About
Welcome to InakaAn, a culinary gem nestled in the charming town of Yufuin, Oita, Japan. Located at 1071-3 Yufuincho Kawakami, this udon noodle restaurant captivates food lovers with its commitment to quality and flavor. Known for its delightful offerings, InakaAn is particularly celebrated for its signature dish: the Gobo Tempura Udon. Here, the earthy sweetness of burdock root, skillfully transformed into crispy tempura, creates a sublime harmony with the restaurant's clear dashi broth. At just JP¥780, this dish invites you to rediscover the rich, natural taste of burdock in every slurp.
As you step into InakaAn, expect a warm and inviting atmosphere, often filled with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes. The friendly staff, predominantly composed of seasoned ladies in their 50s and 60s, epitomize the heartfelt service this place offers, adding a personal touch that enhances your dining experience. Patrons often rave about the deliciousness of the udon and soba, with many noting that the wait, especially during peak hours, is well worth the delectable rewards awaiting them.
While some might find the prices slightly higher than average—after all, this is a popular tourist destination—the quality and authentic flavors make it an investment in a memorable meal. Customers frequently highlight the care put into each plate, with dishes made fresh upon order, ensuring vibrant flavors and textures. It's this dedication to culinary craftsmanship that explains the lines out the door; as one reviewer noted, "If you have the time, you will get a satisfying meal."
InakaAn’s fans rave about its excellent tempura, often paired with their udon or soba, which exudes the perfect bite and chewiness. Be prepared to embrace a bit of a wait if you visit around lunchtime—many recommend arriving with a queue ticket in hand to avoid any confusion. Cash payments only can be a slight inconvenience, but it’s a minor trade-off for such delightful cuisine.
In essence, InakaAn offers more than just food; it provides a culinary experience steeped in Japanese tradition and flavor. Their dedication to using quality ingredients and the warm, welcoming environment make it a must-visit for anyone traversing through Yufuin. Hence, if you find yourself in this picturesque region, allow some time in your itinerary to savor the delectable dishes at InakaAn — it promises to be a highlight of your gastronomic journey.
“ We went there at a peak time so had to wait a little bit but the soba and all other dishes were incredibly delicious and worth the wait. All the ladies--mostly in their 50s, 60s, if I'm recalling correctly--who are taking orders and serving are very sweet. Would definitely recommend this place . ”
“ delicious udon. a liiiitle expensive, but it’s yufuin, so i guess it’s to be expected of a tourist spot. ”
“ We reached at 12 plus and there is a queue. There is a machine giving out queue numbers. Burdock tempura udon and the soba/udon set is good. The waiters are very friendly. English menu is available. Cash payment only. ”
“ Very delicious udong restaurant in Yufuin. You need to expect a long que during lunch time. But inside, there are empty tables because it seems the restaurant would have numbers of customers they can serve. Food was made when customers ordered. It took a little tome but not long. Price is reasonable. 2330 YEN for two peraons. But only cash. Strongly recommend! ”
“ Waited very long for seats in this udon/soba restaurant with very good tempura. Surprising, there seems to be more Koreans customers than locals or other nationalities. But have to say that their tempura goes well with their noodles. If you don’t have time to wait for seats, then can skip. But if you have the time, then you will get a satisfying meal. ”
“ This place was recommended by our tour guide and we went right before they opened, which is what I would recommend. The place gets busy and if you arrive late, expect a long wait. I got the tempura udon set, which comes with few other items and a bowl of rice. Rice was so flavorful and tasty, a lot better than the Udon in my opinion. Food takes some time to come out, as they make them in the order your order was taken. For tall person like me, the tables were very uncomfortable. ”
“ Udon was standard quality for a small shop. The fried tofu (kitsune) was big and yummy. Point deducted for rushed and inhospitable service and soggy tempura batter. ”