Rakuraku

The udon at this shop in Katano, on the far north side of Osaka, can rival the noodles found in the udon heartlands of Kagawa Prefecture. Because of this, it regularly draws in big lines of diners even before opening time. Expect to wait for around an hour before you’re seated here. What distinguishes this shop from some of the plainer udon shops is its range of toppings and sides. You can add vegetable or seafood tempura, or strips of wagyu beef with raw egg. Alongside your bowl of noodles, you’ll also be given dishes of ground sesame, green onion, and grated ginger on the side, as well as a dish of soup to pour over yourself.