Food

Ultra-Famous Udon From Japan to Japantown

You Can Customize to Your Heart's Content at Marugame Udon

By Hadley Tomicki ·
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You'll never forget the day the machines took over.

And what delightful udon they made.

Shortly before turning on humanity.

It's a conceivable scenario given the introduction of Marugame Udon, a customizable udon specialist that's a big deal in Japan, opening Thursday on Sawtelle looking like this.

We could always use more udon places. And you and your lunch/dinner friends will find this one easy to use. As opposed to the steep learning curve at other restaurants. We guess.

Just step past the pseudo emperor's castle facade where Satsuma Imports long stood. Approach the counter and order the udon you require. There's porky tonkotsu, spicy chicken, curry and plenty of other options.

The noodles are all made fresh and fast by one workhorse of a Japanese-imported droid that recreates the traditional kneading process behind what's known as sanuki udon. Let's stop talking about that now.

Next, you'll get your tray and take it to the tempura and rice bowl stations for impulse buys like fried chicken or shrimp. Then, you'll pay. We know.

But your pain will be short-lived. Because then you're landing at a toppings station, where you'll have wide license to go a little crazy with 11 gratis options like ginger, tempura bits and sesame seeds.

Top like no one's watching.

Hadley Tomicki

Hadley Tomicki lives in Los Angeles. He is probably going nowhere on the 10 Freeway this very second.

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