Marugame Udon, which started in 2000 in Japan, is best known for Sanuki udon, a style of noodle dish originating from Kagawa Prefecture. Udon is made with wheat flour and the noodles are distinguished by their square shape and flat edges and remarkable chewy texture. “Marugame Udon provides handmade udon bowls and tempura from a live open kitchen, allowing guests to watch their food being prepared,” describes the chain’s Canadian website. Since its inception over 20 years ago, Marugame has amassed hundreds of outposts across Japan, and is now a worldwide franchise. The chain, which is known by its corporate name Marugame Seimen, has more than 200 locations worldwide, including in Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Russia, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Thailand. Its parent company, Kobe-based Toridoll, is considered “Japan’s largest noodle shop company.” After the saturation of the Japanese market a few years ago, Toridoll began actively looking for other markets for its udon chain. A spokesperson for Marugame Udon Canada confirmed that the restaurant is opening in Vancouver and that the location is set for 111 Dunsmuir Street, however, there was no other information available to share at this time. The Dunsmuir location is a retail space inside the spherical glass office building at Cambie and Beatty. Japanese website Life Vancouver shared news of Marugame Udon’s impending arrival and joked (in translation) that the brand’s arrival in Canada could mean some new menu items, but “the only things that come to mind are poutine collaborations and maple syrup.” While we’re not expecting udon poutine from Marugame, we can definitely plan to see a menu of handmade wheat flour udon, served in various iterations. Classic kamaage is served with a dipping broth, while kake is udon in a light dashi broth. Udon noodles can also be served in “BK” sauce, either alone or loaded with a soft egg and sweet and savory beef. Marugame also serves fresh fried tempura.
