Japanese Restaurant Chain Marugame Udon Is Opening in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"I'm reporting that one of Japan's biggest udon chains is expanding to San Diego, taking a spot at Westfield UTC in the former Veggie Grill space near Macy’s and next to Qin West Noodle, with a posted sign indicating a late 2023 opening. Known overseas as Marugame Udon and as Marugame Seimen in Japan, the company operates over 200 locations internationally and well over 700 quick-service restaurants in Japan; it's headquartered in Kobe though its cooking method originated in Kagawa prefecture on the island of Shikoku. At every store the pillowy, thick udon noodles are made in-house, diners customize their bowls by adding toppings from a cafeteria-like counter, and customers can watch the culinary action in an open, theater-like kitchen. The Sanuki-style udon is made with wheat flour, water, and salt and has a bouncy texture; popular bowls include nikutama with beef (available hot or cold), kitsune served in dashi with sweet fried tofu, and udon in curry sauce, and the menu frequently features tempura sides such as shrimp, squid, and sweet potato." - Helen I. Hwang