Japanese restaurants are gearing up to welcome the New Year with special menus featuring dishes rich with symbolism and tradition. Among them, the popular 山下本気うどん chain is set to offer two festive dishes to celebrate the incoming year of 2025.
From December 27, 2024, through December 31, 2024, customers can enjoy the "年越し 大海老天 福うどん," which translates to "New Year's Eve Giant Shrimp Tempura Udon." This elaborate dish includes crispy, oversized shrimp tempura atop thick, luscious udon noodles, symbolizing longevity and good luck. The price is set at 1,380 yen (approximately $9.50), making it accessible for families and friends seeking to mark the end of the year with luxurious treats.
Following this, from January 1, 2025, to January 5, 2025, 山下本気うどん will feature the "年明け 寿 特大海老天うどん" or "New Year Celebration Giant Shrimp Tempura Udon." This dish mirrors the previous offering, emphasizing the joyful celebration of the new year with shrimp tempura, symbolic herbs, and textures crafted to create rich flavors. The consistent pricing holds at 1,380 yen, continuing the tradition of welcoming the New Year with hearty meals.
Garden Co., Ltd., which oversees 山下本気うどん, prides itself on using selected wheat and expertly crafted udon. The chain believes the combination of udon with tempura not only enhances the culinary experience but also invites patrons to engage with the traditions of New Year celebrations. "サクサクの特大海老天がトッピングされた豪華な一杯," said the management, emphasizing the luxuriousness of the offerings.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Tokyo, Flipper’s is launching its very own festive menu on January 15, 2025, paying homage to beloved Sanrio characters, マイメロディ and シナモロール, for their birthdays. The collaboration will include special dishes such as the strawberry-full "奇跡のパンケーキ マイメロディ" (Miracle Pancake My Melody) and the cinnamon-flavored "奇跡のパンケーキ シナモロール" (Miracle Pancake Cinnamon Roll), both priced at 2,500 yen. These light and fluffy pancakes are not just desserts but beautifully crafted pieces of art celebrating the joyful spirit of friendship and fun.
"奇跡のパンケーキを囲んで、お祝いが始まります," said representatives of Flipper’s, highlighting the celebratory theme at the café as fans join the festivities.
The マイメロディ pancake features heart-shaped strawberry pieces, reflecting not just taste but emotional resonance during this joyful occasion. For fans, the collaboration extends beyond just food, offering exclusive merchandise such as colorful keychains available with pancake set orders.
This period promises to be deliciously packed as patrons flock to these establishments to enjoy the unique offerings, rooted deeply in tradition yet spruced with modern flair.
Indeed, as families and friends gather around these sumptuous meals, both new and seasoned traditions are sure to light up the New Year's celebration, reinforcing the social fabric of Japan's culinary experiences. These special menus exemplify what the New Year is about: sharing moments, making resolutions, and fortifying connections over delightful dishes.
