Going to Osaka? You've got to try the ORIGINAL Kitsune Udon!

Kansai Food Udon

2019.06.11

Do you know where to find the birthplace of kitsune udon in Japan?

A bowl of Udon with a history?

Many of you might have already been to Osaka and if we ask you which food you've tried there, you may say, Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), Takoyaki (たこ焼き), Kushi-Katsu (串カツ), like we've got on our list.
Kitsune Udon is one of them that we have on this list, but what exactly is this Kitsune Udon?

What is Kitsune Udon?

Basically, "Kitsune Udon" is a bowl of Udon noodles topped with pieces of deep fried tofu (油揚げ：あぶらあげ) that’s been braised in sweet soy sauce.
Some places may serve this with shredded spring onions or with any other toppings, but that is pretty much it.

"Kitsune" means fox in Japanese, but theres no fox used in this dish.
So why is this dish called a fox noodle?

There are a few reasons why this dish has got its name.

Some say, foxes love eating this deep fried tofu.
Some say it's because of the colour of the deepfried tofu. That is golden brown for us, but Kitsune-Iro, fox colour, in Japanese.
It is also said that when the deepfired tofu is curled up, it looks like a fox curled up

Instant noodle style Kitsune Udon: Akai Kitsune from Maruchan

Kitsune Udon is one of the noodle dishes that you will find in any Udon/Soba restaurant.
As you can see in the image above, there's even an instant noodle.

Usami-Tei Matsubaya

This Udon restaurant is said to be the place where they first served Kitsune Udon.
The interior

Seems like a nice cozy spot doesn't it?

Usami-Tei Matsubaya, and its story.

The resturant started its business back in 1893 (back in time when the period was called Meiji).
Yes, belive it or not, this place has been in business for 126 years and the current owner is the third generation!

This name comes from the business owners' family name, which is Usami.
The first generation opened a restaurant called Matsubaya, and that's where it all begun.

The Kitsune Udon

Here we go, the original Kitsune Udon!
Of course they have other menus as well but you have to try this dish!
After all, this is what we came for...

This bowl of traditional udon is 580 yen, which rounds up to pretty much $5.30US.

It's so cheap! But the flavour of it, the broth and the Abura-age on the top, obviously the udon it self as well.

You might have tried a Kitsune udon in Tokyo as well, but it's just different.
The slightly sweet broth with this thick udon just goes so nice!

This place is within a ten minute walk from the "Shinsaibashi" station.

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#Kansai#Udon#Osaka#Gourmet#Kitsune#The Original Series#Meiji#Noodles#Abura-age#Tofu

Basic Info

Name	うさみ亭マツバヤ: Usami Tei Matsubaya
Address	〒542-0081 3-8-1 Minamisenba, Chuouku, Osakashi, Osakafu
Station	心斎橋駅 Shinsaibashi Station
Tel	+81-6-6251-3339
Website	https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27000931/