Horikoshi Udon, Targeting Female Customers, Debuts in Taiwan — With Thin Noodles and Ginger Flavor

▲ Ginger-flavored udon. (Photo / Provided by Horikoshi Udon)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

Not just ramen—more and more udon brands are entering the Taiwanese market. Following Satake Seimenjo, Marugame, and Inaho, the latest to announce its entry into Taiwan is “UDON つるこし (Tsuru-koshi)” Horikoshi Udon. Horikoshi Udon uses different broths for various tastes and types, and has even developed a ginger-flavored udon tailored for women who tend to have cold hands and feet. Prices range from NT$69 to NT$179 for udon, and tempura is available à la carte starting at NT$15, with a self-service buffet format.

“UDON つるこし (Tsuru-koshi)” Horikoshi Udon was established in Tokyo in 2010. The brand already has outlets in Japan and Singapore, and made its first entry into Taiwan in 2015, opening its first store here in collaboration with the Dacheng Group’s food services division. Although this is Horikoshi Udon’s first time entering Taiwan, the brand belongs to Japan’s Greenhouse Group, which also owns the shabu-shabu restaurant chain Shabushabu Gen, so it is no stranger to the Taiwanese market.

Nagamitsu Nakamura, deputy general manager of “つるこし” Horikoshi Udon, said that udon originates from the Kansai region. In addition to preserving traditional Kansai flavors, Horikoshi Udon has innovatively developed styles including Japanese, Western, Chinese, and N (presumably another style).<饭等创意菜色，并且根据消费者的饮食习惯，研发出更滑顺更有口感的乌冬面。为了让女性顾客能较易咀嚼，比起一般乌冬面稍微偏细，指定在煮前的状态为“4mm×4mm”，分量有 230公克，300公克两种选择。


▲ Shrimp and vegetable tempura udon. (Photo / Provided by Horikoshi Udon)

Traditional udon broth is typically based on kombu (kelp) and dried bonito, but at Horikoshi, hot udon, cold udon, and tsukemen (dipping udon) are made with broths of varying intensity—from light to rich—each using unique varieties of dried fish. There’s even a ginger-flavored udon designed for women prone to cold hands and feet. Creamy shrimp udon and Kama-age tamago (soft-boiled egg) udon offer a rich, buttery flavor loved by children.

The indispensable “fried tempura” served with udon is made fresh to order to ensure a hot, crispy, and fluffy texture—each piece starts at NT$15. Horikoshi Udon’s first Taiwan store opened in April at the Food Court of CTBC Financial Park, with udon prices ranging from NT$69 to NT$179,
and the outlet adopts a self-service buffet format.

Address: 3F, No. 186, Sec. 2, Nangang Rd., Nangang District, Taipei City 115 (CTBC Financial Park – Food Court, Building C)
Tel: 02-66130967