From its opening in 2004, “Utau Teuchi Udon Inaho” served as a stalwart in Fukuoka’s udon scene during its 7 year run (and is currently closed). After its shutter, owner Okazaki-san served as a producer for an udon shop in Tokyo. Once it took off, he returned to Fukuoka to open yet another udon shop.

“Utau Inaho” is the ultimate “Udon Izakaya”, that’s now popping up all over Fukuoka. Udon is served as a final course after small bites and drinks. The noodles itself is like a hybrid of Sanuki and Hakata style noodles. Although Okazaki-san has visited Sanuki before, he hadn’t really trained there; his noodles were a result of him trying to recreate the delicious noodles he had in Sanuki. Okazaki-san also swears by the Itoshima flour that his parents grew themselves. This “Itoshima Udon” is the culmination of Okazaki-san’s ideals.

The drink list is expansive with plenty of all-natural wine, as well as sake, beer, and shochu. Small dishes are mainly reasonably-priced and well thought-out items like “Jamon Iberico” “Sesame Mackerel” and “Stewed Intestines”. Hours are from 4PM to 3AM. Whether you’re looking for some fancy day drinking or a late-night snack, Inaho surely will have something for you.