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Kagawa prefecture showcases authentic udon flavors in Dubai

The exclusive Wokyo menu featured three varieties of nabeyaki udon. (ANJ)
The exclusive Wokyo menu featured three varieties of nabeyaki udon. (ANJ)
The exclusive Wokyo menu featured three varieties of nabeyaki udon. (ANJ)
The exclusive Wokyo menu featured three varieties of nabeyaki udon. (ANJ)
Fresh Sanuki udon noodles presented at the event after the chef's live demonstration. (ANJ)
Fresh Sanuki udon noodles presented at the event after the chef's live demonstration. (ANJ)
IMANISHI Jun, the Consul General of Japan in Dubai, visiting the event. (ANJ)
IMANISHI Jun, the Consul General of Japan in Dubai, visiting the event. (ANJ)
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21 Jan 2025 03:01:18 GMT9
21 Jan 2025 03:01:18 GMT9

Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: Japanese officials from Kagawa prefecture brought authenic udon noodles to Dubai for a one-day event as guests indulged in freshly made dishes while watching the chefs prepare the food. 

Taking place at the Japanese restaurant Wokyo’s Al Seef branch on Friday, attendees enjoyed the tasty dishes while enjoying the views of Dubai Creek. IMANISHI Naoto, a Kagawa representative, told Arab News Japan that he chose to spotlight udon, rather than any other type of noodles, due to their popularity in the prefecture. 

“We really appreciate we can hold an event in Dubai like this,” he said. “Kagawa is very famous for udon. We call it the Udon prefecture. It is a very special thing in Kagawa. There are so many fruits and vegetables in the prefecture but we chose udon to promote it this time. We picked Wokyo to hold the event because of their success in (making) raman in Dubai.” 

The government official shared he brought specific udon masters specifically for the event. “When we are in the prefecture, we go around a lot of shops and after we had a good match, we brought the perfect matches.”

The exclusive Wokyo menu featured three varieties of nabeyaki udon, which are: Nabeyaki Udon Shoyu, Nabeyaki Udon Laksa, and Nabeyaki Udon Carbonara. The dishes were all served with freshly made ingredients such as chicken tempura, sweet potato tempura, shiso leaf tempura, and grated white radish. All dishes were served with red bean mochi pieces and home-brewed ice teas. IMANISHI Jun, the Consul General of Japan in Dubai, was one of the honorable guests at the event. 

Wokyo’s Al Seef branch. (ANJ)

 

“We were very fortunate that we were approached by Kagawa government representatives,” Zakarya Alaalam, Wokyo’s Operation Manager, told Arab News Japan. “It is such an honor for us. We went to Kagawa (in 2024) and they showed us around the farms and how (udon) is made. They take the product  very seriously and very passionately. As a brand, we want to offer the best Udon and since Kagawa is the birthplace of Udon, it is best coming from them. We don’t make our fresh noodles but we are very careful with the partners we choose to source from.”

“Udon has a diverse feeling to it, different from cold dishes and dishes. The dish we chose is perfect for winter. It is the perfect dish for us to introduce within Wokyo as it fits the brand’s character,” he added. 

While the menu was limited to the event, Alaalam shared that it is not off the table to put it on the regular menu. “This (event) is an opportunity to learn and enjoy the guests’ feedback. We will continue to offer our regular udon dish but maybe we will bring (Nabeyaki) back during another event or we might introduce it in our upcoming menu.” 

Chef Kagawa. (ANJ)

Additionally, guests also enjoyed a live demonstration of sanuki noodles presented by udon master Chef Kagawa, who has his own udon shop in Japan. The Japanese chef showcased unique techniques as the chefs at Wokyo followed along. “I’m very happy to be showcasing people in Dubai how to make udon and hopefully they learn something from today,” he told Arab News Japan. “The people in Dubai are very kind, so I’m thinking of opening an udon shop here.” 

“If I have an opportunity, I want to demonstrate in other countries. Udon culture looks very simple but there are a lot of things to learn, so hopefully I can teach this culture to other people. I want to showcase authentic Sanuki udon, not just any kind of udon,” he added.

 

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