From Showa 21(946year)2Since its establishment 7“years ago, the udon noodle shop”Fumikatei is a well-known long-standing eatery in Kyoto’s Nishiki Market.
Whenitcomestoudon, many people first think of Kagawa udon. However, in Japan, udon noodles vary in characteristics and flavors depending on their place of origin.Intermsoftexture,Kagawaudonisknownforits
firmelasticity, whereas Kyoto udonhas
a“softermouthfeel.”For“FuMijia(Qǎ┘/span> Kin Store”. The two shops are just a one-minute walk apart. This shop“Fu (Qǎ┘/span>Mijia This store”is most famous for its nabeyaki udon. For most local Kyoto residents,“Fumijia”is synonymous with nabeyaki udon. Meanwhile, the recently renovated and reopened“Fu (Qǎ┘/span>Mijia Kin Store”focuses on featuring other specialty types of udon in addition to nabeyaki udon.
A few days ago, our editor had the chance to pass by this“FuMijia Kin Store”located in Nishiki Market and went in for a taste.
In front of the shop are displayed various models of udon noodles.They look incredibly delicious and tempting.
The newly renovated interior is clean and tidy, and as soon as you step inside, you can see the chefs carefully preparing the dishes.
A chef diligently simmering the broth.Kyoto’s unique dashi culture.
The fully open kitchen is neatly arranged, giving diners a great sense of reassurance.
The shop has two floors; though not large, the atmosphere is warm, the lighting cozy, and no matter how hectic it is outside, here you can leave your fatigue behind and calmly savor the deliciousness of a bowl of noodles.
On the second-floor walls hang hand-painted udon-themed artworks. Just looking at the paintings is enough to whet your appetite.
Opening the menu, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to Japanese, there are also English and Chinese labels.
On the owner’s recommendation, we chose the “Kyoto Specialty Mixed Udon” and the “Slow-Simmered Kyoto Tamba Chicken & Egg Oyako Udon.”
First to arrive was the hot and steaming Kyoto Specialty Mixed Udon. Its vibrant and colorful presentation instantly stimulated our appetites. The udon emitted a rich aroma, and upon tasting, it was warm, incredibly savory, and truly lived up to the reputation of this long-established Kyoto udon shop—the broth alone was enough to win us over. The soft udon melted deliciously in the rich, flavorful soup.
What’s surprising isn’t just the broth, but also the variety of delicate and tasty toppings. For example, what amazed us the most were the maple leaf-shaped fu (wheat gluten) and the delicious fish cakes.
Next came the “Slow-Simmered Kyoto Tamba Chicken & Egg Oyako Udon.”
Sprinkled with vibrant green scallions over a broth filled with chicken and eggs, the aroma of the chicken blends with the seafood-based soup base to create another unique fragrance. A gentle spoonful melts in your mouth, the warmth of the broth flowing from your throat into your stomach.
It was my first time trying the legendary Tamba chicken, which was incredibly sweet, tender, and smooth. The chicken was cooked to perfection with just the right level of doneness — truly ingenious. I couldn’t believe such a dish could be found at an affordable eatery. When eaten together with the udon noodles, the savory chicken flavor complements the noodle taste, leaving a memorable aftertaste.
There were also several small jars of seasonings on the table. Assuming they were ordinary condiments, I asked the staff and learned that even the seasonings here are from the very famous premium brand “Yamatsuki.” Sprinkling a bit into the broth adds yet another wonderful layer of flavor.
Fumi’s udon broth is sweet and rich, with generous toppings and exceptional value for money. The secret to their enduring popularity and constant stream of diners lies in maintaining their high traditional standards while evolving with the times to meet the needs of every customer, both domestic and international. In this fast-moving era and amid hurried travels, take a moment to rest at Fumi’s, enjoy a bowl of delicious udon, and warm both your tired body and soul.
【Fumi (Qǎ/span>Main Store】
Phone: 075-222-0006
Address: 519 Kikuyamachi, Nakanochō, Nakagyō Ward, Kyoto (X-chō Dōri, down the alley from Tako-shi, under Kikuyamachi)
Business Hours: 11:00–16:30(Last ordertime)）
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
【Fumi (Qǎ/span> Kinryō Store】
Phone::075-221-0354
Address: 493 Naka-Uoyamachi, Nishikōji-dōri, Nakanochō, Nakagyō Ward, Kyoto (X-chō Dōri, west entrance)
Business Hours::11:00–17:30(Last ordertime)
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Website:::http://www.kyoto-fumiya.co.jp