A popular fast-casual Japanese chain known for its handmade, Sanuki-style udon noodles and made-to-order kake-dashi bowls is about to open its first Toronto location. And it’s been a long time coming. We first reported on Marugame Udon last fall as one of the hottest international brands to watch in the city, and we now know that the brand is opening near Yonge and Wellesley in March.
The restaurant was founded in Japan in 2000 and now has more than 1,000 locations worldwide, including its first Canadian location in Vancouver (and another branch that recently opened in Calgary to rave reviews). If you’re not familiar with the art of Sanuki udon, it’s a regional style associated with the Kagawa Prefecture. Expect thick, chewy noodles in brothy bowls or saucier styles, complemented with add-ons like sweet beef, fried tofu or an onsen egg.
A big part of the appeal is the process. Marugame’s kitchens are lively and open, so guests can watch their bowls come together. The noodles are made fresh daily from three basic ingredients (flour, water and salt) because texture is key.
The Toronto menu is already viewable online, so you can start planning your order before you even step inside! Pick an udon style (broth or sauce), then round it out with tempura and extras.
For traditional Japanese comfort food, try the Kake Udon (an umami fish dashi soup) or Kitsune Udon (kake udon topped with sweet fried tofu). Other menu options include beef Udon (sweet-flavoured beef in the signature kake soup), Nikutama Udon (sweet beef plus onsen egg with “BK sauce”), Chicken Katsu Curry Udon (crispy chicken katsu in house-made curry sauce) and Tan Tan Udon, served in a spicy Japanese-style sesame broth topped with slow-cooked spicy ground pork and a soft-boiled egg.
You can also go the rice-bowl route, with dishes like Chicken Katsu Curry Don or Gyu Don (sweet beef and onsen egg over rice).
Prices are reasonable: most udon bowls range from $6.99 to $13.99, with add-ons running from $1.99 to $6.99 for extras like extra udon, extra onsen egg, extra kitsune and extra sweet beef.
If you’re into deep-fried snacks, the tempura list is a huge draw: think shrimp tempura ($1.99), squid tempura ($2.99), pumpkin tempura ($2.49), kakiage ($3.49), as well as tasty sides like chicken karaage ($3.99) and gyoza ($1.19).
If nothing else, it’s the perfect spot for Torontonians looking for authentic Japanese dishes beyond the city’s ramen-heavy options!
Look out for Marugame Udon Toronto in the coming weeks at 494 Yonge St.
