Visiting Marugame Udon: High Hopes for the Eye-Catching New Dipping Broth!
With locations near major train stations, along main roads, and inside shopping malls across Japan, Marugame Udon makes it easy to enjoy freshly kneaded, freshly boiled udon anytime. Its smooth, self-service ordering style is another key part of its appeal.
This time, I visited to try the limited-time release featured on a large poster at the entrance: "Rich Seafood & Pork Dipping Udon." Having fond memories of the previously sold Spicy Pork Dipping Udon, I was genuinely excited to see how Marugame Udon would execute an authentic, rich seafood broth—something rather rare for the chain.
Before heading to the ordering counter, I checked the official app for standard deals. I quickly activated the 30-yen discount coupon on my screen and completed the checkout.
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The New "Rich Seafood & Pork Dipping Udon" (¥1,090 incl. tax)! Blown Away by the Deep Umami and Tender Pork
I ordered the new "Rich Seafood & Pork Dipping Udon" (¥1,090 including tax). On this menu, you can choose anywhere from 1 to 3 noodle portions for the exact same price, so I opted for the 1.5-portion serving (roughly equivalent to a large size). While priced over ¥1,000—putting it on the premium side compared to Marugame Udon's usual price range—the meal looked so hearty the moment I picked up the tray that it immediately felt worth every yen.
On the large plate were glossy, thick noodles chilled firmly in cold water. Piled generously on top was tender, thinly sliced boiled pork, accompanied by fragrant sesame oil-tossed komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) namul, savory shredded nori, and aromatic toasted white sesame seeds for a colorful presentation.
The dipping broth was served piping hot in a separate bowl, boasting a deep, cloudy hue packed with bonito powder, sardine, and mackerel flakes. Bringing the bowl close, the bold, fragrant seafood aroma immediately stimulated my appetite.
First, I dipped the chilled noodles into the warm, rich seafood broth and took a bite. The thick, viscous broth clung tightly to the firm, chewy noodles, sending waves of rich seafood aroma and savory dashi umami washing over my palate!
The pork shabu-shabu topping paired seamlessly with the dipping broth. Eating it together with the noodles created a wonderful harmony between the meat's gentle sweetness and the broth's savory richness. On top of that, the crisp texture of the komatsuna namul and the scent of sesame oil provided a delightful accent.
Because the dipping soup was so robust, the dashi flavor never felt watered down even as I worked through the entire 1.5 portions, retaining its delicious first-bite punch until the very end. Thanks to the smooth glide of the noodles, I finished it much faster than expected—it was so good that I felt I could have easily downed 2 portions.
[Summary] Highly Recommended for Days You Crave Rich, Hearty Noodles!
At over ¥1,000, it is slightly on the luxury side for Marugame Udon. However, considering you can upsize up to 3 portions at no extra charge, combined with a rich seafood broth that rivals dedicated tsukemen shops and a generous mound of pork shabu-shabu, I can confidently recommend this dish to anyone seeking a truly satisfying meal.
If you find yourself craving a bowl of hearty udon packed with bold seafood broth, make sure to check availability at your local store!