Teuchi Menya Oshima: Self-Service Udon with Iriko Broth

Teuchi Menya Oshima (手打麺や 大島) is one of the most thoroughly self-service udon shops in Kagawa. At the counter you order only a number of noodle portions (tama), in half-portion steps. You choose udon, soba or chūka soba (ramen-style noodles), or a mix such as uchū, which is udon plus chūka. You reheat the noodles yourself in a dipping basket, then pour hot, cold or concentrated bukkake broth from a row of pots on the wall. The free topping bar holds crisp fried iriko (dried sardines) and iriko oil, which reviewers describe as unlike anything elsewhere. The shop was selected for the Tabelog Udon "Tabelog 100" lists in 2020, 2022 and 2024.

Almost every review praises the clean, gentle iriko broth and the smooth, springy noodles. Iriko oil is the most-mentioned discovery. Regulars enjoy working through the combinations and come back for the domestic-wheat day on dates ending in 5. Tempura gets frequent mentions, especially the ¥50 korokke (croquette), freshly fried nasu (aubergine) and Sanuki no Mezame asparagus. The June kishimen (flat noodle) special has a cult following.

Criticism is mild. Several reviewers found the broth too light or lacking punch. A few wanted a harder Sanuki bite than these softer, chewier noodles give. One reviewer wanted crisper tempura, and one rated cleanliness only middling.

Reviewers in 2025–2026 paid around ¥350–360 for one tama, ¥460 for uchū and ¥520 for 2.5 tama. Kitsune (sweet fried tofu) was ¥140, chikuwa tempura ¥90–120, shrimp kakiage ¥200 and niku-zara (a beef side dish) ¥250. The limited curry udon cost ¥690–720. A typical lunch stays under ¥1,000. There is no dinner service, because the shop closes in mid-afternoon.

Value is exceptional. Reviewers call it cheap and filling, and many rank it as their best or second-best udon in Kagawa.

• Getting there: 625 m from Ōta Station, about a 10-minute walk. It is about 15 minutes by car from Kawaramachi Station.
• Booking: reservations are not accepted, so just walk in. Queues of 10–20 people form at opening and at lunch, but they move within minutes.
• Payment: credit cards and electronic money are not accepted. Bring cash. Reviewers also report paying with the QR apps PayPay, au Pay and Merpay.
• Seats: 40 seats with counter seating and no private rooms. Children are welcome.
• Smoking: non-smoking inside, with a smoking space outside.
• Parking: 20 spaces, including a second lot next door. Reviewers say the front lot is tight.
• Self-service: the system is confusing at first, so watch the person ahead of you. Staff help newcomers. Return your tray at the return window with the dishes sorted.
• Sell-outs: the fried iriko and the limited specials (30 servings) run out early.
• Take-out: available, and orders are accepted by phone.