5 famous foods you'll find in Kagawa
Kagawa Prefecture might be Japan's smallest by area, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food. Nicknamed 'Udon Prefecture' (yes, officially), Kagawa has carved out a reputation for chewy noodles, island-grown olives and one very unexpected mochi-based soup. From slurpable staples to savory snacks and sweet-salty curveballs, here are five famous foods you need to try when visiting Shikoku's Kagawa.
1. Sanuki Udon
Image: PIXTA/ shige hattori
Welcome to the Udon Kingdom. This one's a no-brainer. Kagawa's Sanuki udon is legendary. Thick, bouncy noodles served hot or cold, usually in a light dashi broth or with dipping sauce. It's so central to the region's identity that there's an official udon taxi service that'll take you udon-hopping across the prefecture and a Udon Prefecture Passport for collecting stamps.
What sets Sanuki udon apart is the firmness of the noodle. It's got that koshi (chewy bite) that noodle-lovers crave. Popular toppings include raw egg, grated daikon and crispy tempura, but purists may tell you to keep it simple with just a splash of soy and scallions.
2. Honetsukidori (Bone-in Chicken)
Image: PIXTA/ od
If Udon is Kagawa's king, honetsukidori is the prince. Originating in Marugame City, this dish features a whole chicken leg roasted to juicy, peppery perfection, served bone-in and ready to tear into caveman-style.
There are two styles: Wakadori (young chicken, tender and juicy) and Oyadori (older and chewier meat but flavor-packed). Both are roasted with garlic, black pepper and a crispy skin finish that makes them irresistible. Many eateries around Kagawa serve honetsukidori, you can't miss it!
3. Shoyu Mame (Soy Sauce Beans)
Image: PIXTA/ wifineko
Shoyu mame might not look flashy, but don't underestimate these soy-simmered broad beans. They're roasted and soaked in a sweet soy sauce marinade until they hit that perfect sweet-salty balance. They are likened to the Japanese version of candied nuts.
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