If you are traveling in Japan and want a quick, affordable, and truly Japanese meal,
Marugame Seimen (丸亀製麺) is a must-try.
It is Japan’s largest udon chain, loved for its freshly made noodles and fun self-service style.
At first, the system may look confusing — but don’t worry.
Choose → Receive → Add → Pay → Eat.
That’s all.
Read this once and you’ll never panic in line again 😉
What is Marugame Seimen?
Marugame Seimen is a nationwide udon restaurant chain with over 800 locations across Japan.
They make udon fresh in the shop every day, and you can customize everything: noodles, soup, toppings, and sides.
The restaurant uses a self-service ordering system, which means you walk through the line, choose your food, and pay at the end.
Popular Menu at Marugame Seimen
・Kake Udon
Simple udon in hot dashi broth.
Perfect for first-time visitors.
・Bukkake Udon
Cold or hot udon with a thick soy-based sauce.
Light, refreshing, and very popular in summer.
・Beef Udon
Hot udon topped with sweet beef and a soft egg.
Rich, savory, and filling.
・Curry Udon
Udon in Japanese curry soup.
Comfort food on cold or rainy days.
・Kamaage Udon
Signature udon dish.
Enjoy the rich wheat flavor of the noodles!
Popular Tempura & Sides
- Shrimp Tempura
- Chicken Tempura
- Pumpkin Tempura
- Onigiri (Rice Balls)
- Inari Sushi (Sweet tofu rice)
Step-by-Step: How to Order at Marugame Seimen
0. Get a Black Tray
When you enter, take a black tray near the door.
1. Order Your Udon (Boss Level)
Tell the staff:
- Your udon
- Hot or cold
- Size
⚠ Most staff speak only Japanese, and the menu is usually in Japanese.
Life-saving trick:
Take a photo of the menu and show the picture to the staff.
You can also open the official website and point.
Useful Words
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Cold | 冷たい | Tsumetai |
| Hot | 温かい | Atatakai |
| Small | 並 | Nami |
| Large | 大盛 | Omori |
| Extra Large | 得盛 | Tokumori |
You survived the hardest part 💪
2. Receive Your Udon
The staff will hand you your bowl.
3. Choose Tempura & Rice
Move to the side dishes area.
Take a white plate and choose what you want.
4. Go to the Cashier
Bring your tray to the register.
You can pay with:
- Cash
- Credit card
- QR payment
- Suica / IC card
5. Add Toppings & Drinks
After paying, stop at the self-service counter.
Free toppings include:
- Green onions
- Ginger
- Tempura flakes
Water and tea are also free.
6. Sit & Enjoy
Find an empty seat.
There is extra dashi broth on the table.
7. Return Your Tray
When you finish, bring your tray to the return counter.
Final Tip
Don’t be shy.
Point, smile, show pictures — it works perfectly in Japan 😊
Marugame Seimen is fast, delicious, and beginner-friendly.
Enjoy your udon adventure! 🍜✨
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