The Sukesan Udon Hype Train Keeps Rolling! New Narita Branch Shows How This Kitakyushu Favourite Is Taking Over Tokyo and Kansai
When I heard the news that Sukesan Udon Narita had just opened its doors in Chiba Prefecture the other day, I just had to go check it out for myself. As someone who originally hails from Kitakyushu, spotting that signature Sukesan Udon curtain instantly makes me feel right at home. And it's not just Narita—Sukesan Udon Minami-Kashiwa has been serving the community for a while now, and apparently, a new spot, Sukesan Udon Amagasaki Amadu, has even popped up in Hyogo Prefecture. They're absolutely on a roll, taking both the Greater Tokyo and Kansai regions by storm.
What Makes Kitakyushu's Soul Food So Special?
When it comes to Sukesan Udon, you simply can't go past the classic combo: the "Nikudon" (meat udon) and their famous "Botamochi" (sweet rice cake). The way the sweet-and-salty simmered beef pairs with that soft, springy udon is just perfect. It's got this wonderfully nostalgic flavour that's distinct from the darker soy sauce broths you often see in Tokyo. And to finish, you can easily polish off a botamochi – the best bit is you get to choose between chunky red bean paste or smooth bean paste. From the local grandads and nanas right through to the younger crowd, everyone round here is hooked on this pairing.
Another brilliant thing about Sukesan is that most of their branches are open 24/7. There's nothing quite like that moment when you pop in late at night, slurp down a piping hot bowl of udon, and just think, "Ahhh, that's the stuff." I reckon scenes like that are going to become a lot more common in Narita and Amagasaki from now on.
A Quick Rundown of the Branches: Which One Should You Visit?
I've put together a quick list of the branches that are making waves at the moment, with a little bit on what makes each spot tick.
- Sukesan Udon Narita (Narita City, Chiba): Being so close to Narita Airport, it's already a hit with tourists and aviation folk. It's been absolutely buzzing with locals since the moment it opened. The place is spacious and has its own car park, so it's a safe bet for families, too.
- Sukesan Udon Minami-Kashiwa (Kashiwa City, Chiba): Super easy to get to as it's along the Joban Line. It's already got its own crew of regulars in the Kashiwa area, and it's become a bit of a late-night haunt for the younger crowd.
- Sukesan Udon Uomachi (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka): This is the holy grail. Tucked away in the Uomachi Gintengai shopping arcade, it's absolutely dripping with Showa-era retro charm. If you want to soak up the history of where it all began, this is the one place you absolutely cannot miss.
- Sukesan Udon Amagasaki Amadu (Amagasaki City, Hyogo): The brand's very first foray into the Kansai region. It's located inside the Amadu shopping complex, so it's dead easy to pop in while you're out running errands or shopping. It'll be fascinating to see how it holds its own in the heartland of Japanese udon culture.
Sukesan Udon: One To Keep Your Eyes On
Seeing this taste of Kitakyushu spread its wings and take off across the country like this makes me, as a local, incredibly proud. What's more, they're not just opening shops for the sake of it; every single branch feels like it's really putting down roots and becoming part of the local community. If you've never been, I seriously suggest you hunt down your nearest Sukesan Udon. Go on, order the Nikudon, and let out a little "Ummaka~" (that's Fukuoka dialect for 'delicious!') as you slurp it up. Trust me, you'll get a little taste of that Kitakyushu spirit.