As one of the most popular noodle dishes in Japan, udon has a rich and long history. In this article, we will explore interesting facts about the history of udon and its development over time. Let’s start!
The Origin of Udon
Udon is believed to have originated in China and was introduced to Japan during the Yayoi era around 2000 years ago. At first, udon was called “migan” or “mugin” and was introduced by traders from Tang China. However, over time, udon underwent a transformation and became a popular dish in Japanese society.
Udon variant
As time goes by, various variants of udon are starting to appear. One of the most famous is “Kamachiku Udon” which originates from the Edo period. At that time, udon was still made from a simple dough consisting of wheat flour, water and salt. However, as time goes by, recipes and techniques for making udon are increasingly developing.
At first it was just street vendor food
At first, udon was only found as food sold by street vendors. There are no special restaurants or eating places that serve udon. However, along with its popularity, udon began to be available in specialty restaurants and mushroomed in various places in Japan.
The Role of Udon in Japanese Culture
Udon is not only a popular dish in Japan, but also plays an important role in Japanese tradition and culture. For example, on New Year’s Eve, Japanese people often eat long udon called “Toshikoshi Soba” to honor their family and “get through” the year smoothly. Udon is also often the main dish at festivals held in Japan.
Udon in the Modern World
In this era of globalization, udon has spread throughout the world. Now, we can find udon restaurants in many countries outside Japan. In some places, udon is served with various variations and modifications to suit local tastes. This shows how popular udon dishes are and their appeal that crosses cultural boundaries.
In an effort to continue to expand knowledge about udon, several organizations even hold an “Udon Festival” every year in Japan. This festival is a gathering place for udon producers, fans and udon connoisseurs who want to celebrate this unique dish. Come on, let’s make it happen together Kanemory.