How to Enjoy the Best Soba Noodles in Japan – A Tantalizing Treat for Foodies

The nation of Japan offers many attractions for foreign visitors and undoubtedly one of these would be its distinctive local dishes. In fact, Japanese cuisine is popular around the world, with culinary creations like tempura, sushi, sashimi, and okonomiyaki well-known among international diners. 

Another typical Japanese dish would be soba noodles, which are much-loved by the locals. Provided below is more information about this delicious speciality worth trying on a visit to Japan. 

Understand the difference between soba and ramen

Cooked Dish of Soba Noodles | Image by Nao Ya via unsplash

Perhaps a better-known type of Japanese noodles would be ramen which has acquired popularity across the globe. It happens to be prepared from wheat and would be rather like pasta.

 You would find that ramen, typically served with a savoury broth, would be a strongly flavored and somewhat oily dish. On the other hand, soba would be composed of buckwheat flour, with a greyish-brown colour; it would be served accompanied by a broth prepared from fish stock and soy sauce. Therefore, soba may be considered a healthier, more nutritious dish. In Japan, soba has been regarded since ancient times as a food that would be beneficial to health, and which is suitable for daily consumption and during times of illness too.

Take note of the history of soba

Soba also inherits an interesting history. It initially became popular in Japan approximately four centuries ago. Soon, it became well-known throughout the country, also acquiring renown as a dish consumed on important occasions. 

During the Edo period, it became trendy for affluent business proprietors to eat soba. It happens to be particularly associated with the Nagano Prefecture, a region that enjoys a climate favourable for the cultivation of buckwheat. Even today, the locals of this area consume the most soba within Japan, while you can easily savour soba in Nagano and Tokyo restaurants as well.

Know the secret of making fine soba

Probably the most vital factor in making good soba would be the standard of the ingredients. It would also be important to mill the flour used each day to release the special buckwheat aroma and augment the texture and flavour. 

You must additionally take care to use the correct quantity of water when making soba. The process would also involve a great deal of kneading and using the correct level of pressure, while the dipping sauce or broth must be prepared carefully to complement the soba perfectly. 

Enjoy soba in different ways

There would, in fact, be a variety of ways in which to enjoy soba. You could eat it cold accompanied with dipping sauce, or perhaps within a warm broth along with a selection of toppings. 

Some Japanese connoisseurs of soba will eat the noodles cold to appreciate the delicate flavours and aroma. A well-known dish would be mori soba, which would feature a dipping sauce containing slices of wasabi and spring onion. Another popular dish would be tempura soba which would be warm soba with a topping of gently fried tempura prawns. 

Various other dishes could also be made with this key ingredient. When seeking the best restaurants in Shibuya consider those at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, an accommodation choice to consider where you could enjoy a soba lunch. 

Appreciate the health benefits of soba

Soba also offers an array of health benefits for those who consume it. Buckwheat would feature rutin, a bioflavonoid that happens to be recognized for diminishing cholesterol as well as lowering high blood pressure, reducing unnecessary blood clotting, and eliminating toxins from the bloodstream. Interestingly, buckwheat also features more protein than many other grains. It happens to contain abundant minerals and vitamins as well, whilst also featuring low fat and plenty of dietary fiber. 

These elements would also help to reduce the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks.