FamilyMart's New Culinary Delight: Niku Goboten Udon
FamilyMart, a well-known convenience store chain, is set to delight food enthusiasts across Japan with its latest offering: the Niku Goboten Udon. Starting on April 29, 2025, this popular dish—developed in collaboration with the well-respected Shis-san Udon—will roll out to over 15,900 FamilyMart outlets nationwide, excluding Okinawa. This marks a significant expansion for a menu item that has long been cherished in the Kyushu region.
A Snack Rooted in Tradition
Shis-san Udon, founded in 1976 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, has been serving quality udon dishes for almost 50 years. In 2023, the chain began expanding into the Kansai region and, in 2024, ventured into Kanto, reaching a wide audience with 78 stores across the nation. FamilyMart first introduced a product from this esteemed brand in January 2023, with the Yaki Udon Sauce flavor, which quickly became a hit.
With the launch of Niku Goboten Udon, FamilyMart marks the eighth product under the supervision of Shis-san Udon, transitioning from a regional favorite to a nationwide sensation. Niku Goboten Udon, hailed as the top-selling item out of over 100 options at Shis-san Udon, features a delightful combination of crispy deep-fried burdock root (goboten) and beef stewed in a sweet and savory Kyushu soy sauce, promising a texture and flavor experience that locals cherish.
The Ultimate Udon Experience
This dish combines two components: tender beef and onions seasoned with a sweet and spicy touch, topped with crispy goboten sticks. The careful balance of flavors and textures has helped Niku Goboten Udon earn its title as the number one pick among Shis-san Udon’s prolific menu. This is an excellent opportunity for consumers to enjoy a taste that's been finely crafted to represent the brand's legacy.
In addition to Niku Goboten Udon, FamilyMart will also reintroduce the Kashiwau Udon, another beloved dish known for its quality and flavor, in the Kyushu region and Yamaguchi Prefecture, which further strengthens FamilyMart's commitment to providing authentic regional flavors.
Quotes from The Development Team
In a statement, a product development representative from Shis-san Udon expressed, “We are thrilled to launch our number one dish nationwide. After a successful release of items like Kashiwau Udon and Yaki Udon, we deeply appreciate the support we’ve received from our customers. This new roll-out of Niku Goboten Udon in 15,900 FamilyMart locations truly encapsulates the hard work and dedication that has gone into perfecting this recipe. We encourage everyone to conduct taste tests between our restaurant and FamilyMart to fully appreciate the nuances.”
Product Details
- - Product Name: Niku Goboten Udon
- - Price: 554 yen (incl. tax: 598 yen)
- - Release Date: April 29, 2025
- - Availability: Nationwide (excluding Okinawa)
- - Description: The udon features a rich soup base that beautifully complements chewy noodles. Toppings include sweet and tender beef, onions, and crispy burdock tempura, garnished with green onions and served with a separate chili pepper pack for those who enjoy a hint of spice.
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Price: 500 yen (incl. tax: 540 yen)
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Release Date: April 29, 2025
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Availability: Kyushu region (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita) and select stores in Yamaguchi Prefecture
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Description: This udon features a flavorful broth paired with a chewy noodle, topped with savory chicken seasoned to perfection, along with tororo kelp and chili pepper for an added kick.
Please note that product images are for illustration purposes only, and availability may vary by store.
FamilyMart continues to strive toward being an indispensable part of its customers' lives, fostering relationships that feel just like family, delivering not just convenience but a warm sense of belonging.