A Comforting Roadside Stop: Yamada Udon Shokudo Marked by the Iconic Yellow Scarecrow Sign
During a drive to keep my beloved Alfa Romeo 156 GTA in top running condition, I stopped by "Family Shokudo Yamada Udon," famously known for its yellow scarecrow sign. With its spacious parking lot, it is a dependable roadside diner that is easy to drop by anytime.
On my previous visit, I had the "Cho-Toku Yamada Set" (read my previous post here). This time, I headed inside aiming for its paired signature counterpart on the menu: the "Cho-Toku Kakashi Set." Even though it was past the peak lunch rush, the restaurant was bustling with a wide variety of guests from solo diners to families, reflecting its deep-rooted local popularity.
Weekend & Holiday Exclusive "Cho-Toku Kakashi Set" for ¥1,050: A Truly Satisfying Combo of Comfort Flavors
This time, I ordered the "Cho-Toku Kakashi Set" (¥1,050 tax included), available exclusively on weekends and public holidays. Discounted by ¥260 from the regular price of ¥1,310, the tray arrives packed with "Kakashi Curry," "Mini Punch (simmered pork offal)," and "Warm Tanuki Udon." Getting such a generous variety for just around 1,000 yen feels like an unbeatable deal.
Served in a nostalgic oval dish stamped with the restaurant's logo, the curry features a thick, mild roux that delivers unpretentious, comforting goodness. The side bowl of Mini Punch offers tenderly stewed offal topped with bamboo shoots and green onions, brimming with rustic savory flavor. The warm tanuki udon, topped with crispy tempura flakes and wakame seaweed, pairs soft, gentle noodles with a flavorful dashi broth.
To be honest, neither the udon, the simmered offal, nor the curry have an overly distinct or dramatic personality. Yet it is precisely this laid-back "everyday simplicity" that makes it so appealing and keeps you coming back for regular meals.
【Summary】 Perfect for Casual Dining: Pick Your Favorite Main Dish and You Can’t Go Wrong
The Kakiage Tempura Bowl from the "Cho-Toku Yamada Set" I had last time was fantastic, but the "Cho-Toku Kakashi Set" this time was just as impressive—both leave you completely satisfied. Choosing between the curry and the tempura bowl depending on your mood that day is definitely the way to go.
At checkout, I received complimentary coupons for October (valid for vegetable croquettes or fried shumai dumplings) for my next visit. While the diner may not be right next door to home, having handy coupons like these makes me want to take my car out for another drive just to drop in. It is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to enjoy an unpretentious, satisfying meal while on the road.