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Japanese cuisine is an incredibly fascinating and studied subject, alongside the natural landscapes and renowned ancient structures. Each dish crafted is an art of Color – Aroma – Flavor. And when it comes to Japanese noodles, diners worldwide can't forget that simple yet unique taste.
There are four noodle types that stand out the most: Udon noodles, Ramen noodles, Soba noodles, and Somen noodles. Each type carries its own flavor profile, a distinct character that's hard to miss.
Udon Noodles
The name Udon noodles seems to be quite familiar to every diner. Not just because of its name, but also because of the refreshing and distinctive flavor of this dish.
Udon noodles are made from wheat flour, salt, and water. The noodles are opaque white in color, with a round or square cross-section. What's special is that the thickness of the noodles also carries unique characteristics, depending on the region, the chef's preparation method, and the weather temperature. It can be said that enjoying Udon noodles in different places, at different times, brings quite a unique taste.
When cooked, the noodles swell up, retaining a chewy texture and the aroma of wheat flour. The refreshing taste, without losing the richness of the broth, will definitely awaken all your senses.
Noodles firm and chewy after being boiled - Image from the Internet
According to tradition, Udon noodles are typically served with broth, accompanied by fried eggs, steamed buns, salted pork, fried shrimp, and various vegetables. Each type of Udon noodles has its own flavor and name. Kake Udon is made with broth, served with sauce, mirin, and dashi. Yakiudon is mixed with black sauce, and Kitsune Udon is eaten with fried tofu.
A steaming bowl of noodles is truly enticing - Image from the Internet
Ramen Noodles
Unlike Udon, Ramen noodles are smaller and prepared in various ways. Ramen is considered one of the most popular noodle dishes in Japan. The ingredients for making Ramen noodles include wheat flour, salt, water, and kansui (alkaline water) to give the noodles a chewier and tastier texture. The characteristic of a bowl of Ramen can be seen in the accompanying ingredients such as thinly sliced pork, perfectly boiled eggs, seaweed, and a sprinkle of spring onions.
A perfectly authentic bowl of Ramen - Image from the Internet
Each type of Ramen is served with its own broth: Shio Ramen - Broth made from chicken or pork bones, heavily salted, with a rich flavor. Shoyu Ramen - Broth made with Japanese soy sauce, simmered with pork, pork bones, chicken bones, or dried fish. Tonkotsu Ramen - Broth made from pork bones, resulting in a creamy white color, thick with fat and collagen. Miso Ramen - Broth cooked with soybean paste, similar to Tonkotsu in color but smoother and milder in taste.
Shoyu Ramen with soy sauce base
Shio Ramen with salt base
Locals in the land of the rising sun have even established a 'Noodle Park' - Odaima Ramen Park dedicated solely to this type of noodle. When traveling on a budget here, diners will get to enjoy the distinct Ramen noodles of each region.
Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are an essential dish for the Japanese during the New Year festivities. Soba noodles are considered a symbol of luck for the Japanese, often eaten at the end of the year to bid farewell to the old year and wish for a new year full of luck and health.
Soba noodles are meticulously prepared and enjoyed in a unique way. Made from buckwheat flour and wheat flour, kneaded into a firm dough, then rolled thin and cut into small strands. When enjoyed, diners will experience the fragrant aroma, chewy texture, and rich flavor of the noodles along with the special, savory broth.
Tsukimi Soba noodles, also known as 'moon-viewing' noodles - Image from the internet
Soba noodles typically come in three main types: kake-soba (noodles served in a large bowl with hot broth poured over), mori-soba (noodles rinsed in cold water after boiling, then placed on a bamboo sieve), and tane-mono (noodles with tempura, fried tofu, various wild vegetables, duck meat... Each type of noodle has its own unique flavor that you shouldn't miss!
Mori-soba noodles - Image from the internet
Somen Noodles
Somen noodles could be considered the most famous cold noodle dish in the land of the rising sun. On scorching summer days, indulging in some chilled Somen noodles will surely make you feel more comfortable!
Somen noodles are thin, long strands, elegantly presented with various flavors depending on the eater's preference. Served in a glass bowl, chilled with ice water and accompanied by fresh vegetables or various meats and vegetables.
The harmonious, elegant colors of a bowl of somen noodles - Image from the internet
To enjoy Somen noodles properly, you need to eat them with green bamboo chopsticks. The fragrant taste of the noodles, the sweetness of the broth, and the refreshing feel of the bamboo chopsticks will surely leave a lasting impression on you.
Each type of Japanese noodles carries its own unique flavor that is hard to forget. Make sure not to miss the opportunity to savor the 'pride' of the land of the rising sun when traveling to Japan!
