GOMA DASHI UDON / Saiki City

Saiki City’s local dish, Goma Dashi Udon (Sesame Dashi Udon), is simple yet packed with flavour. The secret to its rich flavour is a special seasoning called ‘goma dashi’ (sesame dashi). It is made by combining the meat from roasted fish, such as lizardfish and horse mackerel, and kneading it with ground sesame seeds, soy sauce and mirin (sweet cooking rice wine). This mixture is then placed over freshly cooked udon noodles, and boiling hot water is poured on top. The umami of the fish blends with the savoury flavour of the sesame seeds, creating a heart–warming taste that spreads in your mouth.

Goma dashi was invented in Saiki City, a city known for its fishing heritage. It was used to preserve large quantities of lizardfish in an appetising way, and has become a common part of the daily diet because it is easy to eat and nutritious.

Today, many restaurants in Saiki City serve goma dashi udon. Each restaurant has its own unique recipe and offers a slightly different flavour. Besides being a popular addition to udon, goma dashi also serves as a versatile seasoning in various other dishes such as ochazuke (rice with green tea), grilled onigiri (rice balls) and pasta.