My friend living in Kansai asked me “I want to go to Kagawa next time, do you know any good places to eat? I tried finding, but it seems most of the web-sites just copy images from Instagram and compile them, so I don’t really get it…” Indeed, when searching for gourmet information about Kagawa, many of the top results seems to copy summary articles from major media outlets. While I think that’s also valuable information, I understand my friend’s request to to know the reviews from the local people in Kagawa.
So, based on my actual interviews in Kagawa, where I live, I’ve compiled five cheap eats gourmet recommendations (excluding udon) that I personally thought it was delicious. I anticipate some might say, “You’re just recycling past articles!” Nevertheless, I hope you find it useful as a reference.
Bone-in Chicken (Yoridorimidori / Takamatsu City)
When it comes to Kagawa, it’s all about Sanuki Udon and bone-in chicken. Recently, a common practice has emerged: exploring udon shops during the day and finishing with bone-in chicken. While there are many places in Kagawa offering bone-in chicken, one that I want to recommend this time is the popular restaurant “Honetsukidori Yoridori Midori” in the Hyogo-cho Shopping Street in Takamatsu City.
The distinctive feature of their bone-in chicken is that it maintains the spiciness typical of bone-in chicken while being slightly milder compared to other establishments. With convenient cuts for easy consumption, it’s also recommended for out-of-town tourists less familiar with bone-in chicken! Perhaps due to the addictive nature of this unique, time-honored flavor, the restaurant is always full. However, surprisingly, the turnover is fast, so it’s worth considering a short wait before going.
Yoridorimidori
1-24 2F Hyogocho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
17:00-22:00 (L.O.21:30) Closed on Mondays
Takoban (Original Takoban Komae / Mitoyo City)
I have heard that residents in Kagawa sometimes can not stop desired to eat it!!! It is the addictive taste of the octopus pancake of “Original Takohane Komae.” Originally the shop was specializing in takoyaki and large pancake-like treats. But, local junior high school students suggested that “Small takoyaki won’t fill us up, so how about cooking the larger ones?” So, the shop tried to make larger takoyaki, which is called “Takoban.”
As it takes about 40 minutes for “Takoban” to cook, it’s better to make a phone call for reservation when you are hurry. If you have enough time, it’s also a great idea to spend time in the nostalgic, Showa-era-inspired interior until the pancakes are ready! Takohane features a delightful combination of firm sunny-side-up eggs and crispy cabbage that leaves a perfect texture.
The original takoban Komae
33-9 Nioshin, Nio-cho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture
9:00~Order stop 16:00 Closed on Mondays
Anmochi Zoni (Momotaro Chaya / Takamatsu City)
I find regional dishes as unique as ozoni, eaten during New Year’s, quite unusual, but here in Kagawa, it’s customary for ozoni to include anko-mochi (sweet bean paste rice cake). As someone originally from Kansai, I nostalgically remember being shocked by the presence of anko-mochi in ozoni, but once accustomed, I realized how truly delicious it is.
At “Momotaro Chaya” on the summit of Yashima Mountain in Takamatsu City, you can enjoy “Anmochi Zoni” (ozoni with sweet bean paste rice cake) throughout the year. Initially, you might find the taste a bit peculiar, but the sweetness of the anko-mochi and the savory flavor of the white miso complement each other, gradually revealing a delightful synergy. Many people make it a point to try this when they visit Kagawa, and some even come specifically for this unique dish.
Momotaro Chaya
1821 Yashima Higashicho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
10:00~Sunset, open all year round
Hand-stretched somen (Muginawa no Sato Masagoya SUSURU / Takamatsu City)
Shodoshima, known for its olives in Kagawa Prefecture, is also a region famous for hand-stretched somen noodles. While categorizing these hand-stretched somen noodles as B-class gourmet might be a bit unconventional, I’d like to introduce the somen noodles from “Muginawa no Sato Masagoya SUSURU,” a shop that adheres to the traditional techniques of Shodoshima somen, and produces incredibly delicious somen noodles throughout the year.
Although summer’s flowing somen is delightful, a highly recommended option is the “kake-somen (500 yen).” Despite being extremely thin, it has a firm texture with a slightly chewy surface, providing a pleasant mouthfeel. The broth strikes a perfect balance—not too rich, not too light, making it genuinely delicious!
Mugina no Sato Masagoya SUSURU
1355-1 Higashiuedacho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
10:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:00) Irregular holidays
Tokoroten (Kiyomizuya / Sakaide City)
Finally, we have the Tokoroten from “Kiyomizuya” in Sakaide City. The shop was established in the first year of Meiwa (1764). Enjoying Tokoroten in this area, where the legend of “Yasoba no Kiyomizu,” where Japan Butsuzou and 88 soldiers revived thanks to spring water after being poisoned by a venomous fish, is still told, is truly delightful! The Tokoroten comes in various styles, including the classic vinegar and soy sauce, the Osaka-style with black sugar syrup, sesame sauce, and a version cut into small squares reminiscent of kuzumochi.
In this slightly sweaty season, while shaved ice and ice cream are popular choices, don’t overlook the refreshing option of “sweetened Tokoroten.” Visit the shop with its traditional Japanese ambiance and the cool atmosphere of the surrounding trees.
Kiyomizuya
759-1 Nishishocho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture
9:00 – sunset (summer – 17:00, winter – 16:00)
・Mid-March to end of September, open every day
・October and November Sundays and holidays
・Completely closed from December to mid-March