When it comes to udon in Kurashiki, Kurashiki Udon "Bukkake" Furuichi (hereafter, Furuichi) is famous.
The new store "Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi," which is the "origin of bukkake udon," opened on November 20, 2023, right in front of the Bikan Historical Area, so I decided to visit.
Let me introduce the charm of "Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi."
What is "Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi"
"Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi" is located right next to the Bikan Historical Area, across the road from the Kurashiki International Hotel.
It has a different concept from the existing store, and there were many new attractions. The three charms I felt are as follows.
- Traditional House-style Interior
- Exhibition on the History of Furuichi
- Second Floor Dining Space
Traditional House-style Interior
First, as you enter, there is a narrow passage leading to the back.
Once you pass through, it becomes a dining space with table and counter seats.
The interior is designed in a traditional house style.
I sat at the counter seat, and right in front of me was the kitchen. It was nice to see the cooking happening right in front of me.
Inside the store, they were boiling udon in a pressure cooker.
It seems that shops using pressure cookers are rare, and by using this pressure cooker, the noodles become chewy.
In fact, seeing the pressure cooker right in front of me was quite impactful.
Exhibition on the History of Furuichi
Inside the store, there was a display of the history of Furuichi.
Tracing the history of Furuichi, it began with the founder, Hiroshi Furuichi, selling ice candies, and later he also sold steamed buns.
It's interesting to learn about this unexpected history that is hard to imagine from the current Furuichi.
Second Floor Dining Space
There is also a dining space on the second floor.
It can be used for both individual and group dining.
In the future, there seems to be a plan to incorporate a gallery-like element to make it resemble a museum.
There are microphones, sound equipment, and projectors available, so it can also accommodate events and banquets.
Enjoying the Specialty Bukkake Udon
Ordering is done via a touch panel system.
All menus come with pictures, making it easy for foreign visitors to order.
I ordered the shop's recommended "Lotus Root and Shrimp Tempura Bukkake Udon".
The tempura that was brought to me included lotus root, shrimp, eggplant, maitake mushrooms, shiso, and okra.
It's nice to see that there are two shrimp included.
The lotus root used is from Tsurajima Lotus Root.
I enjoyed it with tempura dipping sauce, matcha salt, and plum salt.
When I tried it, the texture seemed softer compared to regular lotus root. It also had a sticky quality and was delicious.
Tasting in Bizen Ware
Bukkake udon is served in Bizen ware.
The rustic flavor of Bizen ware enhances the udon, bringing out its deliciousness even more.
It seems that the Bizen ware used is specially made for Bukkake-an Furuichi.
For dessert, there was Shiratama zenzai.
At Bukkake-an Furuichi, it seems that Shiratama zenzai is included with all set menus.
Furuichi originally started as a manju shop, so they are particular about their anko (sweet red bean paste).
This anko is made by artisans and pairs well with the chewy shiratama.
Souvenir Corner
Right next to the entrance of the shop, there is a souvenir corner.
You can buy their proud udon, so you can enjoy the taste of Furuichi at home. In addition to udon, anko and wagashi are also on sale.
Bukkake-an Furuichi is different in interior design, dishes, and atmosphere from existing stores.
In the tourist area of the Bikan Historical Area, there are many attractions that can become part of your travel memories.
I spoke with Akira Tanaka, the area manager of Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi.
Data of Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi
| Name | Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-1-16 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-435-3900 |
| Parking | None There is a municipal parking lot nearby |
| Business Hours | Business hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Available |
| Seating | 26 seats on the first floor, 48 seats on the second floor |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi |
