"Sara udon" is known as one of Nagasaki's specialties.

Nowadays, it is a local gourmet dish that has spread all over the country, and is even featured on school lunch menus. But did you know that there are several different types and characteristics of "sara udon"?

This time, we will explain the appeal of "Sara Udon," a specialty born in Nagasaki.

What is Nagasaki's local gourmet dish "Sara Udon"?

Sara udon is a dish made of crispy noodles topped with a sauce containing meat and vegetables. There are two types of noodles: thick and thin, and locals sometimes refer to them differently.

Another feature is that the way it is made differs depending on the thickness of the noodles. For thick noodles, the soup is added to the stir-fried noodles and allowed to soak until it is absorbed. On the other hand, for thin noodles, the noodles are stir-fried (or fried) and then topped with a thick sauce to finish.

In Nagasaki, on annual occasions such as Obon and New Year's, or when family and relatives gather together, people often order delivery from a nearby restaurant and share sara udon noodles served on a large platter with everyone.

The origin and history of Sara Udon

Nagasaki's Sara Udon was created in 1899 (Meiji 32) as a soup-less version of champon by the owner of a Chinese restaurant who also invented champon. At the time, noodle dishes were served in deep bowls, but this time the dish was served on a plate, and it is said that the name was chosen due to its surprising appearance.

Recently, "sara udon," which consists of thin, crispy noodles topped with a sauce, has become popular, but the original sara udon was made using thick noodles made for champon.

The noodles are fried together with the other ingredients, pork bones and chicken stock are added, and the dish is then finished. As you can see, sara udon requires steps such as frying and deep-frying the noodles, and thick noodles can take a long time to cook. For this reason, it is said that thinner noodles were gradually adopted.

Ingredients and recipe for Sara Udon

In fact, "sara udon" can be easily made using just one frying pan.

Its ingredients are diverse, including pork, shrimp, squid, cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, kamaboko (fish cake), and quail eggs. Pork is added to a frying pan with oil and stir-fried, and once cooked, shrimp, squid, and other vegetables are added and stir-fried. Once cooked, add the flavorful soup, season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, etc., thicken with potato starch, and the sauce is complete. Pour this over the noodles and your "sara udon" is ready.

The restaurant's Sara Udon is made by first arranging the fried noodles on a plate, then pouring over a thick sauce made from vegetables quickly sautéed over high heat. When it's freshly made, you can enjoy the crispy texture of the noodles.

The appeal of Sara Udon and how to eat it deliciously

The combination of crispy noodles and thick sauce is a perfect match, and is one of the best things about sara udon.

It's delicious just as it is, but if you add some Nagasaki-made Worcestershire sauce or vinegar, which is available on the table, it will add a rich and refreshing flavor, and you can enjoy the change in taste. Also, as the noodles soften over time, they become so delicious that you'll find yourself eating them one after another. It seems that many customers choose to enjoy these soft noodles.

The soup used in sara udon is often made from a blend of pork bones and chicken bones, giving it a rich, full-bodied, mellow flavor. Nagasaki sara udon is so satisfying that people often order a large portion and share it. Please do try the authentic taste.

Tourist attractions in Nagasaki

From here, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots in Nagasaki City.

Oura Cathedral: Japan's oldest church with an exotic atmosphere

Oura Cathedral, built in 1864, is a Gothic-style church representative of medieval European architecture.

It was built for foreign residents after the country opened up to the outside world at the end of the Edo period, and the vibrant stained glass inside the cathedral is one of its highlights. It was designated a national treasure in 1933 and 1953 as the oldest surviving church in Japan, and the beautiful exterior walls and the solemn atmosphere inside the church are definitely worth a visit.

There are many attractions in the area, such as Glover Garden, and it is a spot where you can fully enjoy Nagasaki's history and delicious cuisine.

Glover Garden: Remnants of the Edo and Meiji periods

At that time, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce concluded by the Edo Shogunate opened the port of Nagasaki to many foreign merchants. Glover Garden became their "concession."

This place is lined with buildings that combine Japanese-style roof tiles with Western-style architecture, allowing you to get a real feel for what life was like from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period. From mid-July to early October, the area is lit up at night, creating a romantic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. In addition to being able to experience foreign cultures while still in Japan, it's also a great way to commemorate your visit to Nagasaki.

It is said that if you find a heart stone on the cobblestones in the park, touch it and make a wish, your love will come true.

A popular night view spot in Nagasaki: Mount Inasa

Mount Inasa, which has been selected as one of the "New Top Three Night Views in the World," is a popular spot in Nagasaki for its beautiful night views. The view from the observation deck is filled with colorful lights that shine brilliantly, and is even called the "10 million dollar night view."

The view during the day is also beautiful, and you can get a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port while feeling the sea breeze. At Inasayama Park near the summit, you can feed monkeys and deer, and there is also a playground where children can play, making it a great place for a family walk.

You can also enjoy the night view and a meal at the restaurant on the observation deck, so be sure to check it out.

Access to Nagasaki City

From here, I will introduce how to access Nagasaki City.

If you are traveling from the Kanto, Chubu, or Kinki regions, flying is the most convenient option. It takes about two hours from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Nagasaki Airport, and about an hour and a half from Nagoya's Chubu Centrair International Airport. If you are traveling from Shikoku or Kyushu, it is best to use the limited express or Shinkansen.

From Hakata Station to Nagasaki Station, you can take the limited express train and the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, and it takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

Location of Nagasaki Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Nagasaki's local gourmet dish, "Sara Udon."

Sara udon has been a popular dish since the Meiji era, and the way it is made and the thickness of the noodles have changed over the years to allow more people to enjoy it. Please try the combination of the thick sauce and carefully selected noodles.

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