5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Kagawa

Kagawa Prefecture might be Japan’s smallest by area, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food. Nicknamed “Udon Prefecture” (yes, officially), Kagawa has carved out a reputation for chewy noodles, island-grown olives and one very unexpected mochi-based soup. From slurpable staples to savory snacks and sweet-salty curveballs, here are five famous foods you need to try when visiting Shikoku’s Kagawa.

1. Sanuki Udon

Photo by: PIXTA/ shige hattori

Welcome to the Udon Kingdom. This one’s a no-brainer. Kagawa’s Sanuki udon is legendary. Thick, bouncy noodles served hot or cold, usually in a light dashi broth or with dipping sauce. It’s so central to the region’s identity that there’s an official udon taxi service that’ll take you udon-hopping across the prefecture and a Udon Prefecture Passport for collecting stamps.

What sets Sanuki udon apart is the firmness of the noodle. It’s got that koshi (chewy bite) that noodle-lovers crave. Popular toppings include raw egg, grated daikon and crispy tempura, but purists may tell you to keep it simple with just a splash of soy and scallions.

2. Honetsukidori (Bone-in Chicken) Photo by: PIXTA/ od

If Udon is Kagawa’s king, honetsukidori is the prince. Originating in Marugame City, this dish features a whole chicken leg roasted to juicy, peppery perfection, served bone-in and ready to tear into caveman-style.

There are two styles: “Wakadori” (young chicken, tender and juicy) and “Oyadori” (older and chewier meat but flavor-packed). Both are roasted with garlic, black pepper and a crispy skin finish that makes them irresistible. Many eateries around Kagawa serve honetsukidori, you can’t miss it!

3. Shoyu Mame (Soy Sauce Beans)

Photo by: PIXTA/ wifineko

Shoyu mame might not look flashy, but don’t underestimate these soy-simmered broad beans. They’re roasted and soaked in a sweet soy sauce marinade until they hit that perfect sweet-salty balance. They are likened to the Japanese version of candied nuts.

Locals snack on them with tea or sake and they often show up in New Year’s feasts. You’ll find them in souvenir shops across Kagawa, vacuum-sealed for freshness and dangerously easy to keep munching.

4. Anmochi Zoni (Sweet Red Bean Rice Cake Soup)

Photo by: PIXTA/ AMスタジオ

Weird? Maybe. Wonderful? Absolutely. Anmochi zoni is Kagawa’s most unexpected culinary twist. It’s a white miso soup with vegetables and a sweet red bean–filled mochi bobbing inside.

Traditionally served during the New Year season, this dish is a love-it-or-loathe-it choice for travellers but a beloved one for locals. The combination of sweet mochi and savory soup might confuse your taste buds at first, but give it a chance, and it just might win you over.

5. Shodoshima Olives and Olive Products

Photo by: PIXTA/ L-HOPE

You probably don’t think of “olives” when you think of Japan, but Shodoshima, one of Kagawa’s islands in the Seto Inland Sea, has been growing them for over a century. With a warm climate and sea breeze, it’s Japan’s answer to the Mediterranean.

Visit Shodoshima Olive Park for everything from pressed olive oil and pickled olives to olive ice cream (yes, it’s a thing and it’s delicious). The local olive-fed meats and beauty products also make great souvenirs. If you can’t make it to Shodoshima, do not fret. Many souvenir and food stores around Kagawa sell Shodoshima Olive products.

Feeling hungry? Check out our Famous Food in Japan series for more.