Thais slurp up Japan-style Sanuki udon noodles

Food & BeverageNew wave of shop openings follows success of sushi and ramenPongpan Pattapan makes udon noodles at his restaurant, Seto Sanuki Udon, in Phuket, Thailand. (Photo by Shota Manda)SHOTA MANDASeptember 5, 2026 15:03 JSTBANGKOK -- From sushi to ramen, Thailand is home to thousands of Japanese restaurants serving locals and expatriates alike. Udon (thick, wheat noodles typically served in a light broth) remained a relatively niche market, but that is changing as businesses introduce Sanuki udon, a specialty from western Japan, to more people in Thailand.