Udon which is like other noodles-based dishes could be served both hot and cold. The preparations and the ingredients differ from one country to another around Asia. In South Korea, you can get Udon with beef or chicken or the famous fish cakes, and a side dishes you have different variations of rice, either white rice with seaweed toppings, rice with carrots and mushrooms or even fried rice.

The Japanese styled Udon can be served in numerous restaurants across South Korea, in addition to restaurant chains specializing in serving it.