Utsumi Udon: Firm Sanuki Udon, Self-Service

Utsumi Udon serves Sanuki udon in a style that is unusual for Takamatsu: very firm, sharp-edged noodles that reviewers call gōmen, or "tough noodle". The owner trained for about seven years at the well-known Sakaeda (さか枝). It runs as a classic self-service shop from 6am. You order at the counter, pick your tempura, pay, then warm your noodles in a basket and pour broth from a tap. The shop was selected for Tabelog's Kagawa Udon "Tabelog 100" in 2024.

Most reviews praise the springy, chewy noodles and the clear iriko (dried sardine) broth. Regulars recommend hiyakake (cold noodles in cold broth) as the purest way to taste them. Niku bukkake, topped with sweet-savoury simmered beef, is the other favourite. The whole anago-ten (conger-eel tempura) is often longer than 20cm and appears in almost every review as the side to order. Portions are generous: a small here equals a medium elsewhere. Reviewers also mention friendly staff and a clean room.

Waits are the most common complaint, typically 40 minutes to an hour on weekends and holidays. Regulars say service has slowed as the shop has grown busier. At peak times some reviewers found the broth lukewarm, or the noodles under-boiled or left sitting. A few called the tempura batter thick or hard, and a few found the noodles hard rather than chewy. One reviewer reported a hair in their zaru.

Reviewers in 2025–2026 paid around ¥310–340 for a small kake (hot broth), ¥370 for a small hiyakake or bukkake, ¥690 for a small niku bukkake and ¥510 for a medium zaru. Anago-ten cost about ¥170–190 and chikuwa tempura ¥120–150. A typical breakfast or lunch comes in under ¥1,000. There is no dinner service. Reviewers consistently rate the value as exceptional.

• Access: 15 minutes' walk (about 1.2 km) from Mizuta Station on the Kotoden Nagao Line.
• Hours: 6:00–15:00, or until the noodles sell out. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Booking: no reservations. Walk in and join the queue.
• Queues: expect queues at opening and on weekends and holidays. Weekdays around 10–11am or early afternoon are quieter.
• Payment: cash, electronic money and PayPay are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted.
• Seating: counter seating only. There are no private rooms and the shop cannot be booked for private use.
• Children: welcome. The shop suits families and solo diners.
• Smoking: non-smoking.
• Parking: the shop has about 15–20 tight spaces near a busy junction. Many visitors use the supermarket car park behind.