Updated

Love udon? Try these 6 dishes next

If you love udon, order shoyu ramen next (97/100 flavor match), then xiao long bao and tonkotsu ramen. Udon is deeply savory, and these dishes share that profile.

Shoyu ramen: deeply savory noodle soup, like udon.

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Flavor profile

Rich
2 out of 5
Savory
4 out of 5
Spicy
0 out of 5
Tangy
1 out of 5
Sweet
1 out of 5
Fresh
1 out of 5
Smoky
0 out of 5
Crunch
0 out of 5

Japanese · noodle soup

6 dishes to try if you love udon

  1. Shoyu ramenDeeply savory noodle soup, like udon.Japanese · noodle soup
  2. Xiao long baoDeeply savory, like udon.Chinese · dumpling
  3. Tonkotsu ramenDeeply savory noodle soup, like udon, but richer.Japanese · noodle soup
  4. Nigiri sushiDeeply savory, like udon, but fresher.Japanese · raw dish
  5. Japanese curryDeeply savory, like udon, but richer and sweeter.Japanese · curry
  6. Massaman curryDeeply savory, like udon, but richer and sweeter.Thai · curry

Scores on this page compare editorial flavor profiles between dishes and are the same for everyone. They are not personal app match scores or ratings of a restaurant’s preparation. Recipes and menus vary. How these flavor scores work.

Udon vs its closest matches

  • Udon vs shoyu ramen

    97/100 flavor match

    Shoyu ramen is more savory (5 vs 4), fresher (2 vs 1), smokier (1 vs 0) and crunchier (1 vs 0) than udon. The two rate the same on richness, heat, tang and sweetness.

  • Udon vs xiao long bao

    89/100 flavor match

    Xiao long bao is richer (3 vs 2) than udon. The two rate the same on savoriness, heat, tang, sweetness, freshness, smoke and crunch.

  • Udon vs tonkotsu ramen

    82/100 flavor match

    Tonkotsu ramen is richer (5 vs 2), more savory (5 vs 4), spicier (1 vs 0) and less tangy (0 vs 1) than udon, and differs on 2 more traits. The two rate the same on sweetness and freshness.

Numbers are Palytt's editorial 0 to 5 trait ratings, written as the match first and the dish you love second.

How to order udon

What it is

Udon is thick, chewy wheat noodles in a light dashi and soy broth, often topped with scallions, fried tofu (kitsune) or tempura.

Ordering tip

Kake udon is the plainest bowl. Ask for tempura on the side so it stays crisp.

Find your next favorite

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Related reading

Good to know

What dishes are similar to udon?

If you like udon, try shoyu ramen, xiao long bao and tonkotsu ramen. Shoyu ramen is the closest flavor match (97/100): deeply savory noodle soup, like udon.

What does udon taste like?

Udon is thick, chewy wheat noodles in a light dashi and soy broth, often topped with scallions, fried tofu (kitsune) or tempura. Its strongest traits: deeply savory.

What should I order if I want something like udon but different?

Try xiao long bao: deeply savory, like udon. It scores 89/100 against udon on flavor.

How is udon different from shoyu ramen?

Shoyu ramen is more savory (5 vs 4), fresher (2 vs 1), smokier (1 vs 0) and crunchier (1 vs 0) than udon. The two rate the same on richness, heat, tang and sweetness. Ratings are 0 to 5, written as shoyu ramen vs udon. Overall it scores 97/100 against udon on flavor.

How are these food matches scored?

Each dish has a flavor profile rated 0 to 5 on richness, savoriness, heat, tang, sweetness, freshness, smoke and crunch. The match score compares two profiles and gives a small boost to dishes eaten the same way, like two noodle soups. In the Palytt app, your match score uses your own taste instead.

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