Thailand’s Growing Appetite for Sanuki Udon

A new wave of shop openings follows the success of sushi and ramen

Pongpan Pattapan makes udon noodles at his restaurant, Seto Sanuki Udon, in Phuket, Thailand. (Photo by Shota Manda)

SHOTA MANDA

September 5, 2026 15:03 JST

BANGKOK — Thailand hosts thousands of Japanese restaurants, ranging from sushi to ramen, that serve both locals and expatriates. Although udon, a thick wheat noodle typically served in a light broth, previously occupied a niche market, this is changing as businesses increasingly introduce Sanuki udon—a specialty from western Japan—to a broader audience in Thailand.

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