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When visiting Kagawa Prefecture, tasting Sanuki udon is a must. While it’s a nationally recognized dish, each shop in its home of Kagawa offers its own take on noodle texture and broth flavor. Many travelers even plan a full “udon pilgrimage.”
One standout among the many is Sanuki Mennosuke, located in the heart of Takamatsu’s Kawaramachi district. Known for its masterfully handmade noodles, freshly fried tempura, and local sake, this spot has earned a great reputation among both locals and visitors. Here’s everything you need to know, from atmosphere to access.
Sanuki Mennosuke is a traditional udon restaurant located just a 2-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station in Takamatsu City. A skilled udon artisan crafts each bowl to order, slicing fresh noodles and cooking them on the spot. It’s a favorite among locals and a hit with tourists looking for authenticity.
Despite its compact space, the interior offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a small counter and a few tables, it’s perfect for locals and solo travelers alike. Along one wall, refrigerators proudly display local beers and sake labels.
On each table, you’ll find a message from the owner detailing their dedication to the udon-making process.
We take pride in serving authentic Sanuki-style handmade udon. Each order is crafted from freshly cut noodles and cooked individually. Please savor the just-boiled, just-made freshness.
If you’re in a hurry, let us know in advance. We can expedite your order, but it is not our recommended style.
Doing so may result in serving pre-prepared items.
Their refusal to compromise on freshness—cutting and boiling noodles per order—demonstrates true craftsmanship. While they accommodate guests in a hurry, the message is clear: the real flavor lies in the extra effort.
Sanuki Mennosuke also offers a selection of local alcoholic drinks to pair with your udon. You’ll find craft brews like “Sanuki Beer” and regional sake such as “Kunishige” neatly arranged in the fridge. Open until 2:00 AM, it’s an ideal spot for a casual drink with your meal.
After your meal, don’t miss the complimentary self-serve iced coffee. Its refreshing finish pairs beautifully with the rich dashi and fried tempura, rounding out the meal nicely.
There’s also a good variety of soft drinks like cola, orange soda, ginger ale, and oolong tea.
And if you’re a sake fan, browsing the glass-door fridge lined with large sake bottles is part of the fun. This udon shop offers a taste of Kagawa’s culinary culture beyond just noodles.
On this visit, we tried the Tempura Bukkake Udon. About 10 minutes after ordering, it arrived steaming and aromatic.
The vibrant presentation and golden-fried tempura stand out immediately. Garnished with grated daikon and seaweed, the bowl looks as refreshing as it tastes.
The thick noodles offer the chewy texture characteristic of Sanuki udon, releasing a rich wheat aroma with every bite. The freshly fried tempura has a light crunch, and the flavorful broth ties everything together in perfect harmony.
Though it looks modest, the bowl is quite filling—and delicious to the very last bite. The noodles, broth, and toppings all hit a high mark, making for a memorable dish.
Located just two minutes from Kawaramachi Station, Sanuki Mennosuke is open until 1:00 AM (sometimes later), making it a great stop for a late-night bite or an after-drinks udon.
If you’re seeking the real flavor of Kagawa, this is it. From the chew of the noodles to the fragrance of the broth and freshly fried tempura, you’ll experience Sanuki udon at its finest.
While the restaurant can be busy during peak hours, it’s often easier to get a seat after 9:00 pm. Be sure to stop by when in town.
