Udon Iori - A noodle shop that continues to preserve the flavors inherited from its master while overcoming disasters.

Did you know that the Bichu region in Okayama Prefecture has a long history as a noodle destination?

In the past, wheat production was thriving, and the region had good weather, making it a noodle hub.
The history dates back to around the 9th century, with records of offerings to the imperial court.

Even now, in the southwestern part of Okayama Prefecture, the production of hand-stretched noodles is active, and there are unique noodle dishes such as Bukkake udon from Kurashiki and Kasaoka ramen.

Moreover, Yakage Town, which retains the atmosphere of a post town from the Edo period, has also been a significant wheat-growing area and a historical noodle destination.
Even now, there are many udon shops in the town.

In such Yakage Town, there is a shop dedicated to making udon.
The shop is called "Udon Iori".

Tatsuro Seno, who runs Udon Iori, desperately requested to become an apprentice to the renowned udon craftsman, Moriya, who is famous locally for his udon skills.

He learned the techniques as the last apprentice.

However, the shop was affected by the "July 2018 Heavy Rain" disaster.
After the disaster, with the support of friends and crowdfunding, the shop reopened.

We would like to introduce "Udon Iori," which continues to preserve the taste of udon inherited from his master in the land of Yakage, known for its udon.

What is Udon Iori? A noodle shop located inside the JA agricultural product direct sales center "Kirari" along National Route 486

Udon Iori (hereafter referred to as Iori) is located almost in the center of Yakage Town.

The location is along National Route 486, which runs east-west through Yakage, inside the JA (Agricultural Cooperative) Kurashiki Kasaya-operated agricultural product direct sales center "Yakage Shukuba no Aozora Market Kirari".

About 300 meters to the east is "Shoku Kobo Tsuo".

▼Iori's shop is on the right side of the building when facing it.

▼In front of the shop, there is a banner with the shop's name written on it, so please use it as a landmark.

Iori is operated by a sushi shop called "Oda-zushi" located in the Oda district, about 2 km west of Kirari.

Iori opened in 2010 (Heisei 22).
Since then, it has become a popular udon shop visited by many customers, mainly local residents.

▼The interior of the shop is very spacious.

▼There are counter seats and table seats, and the space between the tables is wide, making it easy to use for both individuals and families. There are also high chairs for children.

Iori is a self-service udon shop. Be sure to purchase a meal ticket from the vending machine in advance. The vending machine is located near the entrance.

After purchasing the meal ticket, please show it to the staff.

After finishing your meal, return the dishes to the return area.

Please note that Iori shares a parking lot with "Kirari".
It has a spacious parking lot along the national road, making it easy to stop by.

Popular and recommended menu items at Udon Iori

Iori has a wide variety of menu items.
Among them, we will introduce the popular and recommended menu items.

By the way, udon can be upgraded to a large size (2 servings) for an additional 100 yen (tax included) or to a super large size (3 servings) for an additional 150 yen (tax included).

Iori's specialty "Kitsune Udon"

"Kitsune Udon" is the signature udon of Iori.
There was a picture of it on the banner at the entrance.

The price of Kitsune Udon is 600 yen (tax included).

▼The fried tofu on top of the udon is so large that it covers the bowl, and it has thickness, making a strong impression.

Indeed, first, you should try this impactful, thick fried tofu.
Not only is it large, but it is also well-soaked with flavor, giving it a substantial feel.

As you eagerly take a big bite of the fried tofu, the sweet juice gradually seeps out and spreads in your mouth.

The sweet flavor is well-infused, making the fried tofu delicious on its own.

Furthermore, when you soak the fried tofu in the udon broth and take a bite, the collaboration of the sweet juice and the dashi (broth) is delightful.
This is the essence of Kitsune Udon!

In fact, Iori is particular about the fried tofu as well.
Originally, it was made by a long-established tofu shop in Yakage, but that shop closed down.

It seems that it was difficult to find a shop that could make thick fried tofu, and they finally managed to ask the current shop to make it.

▼The noodles are thick and have a moderate chewiness.

When you slurp and chew the noodles, they have a very chewy texture.

This feels a bit different from the smooth Sanuki udon.
It becomes even more delicious when combined with the broth.

▼Enjoy the broth made with dashi directly taught by Master Moriya.

When you take a sip of the broth, surprisingly, it doesn't have a strong soy sauce flavor.
A very gentle taste spreads out.

It is a broth with a unique flavor that has a hint of sweetness.

Three types of "Bukkake Udon"

According to the shop, Bukkake Udon comes in both cold and hot varieties, but cold Bukkake Udon is a popular menu item in summer.

Iori's Bukkake Udon includes the following three types.

▼During the interview, I ordered the Meat Bukkake (Cold) in a large size.

A variety of ingredients are beautifully arranged, whetting the appetite.

▼There are many ingredients, but you can't help but focus on the meat piled in the center.

When you try the meat, you first notice its sweetness.
As you chew, the umami gradually seeps out from the meat.

▼Iori's Bukkake is served in a style where you pour the broth over it yourself.

The moment of pouring the broth is also a fun experience.

▼Like Kitsune Udon, the noodles are thick and have a chewy texture, but they have a slightly firmer impression compared to the warm Kitsune Udon.

When you take a sip of the cold meat bukkake sauce, you can taste the sweetness along with a hint of acidity.
It leaves a very refreshing impression.

Isn't it an easy-to-eat udon for the hot summer?

Moreover, the large serving consists of two portions, but it is very filling, and I was completely satisfied.
The meat bukkake was easy to eat and delicious, so I finished the large serving in no time.

Original noodles "Chachamen" with green tea kneaded in

"Chachamen" is Iori's original noodles.

These noodles are made with tea leaves from Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, kneaded in, giving them a natural green color.

The flour used is "Bokke flour" from Okayama Prefecture, and the water used for making the noodles is high-quality underground water from Yakage, making it a carefully crafted noodle.

You can enjoy the refreshing flavor and smooth texture of green tea.

▼ The menu using chachamen is as follows.

Popular "Zaru Udon" in summer and "Kamaage Udon" in winter

According to the shop, in the hot summer, in addition to cold bukkake udon, "Zaru udon" is also popular.

In addition, in the cold winter, "Kamaage udon" is often ordered.

Many customers also order "Tempura zaru udon" and "Kamaage tempura," which come with tempura.

It might be a point that both zaru udon and kamaage udon have a small size available.

Side menu items like Inari sushi and tempura that you can enjoy the taste of a sushi restaurant

For the side menu, I recommend "Oda Sushi's Inari sushi" and tempura.

Inari sushi and tempura are products filled with the charm of Oda Sushi, the sushi restaurant that operates Iori.
They are popular because you can enjoy the taste of a sushi restaurant.

In addition to "Tempura assortment", there were also "Kakiage" and "Tempura donburi".

Since it is operated by a sushi restaurant called Oda Sushi, you can't help but want tempura and Inari sushi as well.

During the interview, the Inari sushi was sold out, so I will definitely try it next time.

Experience Japanese cuisine by making and tasting udon, sushi, and tempura

Iori also conducts experience classes where you can make and eat three types of Japanese cuisine: udon, sushi, and tempura.

The experience lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Reservations are only accepted by phone, so you need to book in advance.

▼ The fees are as follows.

Both udon and sushi are foods that children love.

Also, tempura can be difficult to fry deliciously when you make it yourself.
I think the experience class is beneficial for adults as well.

This is a unique experience class offered by "Bukkake udon Iori," which also serves sushi and catered dishes.

Please consider using the experience class with your family.

Iori has many attractive udon dishes.
I interviewed the representative director of the limited company Oda Sushi, Seno Tatsuhiro.

Bukkake Udon Iori (formerly known as Teuchi Udon An) Data

Name	Bukkake Udon Iori (formerly known as Teuchi Udon An)
Address	1109-1 Honbori, Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture (inside Kurashiki Kasaya Agricultural Cooperative Yakage-juku's Aozora Market Kirari)
Contact	0866-82-1221
Parking	Available Shared with "Kirari"
Business Hours	11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Regular Holidays	None Closed during New Year holidays
Payment Methods	Cash Purchase tickets in advance at the ticket vending machine
Reservation Availability	No Experience classes are by reservation only
Seating	36 seats ・Counter seats against the wall: 10 ・Counter seats by the window: 6 ・4-person table seats: 3 ・8-person table seat: 1
Smoking	Completely non-smoking
Restroom	Western-style toilet, barrier-free toilet
Childcare	Diaper changing sheet Shared with "Kirari"
Barrier-free	Barrier-free toilet Restroom shared with "Kirari" The interior has no steps, making it accessible for wheelchairs
Website	Bukkake Udon Iori Official Facebook

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