Kitsune-udon "Usami-tei Matsubaya"
The unexpected lead to success
Back in the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), Usami Youtaro used to be apprenticed to a sushi restaurant in Matsuyamachi-suji. Due to the restaurant's closing, he started an udon restaurant "Hompo Matsuba-ya" in Semba. His experience in working at the sushi restaurant inspired him to use 'a-ge (fried tofu)' as a part of his udon menu. In those days oil and sugar that were used to cook the a-ge was very expensive. So he decided to serve the cooked a-ge on a separate plate along with the udon as a special treat to his customers. Youtaro thought his customers would eat them separately, as they were served. He was surprised to see his customers place the a-ge on the Udon and enjoy it! The unexpected combination by his customers was the beginning of "Kitsune-udon"; udon topped with cooked a-ge.
Third generation, still going strong
"History and name value are not the only things that keep you in business. It is my responsibility to pass on the great taste that my grandfather and father have created." Currently, Usami Yoshihiro who is 63 years old is in charge as the third generation. The water used for dashi stock and boiling udon noodles are made by being left over night with a stone in it before it is used and different types of water are used for each purpose. Ingredients are ordered from all over the country, like they used to be from the very beginning of the restaurant. Just to name a few, a-ge from Nishiki, Kyoto that is fried with rapeseed oil, flour from Chikugo-izumi (Kumamoto prefecture), bonito flakes from Yaku-shima, salt from Agehama-enden (sun-dried salt fields) of Notohantou, high-quality konbu from Hokkaido, soy sauce from Shoudo-shima, sugar from Awa and lots more.
Delicious, as it has always been
The great taste of "Usami-tei Matsubaya" (Hompo Matsubaya) can only be made in Osaka, because that's where all the great ingredients gather. Even today you'll find a long line of people waiting at lunch time, just like it has always been.
Establishment / 1893Place of establishment / Semba
Founder / Usami Youtaro
Current company / Usami-tei Matsubaya (former: Hompo Matsubaya)
Place / 3-8-1 Minami-semba Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel / +81-6-6251-3339
