Honke Sanukiya

Diners who order the curry udon say they can choose regular, medium-hot or very hot. Even the regular version was piping hot and made one reviewer perspire. The set’s white rice also made an impression, providing something to enjoy after working through the noodles. The menu features “Happy Curry Udon”, described as using 20 kinds of spices. It may appeal to anyone who wants to choose their preferred level of heat or have rice alongside their noodles.

Curry is only one of the udon options. The menu also lists warming bowls such as jjigae hot-pot udon and nabeyaki udon, as well as kama-age udon and mountain-vegetable and grated-yam udon. One diner said they had worked their way through the jjigae hot-pot, nabeyaki and curry udon in turn; another enjoyed chilled udon with fried aubergine and plum. There’s room to choose according to your mood, whether you want a hot bowl or something cold.

For a little extra with your noodles, the duck dipping soba and salted rice-ball set comes with pickles and can be changed to udon. The udon set meal, listed as a weekday-only option, lets diners choose an onigiri rice ball filled with bonito, plum or salmon. Sets with a small rice bowl are also available, making it possible to adjust the size of a meal centred on noodles. Other listed options include chicken tempura and plum with grated yam over udon, and the Kara set meal, served with miso soup, a small side dish and pickles. The restaurant is inside the Spa Suminoe bathing facility; one diner reported that it can also be used just for a meal, without taking a bath.