[Udon Gourmet Journey] #53 Dairiki Udon (Miyama City, Fukuoka Prefecture) [Famous Restaurant]

"The triple crown of 'Delicious, Fast, and Cheap,' the pride of Chikugo Udon"

❖ Location of Miyama City, Fukuoka Prefecture

South of Chikugo, near the border with Higo—there lies a land filled with a quiet atmosphere. It is called "Miyama." With the bustling Setaka Station as its hub, and mountains to the east and rivers to the west, it is truly a place that invites the traveler's heart.

Starting from this Setaka post town, if one guides their horse to the east, they will soon reach the foot of Mt. Kiyomizu. Resting there is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It has gathered the faith of the people since ancient times, and its garden is a famous scenic spot said to be the work of the monk Sesshu. The pond is shaped like the character for 'heart,' floating with islands of cranes and turtles; the stones speak, and the trees tell stories. With the changing of the four seasons, the scenery takes on a profound and mysterious air, and the autumn leaves, in particular, are like a folding screen painting.

Also within the temple grounds stands a three-storied pagoda built around the Tenpo era. The vermilion tower shines against the green of the mountain, pointing quietly to the sky. Its appearance truly speaks to the depth of the Buddhist path.

If one travels west from the station, the shrine of Kamikusuda Tenmangu can be seen beyond the fields. Rooted here is a great wisteria tree that is three hundred years old. In the spring, the wisteria clusters hang down from the trellis, and the way the purple mist envelops the ground along with the fragrance is truly dreamlike.

In such a land, there is a wooden craft born from the ancient legends of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It is called the Kiji-guruma (Pheasant Cart). This folk toy, finished by carving wood without using a single nail, makes a 'kyu-kyu' sound when pulled, and its running form is truly adorable. It has been cherished since ancient times as a lucky charm to wish for the healthy growth of children and the prosperity of the home. Recently, it has been inscribed as a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Furthermore, there is someone who spreads the name of this Miyama to the distant capital. That is Mr. Hiroshi Miyama. Living the path of song in the Heisei era, and serving as a Furusato Tourism Ambassador since the first year of Reiwa, he continues to convey the pride of his hometown with his beautiful voice and personality.

Miyama, a land where rivers and mountains, temples and flowers, and human thoughts intersect. If you leave the hustle and bustle behind, unpack your travel gear, and clear your mind, the flow of time in this place will soak into your heart as slowly as if you had returned to the days of the Edo period.

❖ Exterior of the store

❖ Udon illustration

❖ A Record of Udon Dining

Spring rain, the stomach rumbles

During the equinox, a fine rain fell from the sky, moistening the road.
As I was taking my elderly mother in a carriage to visit our ancestors' graves, we decided, "Since we're here, let's stop by Dairiki Udon," and so we turned off the main path.

Upon arrival, the remarkably spacious parking lot was already filled with many carriages, and a wave of people had formed a line in front of the shop.
However, the beauty of Dairiki lies in its efficient turnover; we were guided to our tatami seating after waiting only a little over ten minutes.

"As expected, this shop is exceptional," my mother said with a softened expression, and I nodded deeply in agreement.

Knowing the tides of time through the menu

Sitting cross-legged on the tatami, I first examined the menu.
Every item was once so affordable that one could have enjoyed them for just a few coins.
In recent years, the prices have risen somewhat, but that is simply the way of the world, and no one complains.

"I hear the meat udon, shrimp tempura, and curry udon are all excellent..."
After consulting with my mother, I chose the classic Chikuzen-style "Meat and Burdock Tempura Udon."
We also decided to add a plate of "inari" sushi.

I poured cold water at the service station and looked out the window, where the trees in the spring mist were faintly visible.

Fifty years of pride dwelling in a single bowl

The food arrived without delay. Truly, such efficiency is unique to a shop with a long history.
I first sipped the broth, and its gentle, deep umami soaked into my tongue.

"Simmer Rausu kelp, round herring, and horse mackerel for six hours to extract the broth."
This is what I once heard from a regular customer. I slapped my knee in agreement, realizing that the true depth of the flavor lies right here.

The noodles are thick, plump, and have a soft texture like mochi.
Moreover, they are supple yet firm, which suited my personal taste perfectly.

The burdock tempura is fragrant, and together with the sweet and savory simmered beef,
it blends with the broth to create a wonderful harmony of flavors.
And the inari. The sweet fried tofu wrapping the vinegared rice is cooked to be fluffy,
and it also pairs exquisitely with the broth, making me smack my lips in delight.

Entrusting my prayers to the break in the clouds

When the bottom of the bowl became visible, I looked at my mother and we both broke into smiles.
"This is the only shop that hasn't changed since the old days," my mother remarked.
It is truly a long-established shop that supports the sustenance of the people.

Having been in business for over fifty years, the three virtues of "inexpensive, fast, and delicious" remain alive and well.
Even though rising prices and the changing times are unavoidable, I cannot help but hope that this flavor will be preserved.

When I stepped outside, the spring rain had stopped, and the light of Amaterasu was gently illuminating the earth.
Although the road was still wet, it reflected the light with a sparkle,
and I returned to my carriage, accompanied by my mother, and headed toward the graveyard where our ancestors rest.

❖ Shop Review Book

To my great regret, I was unable to find the shop's review book.

❖ Detailed Map

❖ A masterpiece found only here, goods delivered from the countryside (Advertisement)

❖ Past Udon Picture Scrolls

The record of an Udon Samurai seeking delicious food, walking like the wind on a flavor pilgrimage.

❖ The Complete Collection of Takeshi Suwa's Udon Gourmet Travelogue

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