[Udon Gourmet Travelogue] #43 Udon Soba Kotohira (Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture) [Introduction to Hidden Gems]
"A bowl from a long-established Fukuoka shop, mastering both firmness and softness"
❖ Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, like a Goboten Udon
First, the dashi (broth). This is the very foundation of this land. The majesty of the Fukuoka Castle ruins, the history of Maizuru, and the elegance of Ohori—all of these have drifted through time to release their rich aroma today. A samurai must never forget their roots. Similarly, the history of this land is like a deep broth, supporting the foundation of the city.
Next, the udon noodles. Fukuoka udon is not as rigid as that of Kyoto or Sanuki. Its soft texture, which gently blends with the palate, is like the warmth of the people who live in this land. The way it accepts and mingles with merchants, artisans, and travelers alike without barriers resembles a master of the flexible sword. It is not just about strength; softness is also the ultimate secret of martial arts.
Now, the goboten (burdock tempura). This reflects the vitality and fresh breeze that breathe in this land. The streets of Tenjin and Daimyo are filled with the bustle of commerce, sophisticated townspeople culture, and even the scent of foreign lands. This is truly like a swordsman moving freely on the battlefield. In the crispy crunch of the goboten, there lies the spirit of this land.
Thus, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City is "like a Goboten Udon". The depth of its broth, the suppleness of its noodles, and the spirit of its goboten—truly, there is something here that resonates with the heart of a samurai.
❖ Store Exterior
❖ Udon Illustration
❖ Record of the Udon Meal
◎ The curtain of a cold night, the moment it opens
The winter cold stings the skin. In the crisp, clear air, I pass through the noren curtain, and the scent of dashi spreads softly. This is the work of one who has honed their craft over many years.
The name of the shop is "Udon Soba Kotohira".
The one pushing open the door is a samurai. Though his clothes are covered in the dust of a long journey, it matters not to one lured by the scent of udon. I lower my eyes, moved by the aroma of dashi that seeps into my hungry body. I recall the distant past, my childhood, the taste of the bowl my mother used to make, overlapping with this scent.
◎ The samurai's heart melting with the steam
I take my seat quietly.
The samurai murmurs softly, "A warm meal for the first time in a long while; what a blessing." A samurai should have a heart that remains unmoved by anything. Yet, before the steam rising from the pot, it is difficult to suppress the anticipation welling up within. The bowl is brought over quietly; this is the signature Kake Udon and the daily Oyakodon.
First, the udon. I take my chopsticks and lift it slowly. The slender noodles, coated in dashi, shine lustrously. As I slurp a mouthful, the sweetness of kelp and the umami of bonito and mackerel spread gently over my tongue. It is a truly gentle flavor. Though soft like Hakata udon, there is a firm core that remains.
Suddenly, memories of days long past surface in the samurai's eyes. Friends who fell on the battlefield, nights spent enduring hunger, and the warmth of the home to which I should return. Amidst the memories blurring in the steam, I savor the fate of my own existence here and now.
◎ One who inherits the craft and masters the taste
I move my chopsticks to the Oyakodon. The egg that clings to it, the plumply cooked chicken, the sweet seasoning—this is what unravels the heart. I know that as a samurai, I should remain composed, but I cannot help but soften before this warmth.
The creation of this udon relies on a unique flour blend, the firmness forged through foot-kneading, and the exquisite skill of hand-cutting. The pride of the craftsman dwells in every single strand. As for the broth, the recipe has been guarded and passed down since the shop's founding. It is said that they carefully prepare it every morning using Rausu kelp, bonito flakes, and mackerel flakes.
However, this shop does not merely trace the flavors of the past. Their spirit of polishing the inherited taste and aiming for even greater heights is truly magnificent. The samurai suddenly realizes that wielding a sword is not the only path in life.
◎ The lingering taste of a single drop, soaking into the heart
Setting down the bowl, I take a deep breath.
The samurai mutters, "This flavor is unforgettable." The broth, drained to the very last drop, quietly warms the body. A peaceful moment, far removed from the cold outside.
What cannot be found on the battlefield is here. The samurai contemplates his own destiny. The path ahead is still unseen. Yet, engraving the warmth of this bowl into his heart, he begins to walk once more. Encountering such a bowl is also a joy on the path of the samurai.
The samurai stands up quietly and says to the shopkeeper, "The meal was truly excellent, I am most grateful."
——Thank you for the meal.
❖ Shop Review Log
❖ Detailed Illustrations
❖ To Those Who Appreciate the Way of Udon (Advertisement)
I, a humble servant, shall introduce to you a proud masterpiece from the land of Hakata. It is a dish that boasts the supreme flavor of food, known as 'West's Udon'. First, the broth uses round herring and dried sardines, skillfully bringing out the flavor. Then, by adding mackerel and bonito flakes at the end, it achieves a clear, gentle, and savory taste. The noodles are also exceptional. Within their chewy texture lies a firm bite, a flavor that only West's Udon can produce, truly worthy of being called the pride of Hakata. Now, you can enjoy five servings of this udon at once, frozen, with your family.
By obtaining this item through the hometown tax program, you will surely feel the land of Hakata while delighting your palate. How about it, samurai who has mastered the culinary arts? You should obtain it and give it a try.
❖ Past Udon Scrolls
A record of the flavor pilgrimage of an udon-seeking samurai who walked like the wind.
❖ The Complete Collection of Takeshi Suwa's Udon Gourmet Journeys
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#FukuokaPrefecture #FukuokaCity #FukuokaGourmet #FukuokaLunch
#HakataGourmet #HakataLunch
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The path of noodles is narrow and steep,
a journey of udon that continues into the far distance.
The artisan's skill poured into a single bowl of udon,
that profound world,
invites you to realms yet unknown.
"Udon Gourmet Travelogue"—it is,an endless adventure of flavor.