Kagawa Prefecture’s udon noodles are very famous. So, when you visit Kagawa Prefecture, not only should you try the udon noodles, but you must also participate in the udon noodle making experience.
The one participating in the experience is this, the Nakano udon Noodle School.
This place has been visited and featured by many celebrities.
The first floor is a regular retail store.
The classroom is located on the second floor.
The classroom for class.
The teacher for today’s class is Miss Sumiko Matsunaga (Machan).
Here, the main focus is on experiencing the making of udon noodles. The course is divided into two parts:
One part involves kneading the dough and making the noodles, while the other part is about preparing the dough. Naturally, the normal sequence would be to prepare the dough first, then proceed to knead it and make it into noodles. However, after the dough is prepared, it needs to rest for a while before it can be used to make noodles. Since it’s impractical for participants to wait around doing nothing, the process is reversed: you make the noodles first, then prepare the dough, which you can take home.
This is the dough prepared by the school
Then, start kneading the dough.
Flatten the dough using a rolling pin.
Then, after pressing it into thin slices, arrange it like this.
Just take out the knife and cut the noodles.
Do you remember when I was making buckwheat noodles before? I prefer my noodles a bit thicker, for a better texture and chewiness. So, it’s the same this time around too~
Then spread out the noodles, try not to squeeze them together as much as possible.
Then, just wait for it to be cooked~
Next, this is the second course which is about preparing dough for the bread-making school. Get some flour ready.
There is also a glass of water.
Then start kneading the dough slowly pour water into it until it becomes small dough…
Then, the next step is to use your feet to knead the dough~ However, before using your feet, we will be given a large plastic bag to wrap the dough in.
Then there is the teacher’s dough kneading tutorial. Because the teacher’s teaching is truly amazing, I could only try my best to capture it…
After kneading the dough well, it will look like this and then you can bring it back to Taiwan~
After the class, the teacher hands out a diploma, which includes a map of Konpira Shrine. Moreover, the diploma comes with a stick, allowing us to continue rolling out the dough with it once we’re back home~
On the other side, there is a tutorial on how to make Udon noodles.
After everything is prepared, it’s time to enjoy the homemade oolong noodles. The pot in the middle is used for cooking the oolong noodles. Once the water is boiling, pour the Udon noodles into it and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Since there was only oolong noodles, it felt a bit lacking, so we also ordered a bento box (this one costs ¥1575, a bit pricey).
Simple sashimi, tempura, and egg fried rice… Although a bit pricey, they are quite delicious~
The main ingredients for sashimi are 2 shrimp, 2 slices of salmon, and a small amount of squid.
This egg fried rice has a subtle flavor that makes it delicious.
Tempura
Side dishes
This “”anything goes”” soy sauce…
Ginger and scallion minced
Pour soy sauce, ginger, and scallion into a bowl, and then it’s time to dip a bowl of udon noodles in the sauce.
After the cooked oolong noodles have expanded, they look a bit like flat strips, but they have a chewy texture.
Placed into a small bowl, and I also added a touch of yuzu-flavored seven spice powder, which is absolutely amazing.
After eating, it’s time to leave. Let’s have some ice cream. This ice cream is an additional charge. It was wisely chosen and includes Kagawa Prefecture’s rice confectionery called “”Oiri”” (￥350).
I ordered a regular sweet potato ice cream (￥300).
Above is the experience of making Oolong noodles in Shikoku.
Below is the situation after returning to Taiwan.
I brought back the dough made in Kagawa to Taiwan~ Since it’s winter, it’s fine to leave it at room temperature for 2-3 days. However, I don’t recommend bringing it back to Taiwan in the summer. Following the method taught by my teacher, I rolled out the dough a bit, then cut it into noodles, and boiled it. Then, I sprinkled some green onions on top and added a raw egg, and stirred it all together…
Wow!!!! The delicious Kagawa Udon has arrived! Even my wife praises the stingy boy’s special Udon!
Above is the complete Oolong Noodle experience course. If you’re interested, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Udon Noodle Making Experience – Nakano Udon School, Kotohira Branch (Official Website)
Duration (including meal time): Total of 90 minutes
Course Content: Making udon noodles and dining (does not include a boxed lunch)
Cost: ¥1,600 (excluding tax and boxed lunch, but includes udon noodles)
Advance Reservation: Yes, required 3 days in advance
Online Reservation: http://www.nakanoya.net/school/form/
Address: 720-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 766-0001
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1247/』
