Kitsune Udon - [FoodLore|Yokai]

Kitsune Udon - [Yokai | Food-lore] - きつねうどん.

• About: Fried tofu (aburaage) placed atop udon noodles! A delicious comfort food originating from western Japan (Chuo ward, Osaka!) The dish is often cooked in a rich Dashi broth, and topped off with some thin-sliced Abura-age (Sweet fried tofu pouches; the same kind commonly sliced thin and used as a topping for Inari sushi.) The bowl is topped with either sliced green onions or scallions; a savory naruto-maki 🍥 (Fish Cake) is often the finishing garnish for presentation. 

It has been said that this dish likely originated in a restaurant famously known as Usamitei Matsubaya in Chuo, Osaka. - Long ago, around 1893; the founder of the restaurant noticed that many people seemed to enjoy ordering Inari-sushi along side of their Udon. - Cleverly; the chef decided to make it a combo; he dunked a piece of Abura-age on top of the noodles, rather than offering it as a sushi side. The taste combo seemed like a match made in heaven, and so; it proved to be so popular that most menus across japan began offering it too.

[an edo period artwork of man selling inari sushi image source. ]

...Some say that perhaps the dish is called "Kitsune Udon" because when you cook the tofu pouch, you'll know its ready when it reaches that “golden brown" (Fox Color); Others insist the connection is because "inari-sushi rolls" have pointed corners that somewhat resemble a foxes ears.

In legend, Such as those presented by famous foklorist; Lafcadio Hearn have it that Abura-age is simply a Kitsunes favourite snack! -

Quite famously, fried tofu is often said to be left as an offering at Inari shrines; and it is quite a common sight for shops & food-stands that line the approach to Inari shrines to sell fried tofu for devotees to purchase, either for them to eat themselves, or to use as an offering. - [However a tip from my friends who have recently visited: these days most priests do not normally offer food to the deity. – So to those travelling; it might be better to purchase it enjoy as a snack & leave a ¥ donation to inari instead! (depending on the shrine.)]

[For more factoids about mythological Kitsune, check out my kitsune section!]

[Art by @SamKalensky - This sticker is part of my 'food-lore' sticker collection check my shop and follow for many more!]