#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Cuisine #Marugame Seimen #Udon Noodle

The Unique Tasting Event of Udon at Marugame Seimen

Have you ever realized that udon has two distinct faces? Marugame Seimen, renowned for its dedication to handmade Sanuki udon, is hosting an exciting tasting event where you can experience the differences between the two styles: the fluffy 'Kami-nuki' and the smooth 'Shime'. This event is set to take place on September 18th and 19th, 2026 at all Marugame Seimen locations across Japan. During these two days, customers ordering 'Kami-nuki' udon will receive complimentary 'Shime' samples, and vice versa. This unique opportunity allows you to experience firsthand the visual, textural, and taste variations inherent in udon, depending on the preparation method.

Understanding the Difference Between 'Kami-nuki' and 'Shime' Udon

At Marugame Seimen, every location acts as a noodle shop where all noodles are handmade daily, ensuring fresh and delicious udon is served directly to its customers. Trained noodle craftsmen are acutely aware of daily conditions such as temperature and humidity, crafting udon meticulously to optimize flavor. Though the boiling process is identical for both styles, the subsequent finishing method creates the distinct personalities of 'Kami-nuki' and 'Shime'.

'Kami-nuki' refers to udon that is scooped directly from the boiling water, maintaining a fluffy texture enriched with moisture. This technique allows patrons to savor an excitingly soft and chewy sensation. In contrast, 'Shime' involves cooling the udon in water, resulting in a firmer structure with defined edges and a delightful slippery finish.

The culinary experience of udon becomes all the more enjoyable at Marugame Seimen, encouraging diners to choose between 'Kami-nuki' and 'Shime' based on personal preferences or moods. The tasting event aims to amplify this experience by introducing customers to the flavor profile of each technique.

Two Days of Tasting and Experiencing Udon

For the duration of the event, when diners order 'Kami-nuki' udon, they will receive a complimentary sample of 'Shime' udon, and vice versa. This will allow customers to immerse themselves in the sensory exploration of each texture and flavor variation.

Event Details:

• - Dates: September 18th and 19th, 2026
• - Locations: All Marugame Seimen restaurants across Japan (excluding select locations temporarily closed for renovations)
• - Time: All day, subject to the last order time
• - How to Participate: One complimentary sample of 'Kami-nuki' or 'Shime' will be provided per udon purchase, strictly for dine-in customers.

Learn More About Udon and Enjoy the Culinary Differences

To further engage customers, Marugame Seimen is launching a unique 'Udon Flavor Classification Chart' to illustrate the differences between these two udon styles. Diners can easily check whether their favorite udon falls under 'Kami-nuki' or 'Shime'.
Marugame Seimen, guided by the motto "Our udon is alive," remains committed to excellence and the joy of handcrafted food. Across more than 800 stores in Japan (and under the name 'Marugame Udon' internationally), the brand ensures that each bowl of udon showcases fresh flavor and perfect texture, hand-crafted daily from domestic 100% Hokkaido wheat.
With the company's continued dedication to sustainability, including their efforts in diversity and inclusion, Marugame Seimen not only serves scrumptious noodles but also embodies environmental awareness and social responsibility. To find out more about their initiatives, check out their special sustainability page.

Visit the special campaign site here: Marugame Seimen Campaign 2026