Hatogaya Sauce Yaki udon, a specialty of Hatogaya in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, gained nationwide attention after appearing on the popular TV show “Meshidora” and is now available at 7-Eleven. Since its creation in 2008, locals have proudly embraced it as a signature dish, known for its rich oyster and bonito-flavored sauce paired with chewy noodles made from 100% Saitama wheat. A partnership between 7-Eleven and Kawaguchi City recently made it easier for people to enjoy this authentic and beloved dish, now recognized as one of Japan’s top five fried udon noodles. Read on to find out more about this well-loved Japanese meal.
What is Sauce yaki udon?
Sauce Yaki Udon is a tasty Japanese dish that uses thick udon noodles. “Yaki” means “fry” or “grill” in Japanese. So, Yaki Udon is udon noodles that are stir-fried. This is different from regular udon, usually served in soup. Udon noodles are thick and chewy. Hatogaya Sauce Yakiudon is a local specialty from Hatogaya in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, created in 2008 as part of a city revitalization project. The local youth group, city hall, and Bulldog Sauce Co., Ltd. developed the dish together, using a bold sauce rich in oyster and bonito flavor—a nod to the area’s former sauce factory. Chewy noodles made from 100% Saitama-grown wheat pair perfectly with the sauce, and each store stir-fries the dish with its own selected ingredients. Its unique taste quickly gained popularity, earning it a spot among Japan’s Top Five Fried Udon Noodles.
The Story Behind Sauce Yaki Udon
Stir-fried udon has been a part of Japanese cooking for a long time. Hatogaya Sauce Yaki Udon is a special type of this dish. Created in 2008 in Hatogaya, a part of Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture. They make this dish to help bring new life to the town. The former Hatogaya City started it as a local food attraction.
Hatogaya Sauce Yakiudon has a special sauce. The local youth group, the city hall, and Bulldog Sauce Co., Ltd. worked together to make it. This was possible because Hatogaya used to be a town known for sauce factories. The sauce tastes rich with oyster and bonito flavors. Locals make these noodles from wheat grown only in Saitama. This makes them chewy and a good match for the sauce. Using local wheat and the town’s history with sauce-making gives the dish its special identity.
Hatogaya Sauce Yaki Udon became popular quickly. Now known as one of Japan’s Five Great Yaki Udon dishes. It is a well-known “B-grade gourmet” food from Saitama.
Restaurants
Make sure they are still open before you go.
Okonomiyaki Asayan （あさやん）
A professional okonomiyaki specialty restaurant where you can enjoy authentic sauce yakiudon grilled by experts. The tempura flakes (agedama) add a unique accent, providing distinctive texture and flavor. With long evening hours and a family-friendly atmosphere, this local favorite offers the luxury of enjoying both yakiudon and okonomiyaki. Known as a beloved long-established restaurant in the community with an excellent reputation.
Izakaya Michiyo (居酒屋 美千代)
Famous for its mild-flavored sauce yakiudon topped with a soft-boiled sunny-side-up egg. Using Sanuki udon, it features a distinctively chewy texture. This cozy izakaya offers a gentle egg flavor that mellows the rich sauce, creating a taste loved by people of all ages. The warm, community-focused hospitality is also one of its charms, making it a neighborhood gem.
Cafe Sammy (カフェレストラン・サミー)
Restaurant Information: A cafe offering nutritious sauce yakiudon packed with plenty of vegetables and seafood. The udon is thoroughly flavored throughout, featuring a mild and rich texture. Popular with families due to its long daytime hours, this restaurant is recommended for health-conscious customers, providing well-balanced dishes rich in vegetables. The cafe atmosphere makes it perfect for casual dining.
Takeaway
Sauce Yaki Udon is a great example of how flexible and comforting Japanese food can be. It is a satisfying stir-fried noodle dish with thick, chewy udon noodles covered in a tasty sauce. The special story of Hatogaya Sauce Yaki Udon shows how local food can help a town and become famous for its unique taste. This dish is a true example of easy-to-get and delicious Japanese comfort food.
If you like Sauce Yaki Udon and want to try similar Japanese noodle dishes, you might enjoy Yakisoba and Soba noodles.
FAQ
Sauce Yaki Udon (ソース焼きうどん, Saitama) FAQ
- What is Sauce Yaki Udon?
Sauce Yaki Udon is a local specialty of Saitama, featuring thick wheat udon noodles stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and a rich Worcestershire-style sauce.
- How is it different from Yakisoba?
Unlike yakisoba (made with thinner Chinese-style noodles), Sauce Yaki Udon uses chewy Japanese udon noodles, giving it a heartier texture.
- Where in Saitama can I try it?
It’s especially famous in cities like Kumagaya and Fujioka, where local restaurants and food stalls serve it as a regional comfort food.
- What does it taste like?
The dish has a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor from the special sauce, combined with the chewy bite of udon noodles.
- Is it a festival or everyday food?
Both! You can find it at festivals as a street food favorite, and also at local eateries throughout the year.
- Is it vegetarian-friendly?
Traditional versions include pork or chicken, but vegetarian versions can be found if you ask for vegetables only.
- Can I buy it as a souvenir?
Some local shops sell instant or frozen versions of Sauce Yaki Udon, making it possible to take home the regional flavor.
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