Yaki Udon
Yaki Udon originated in Kokura, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, at a restaurant
called “Darumado.
The story dates back to 1945, right after World War II. During a severe food shortage,
the owner struggled to find the Chinese noodles typically used for Yakisoba.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
In a moment of inspiration, he decided to boil dried udon noodles and stir-fry them instead.
This creative twist was the birth of “Kokura-style Yaki-udon,” which eventually spread across
the entire country.



