Near Kibinomakibi Station in the heart of Mabi, there is a udon restaurant loved by people of all ages.
The restaurant is called “Teuchi Udon Saruya.”
The restaurant was damaged in the July 2018 torrential rains, but it moved to a new location and reopened as a new restaurant on April 1, 2020.
We spoke with owner Yuki Shibata about what makes the udon at Teuchi Udon Saruya so appealing that you’ll want to keep coming back, and how he feels now that he has made a fresh start.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in December 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is Teuchi Udon Saruya?
Teuchi Udon Saruya is a udon restaurant opened in 2011 in Yata, Mabi, by its owner, who is from Mabi.
The restaurant was completely destroyed in the July 2018 torrential rains, but in September, it resumed business in a temporary tent set up in the owner’s home garage. It then operated out of a container house from May to September 2019.
After closing for about six months, it opened on April 1, 2020, about a two-minute walk from the north exit of Kibinomakibi Station.
Look for the sign featuring a charming monkey illustration.
The illustration was drawn when the owner’s son, who was born in the same Year of the Monkey as his father, was in preschool.
There is outdoor seating in front of the restaurant where you can eat and smoke.
The interior is bright and filled with sunlight, with a stylish atmosphere reminiscent of a cafe.
The wooden tables and chairs give the space a warm feel.
Partitions have been installed as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Teuchi Udon Saruya Menu
▼ Saruya’s menu features 18 kinds of udon.
▼ Oden is available seasonally in winter. Udon is also available for takeout.
Now, let’s place an order.
Menu items and prices include tax. Prices are as of December 2022.
Freshly Fried Shrimp Tempura and Sweet-and-Savory Beef! Hearty Meat and Tempura Udon
When it comes to Saruya’s udon, it’s all about the shrimp tempura!
It’s a must-try.
During our visit, we ordered the meat and tempura udon.
The shrimp tempura is so large it sticks out over the edge of the bowl.
It’s fried to order, so you can enjoy it piping hot.
When the shrimp tempura is dipped into the broth, it crackles!
The oil from the shrimp tempura blends just right with the light broth, creating a perfect balance.
Beneath the shrimp tempura is a generous serving of beef seasoned with a sweet-and-savory flavor.
It also comes with kamaboko, green onions, and wakame seaweed.
The noodles are slightly thin, with a pleasant chew and a soft, springy texture.
The smooth, easy-to-slurp udon is made with Men Hakutoka noodles from Oda Zou Flour Milling.
Enjoy a Light, Refreshing Broth. Kitsune Udon with a Generous Piece of Fried Tofu
If you want to savor the broth, we recommend kake udon or kitsune udon.
The well-balanced broth has a gentle flavor that’s easy to drink right down to the last drop.
The piece of fried tofu in the kitsune udon is very large and satisfying.
Takeout Available! Assorted Tempura with a Delightful Crunch
If you’re looking for a hearty meal, the assorted tempura is also a great choice.
The assorted tempura includes:
- Shrimp
- Onion
- Chikuwa
- Eggplant
- Pumpkin
Freshly fried tempura offers a crisp texture and the natural sweetness of its ingredients.
Teuchi Udon Saruya welcomes customers of all ages, especially local residents.
We asked owner Yuki Shibata how he feels now, about nine years after starting his own restaurant.
Teuchi Udon Saruya Information
| Name | Teuchi Udon Saruya |
|---|---|
| Address | 1117-44 Yata, Mabi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-697-1124 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closes when the noodles sell out) |
| Closed | Mondays and irregular days |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 30 seats Counter: 4 seats Three tables seating six |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Saruya: Official Instagram |
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