Immerse in Vegan Culinary Delights: Prepare Udon at a Rustic Farmhouse close to Tokyo
Experience the Authenticity of Maruen's Udon Making
Just an hour away from Tokyo, nestled in the heart of Saitama, lies the picturesque Maruen Farmhouse. This historic locale has been stirring up a storm in the udon world for about 380 years, playing host to an unforgettable Udon Making Experience.
Saitama is renowned for its diverse range of udon noodles, each variety steeped in culture and celebration, from daily meals to momentous occasions like weddings and funerals. Maruen Farmhouse is a beacon of tradition and B-class gourmet delights, offering visitors a hands-on insight into the fascinating world of udon noodles.
In the past, dwelling in areas where rice cultivation was challenging due to climate and terrain, udon and soba became revered staple foods in many Japanese households. Although modern-day residents commonly enjoy these noodles in pre-prepared supermarket varieties or restaurant meals, some households still adhere to the age-old tradition of making their own noodles. Grandmothers like the matriarch of the Maru family carry on the legacy, serving their homemade noodles at family get-togethers.
Discover the Magic of Maruen
Maruen Farmhouse is more than just a pesticide-free vegetable oasis. It's also the go-to spot for tea-roasting tours, udon-making workshops, and even bonsai-making tours!
Mastering the Art of Udon Noodle Making
The udon-making workshop takes place on the second floor of the farmhouse's traditional building. Maru-san meticulously prepares the dough a day before the tour, ensuring it's ready for guests to knead, stretch, and cut into noodles during the event. The dough, created from flour, salt, and water, is left to rest to develop its fluffy texture.
The noodle-making journey begins with stabbing and squishing the dough in a plastic bag with your feet. This process is repeated about five times to flatten the dough and bring out its elasticity. Following this, the dough is dusted with potato starch before it's stretched, rolled out, and cut to perfection. Transforming from a simple dough ball, an hour later, you'll have your very own homemade udon noodles.
Savor Your Culinary Creation
Indulge in the fruits of your labor by enjoying the noodles with a simple soy sauce-based dipping sauce, akin to the "shabu-shabu" hot pot-style meal. The broth is vegetarian-friendly, made from kelp, yet bursting with flavor. The relish is complemented by tempura vegetables fresh from Maru Farms and other local farms, delivering a taste explosion!
Sweeten the Deal with a Vegetable Dessert
Don't worry if you're still craving vegetables; there's more to savor! A culinary sommelier will guide you in creating a vegetable dessert using seasonal produce. Experience the delight as you craft dishes like pumpkin cream with rice cakes, allowing your udon-making adventure to culminate in a satisfyingly sweet note.
If this sounds like the perfect escape from Tokyo, don't hesitate to book your tour at the link below. Happy noodle-making!
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Book Your Tour Now
- After experiencing the charm of Maruen Farmhouse's udon-making workshop, immerse yourself in other cultural experiences such as tea-roasting tours, bonsai-making tours, or workshops focused on home-and-garden initiatives.
- The culinary lifestyle at Maruen Farmhouse extends beyond udon noodles; participate in cooking workshops that offer unique recipes for delicious food-and-drink creations, including a vegetable dessert crafted from seasonal produce.
- Discover the hidden gems of Japan by embarking on guided tours curated by Japan Wonder Travel, where you can explore the rich history and vibrant culture in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other captivating destinations.
- Elevate your cooking skills by mastering the art of udon noodle making, which has been passed down through generations, offering a taste of authentic Japanese culture.
- Bask in the beauty of Maruen Farmhouse's picturesque surroundings and gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese lifestyle and traditions, as they seamlessly blend with modern gourmet delights.
