A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Udon
Udon noodles are thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodles often served in broth or stir-fried. Pronounced OO-dahn.
udon
OO-dahn
/ˈuː.dɑn/ · OO · dahn
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common topic in food blogs and cooking shows discussing Japanese cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word 'udon' comes from Japanese うどん (udon). Its ultimate origin is debated, but it may derive from the Chinese term for dumplings or noodles.
Common ways people get it wrong
- YOO-don The initial sound is a long 'oo' like in 'food', not a 'yoo' sound. Focus on the vowel.
- OO-den The second syllable rhymes with 'on' or 'don', not 'den'. Make sure the 'a' sound is open.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between udon and ramen?
Udon noodles are thick and chewy, made from wheat flour. Ramen noodles are typically thinner and have a springier texture, often made with wheat flour and kansui (alkaline solution).
Is udon a type of pasta?
While udon noodles are made from flour and water like some pastas, they are distinctly Japanese. They are considered a type of noodle, not pasta in the Italian sense.
