The Buzz is Real: Sukesan Udon Opens in Narita! Beloved Noodles from Kitakyushu Take Over Tokyo and Osaka

When I heard the news that Sukesan Udon Narita had just opened its doors in Chiba prefecture the other day, I just couldn't resist hopping in the car for a visit. Being a Kitakyushu native, seeing that familiar Sukesan Udon curtain sign just gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling. And it's not just Narita – they've had the Sukesan Udon Minami-Kashiwa store going for a while now, and word is they've even opened a Sukesan Udon Amagasaki Amadu store over in Hyogo. They're on a proper mission to take over Tokyo and Osaka!

What's the Craic with Kitakyushu's Soul Food?

When you think of Sukesan, it has to be the legendary combo: meat udon and botamochi (sweet rice cake). The way the sweet and savoury beef mingles with those soft, springy noodles is just perfection. It's got this wonderfully nostalgic taste, a bit different from the darker soy sauce flavours you get here in the east. And to finish, you can tuck into a botamochi – you've got your choice of smooth or chunky red bean paste. It's a winner with everyone, from the local grandparents right down to the young ones.

Another brilliant thing about Sukesan? Most of their spots are open 24/7. There's nothing quite like wandering in late at night, slurping a piping hot bowl of noodles, and thinking, "Ah, that's the stuff." No doubt we'll be seeing plenty of that scene in Narita and Amagasaki before long.

A Quick Guide to the Shops: Which One to Visit?

Here's a quick rundown of the shops that are on everyone's lips. Just a little taster of what makes each spot special.

• Sukesan Udon Narita Store (Narita, Chiba): Being so close to Narita Airport, it's already a massive hit with tourists and aviation workers. It's been heaving with locals since the moment it opened. Plenty of space inside and a good-sized car park, so it's dead-on for families.
• Sukesan Udon Minami-Kashiwa Store (Kashiwa, Chiba): Handy for the Joban Line. This spot's already become a firm favourite with the locals here in Kashiwa, a real hub for young people well into the night.
• Sukesan Udon Uomachi Store (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka): This is the holy grail. Tucked away in the Uomachi Gintengai shopping arcade, it's dripping with Showa-era retro charm. If you want a taste of the brand's history from the very beginning, this is an absolute must-visit.
• Sukesan Udon Amagasaki Amadu Store (Amagasaki, Hyogo): Their first venture into the Kansai region. It's inside the Amadu shopping complex, so it's perfect for a quick bite while you're out running errands. It'll be mighty craic seeing how they get on in the heartland of Kansai udon culture.

Sukesan Udon is One to Watch

Seeing this taste of home, this Kitakyushu soul food, spread its wings across the country like this just fills my heart. What's class is that they're not just opening shops for the sake of it; every single one feels like it's putting down proper roots in the local community. If you've never been, do yourself a favour and find your nearest Sukesan Udon. Grab a bowl of that meat udon and let out a satisfied "Ah, that's pure tasty." Close your eyes and you might just catch a whisper of that Kitakyushu breeze.