#Japan #Shibuya, Tokyo #Bento #Marugame Udon #Pork Shabu

Marugame Udon's New Summer Bento: Fried Eggplant with Pork Shabu

In this upcoming summer, Marugame Udon, known for its fresh and handmade Sanuki udon, is set to launch a new bento box perfect for enjoying on the go. Starting from June 10, 2025, food lovers across Japan can savor the delightful "Fried Eggplant and Pork Shabu Udon Bento," featuring a whole fried eggplant paired with refreshing pork shabu, ideal for hot summer days.

With a starting price of just 430 yen, this bento box is available in six different varieties. As the sun begins to shine more intensely, it's common to find one's appetite dwindling in the heat. However, the smooth, slippery texture of udon noodles makes it an excellent choice for any occasion, promising an enjoyable experience that can be easily accessed and devoured.

Fresh and Handmade: A Unique Dining Experience

The "Marugame Udon Bento" is a reflection of Marugame Udon's commitment to craft—a philosophy rooted in the freshness and taste of handmade udon. Made from only domestic wheat, salt, and water by skilled "men-shokunin" (noodle artisans), this udon is prepared fresh upon order. This guarantees that even in a bento, the udon maintains its delightful texture and taste. Since its initial launch on April 13, 2021, the popularity has soared, leading to accumulated sales exceeding 46 million units by May 20, 2025. Not to forget, the “large” size with 1.5 servings of udon has also received a warm welcome from customers.

A New Summertime Delight

The new summer bento does not disappoint. At its heart lies udon, chilled to the ideal firmness, served with juicy fried eggplant that is simply bursting with flavor. The pork shabu is blanched quickly and marinated in a special broth, served chilled to provide both satisfaction and refreshing notes during sweltering weather. Garnished with a hint of grated ginger, the dish strikes the perfect balance of flavor and texture, ensuring a satisfying experience right up to the last bite. It is recommended to pour cold dipping sauce right before enjoying for maximum flavor impact.

In addition to the star dish, other bento options like "Plum and Grated Daikon Udon Bento" and "Pork Shabu with Plum Okra Udon Bento" will continue to be available, showcasing a delightful combination of tastes and textures that appeal to summer appetites.

Convenience Meets Quality

Marugame Udon's bento makes enjoying their delicious udon accessible anywhere, complete with a variety of colorful side dishes that enhance the experience. Customers can easily enjoy the chewy and fresh noodles paired with a colorful array of accompaniments, making this a summer staple for udon enthusiasts.

For more information on the new bento offerings, visit Marugame's official website and discover why this unique dining experience remains popular across Japan.

About Marugame Udon

Living by the motto "The udon here is alive," Marugame Udon takes pride in offering food experiences that continuously inspire and satisfy. With over 800 locations nationwide, each establishment acts as its own noodle workshop where fresh udon is crafted every day. Their skilled noodle artisans, or "men-shokunin," utilize 100% domestically sourced wheat to create expertly prepared udon, ensuring that the unique chewy texture and delightful taste are maintained.

Marugame Udon has also successfully extended its brand internationally under the name "Marugame Udon," attracting long lines of eager diners who wish to enjoy freshly made udon and tempura in an energetic setting.

Marugame Udon's Sustainable Efforts

In addition to their culinary endeavors, Marugame Udon embraces sustainability. They recently established the "Marugame Udon Barrel Factory" in Kakogawa, Hyogo, dedicated to reusing udon steaming barrels as part of efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. This initiative aims to reduce annual waste by 1.5 tons while advocating for the employment of individuals with disabilities. They are also actively involved in food education for children and are devoted to minimizing plastic use within their restaurants. Check out their sustainability efforts on their official website.

About Toridoll Holdings

Toridoll Holdings operates multiple restaurant chains, dedicated to creating food experiences that engage all five senses. With a vision to become a global food company born from Japan, they continuously evolve and adapt in the culinary landscape, extending their presence both domestically and internationally. Learn more about their vision on their official website.