Thick Japanese noodle

UDON

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue **\"Thick Japanese noodle\"** (answer: **UDON**):\n\n*\"Wheat-based staple often served in a savory broth.\"*\n\nThis hint:\n- Narrows the focus to a specific type of noodle (wheat-based).\n- Mentions a common serving style (broth), which is a key feature of udon dishes.\n- Avoids repeating \"thick\" or \"Japanese\" directly but still guides the solver toward the answer.\n\nIt’s easier than the original clue but doesn’t give away the answer outright."]

The clue **"Thick Japanese noodle"** directly leads to the answer **"UDON"** because udon is a well-known type of thick, wheat-based noodle in Japanese cuisine. The clue is straightforward, with no wordplay or puns involved—it simply describes a defining characteristic of udon noodles (their thickness) and their cultural origin (Japan). If this were a cryptic crossword, there might be additional layers of wordplay, but in this case, it's a simple definition clue where the answer fits the description perfectly. Udon is a staple in Japanese dishes like *kitsune udon* or *curry udon*, making it a recognizable term for food enthusiasts.