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Japanese Noodles in Summer
In Japan, refreshing noodles are essential on the dining table during the hot summer.
Even when the summer heat reduces your appetite, cold and refreshing noodles are easy to eat and digest, putting less strain on a weakened stomach.
They are also easy to prepare, simply requiring boiling and rinsing in cold water, and are relatively affordable for anyone to enjoy.
You can change the flavor by adding your favorite broth and condiments, allowing for personalized arrangements. By combining them with meat, fish, or vegetables, you can enjoy a wide variety of noodle dishes.
This time, we will introduce Japan's traditional noodle dishes. Beat the summer heat with refreshing noodle dishes this year!
Popular Types of Noodles
Soba
Soba noodles are made by grinding buckwheat seeds into flour, adding water, and cutting the mixture into thin strips. They are characterized by their unique flavor, aroma, and grayish color, and are rich in nutrients. Because they are easy to prepare and can be eaten quickly, "standing soba" (tachigui soba)—where people eat soba while standing at stalls or shops—is popular, especially among busy businesspeople.
Meicha Soba
These green soba noodles are made with kneaded tea leaves. The harmony of the tea aroma and soba flavor, as well as the unique bitterness, are characteristic. Tea leaves also contain various nutrients, so you can efficiently get nutrition even when you don't have an appetite.
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Togakushi Soba
One of Japan's three major soba noodles, this traditional soba comes from Nagano Prefecture. The pure water nurtured by Nagano’s mountains creates fragrant noodles. Adding spicy radish as a condiment provides a sharp, spicy accent.
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Udon
Udon noodles, made primarily from wheat flour, are characterized by their thick and chewy texture. The firmness and shape of the noodles vary by region, so why not find your favorite udon? Besides boiling, there are various cooking methods such as stewing and frying. Western-style variations like curry udon and cream udon are also popular.
Sato Yosuke (Inaniwa Udon)
Inaniwa udon, originating from Akita Prefecture, is characterized by its thin, pure white noodles. You can enjoy its smooth texture and easy swallowability.
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Ishimaru Udon (Sanuki Udon)
Sanuki udon, originating from Kagawa Prefecture, is characterized by its firmness and elasticity. The dough’s "foot stomping" process gives it a unique texture. A typical way to eat it is "Bukkake Udon," where the broth is poured directly over the noodles.
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Somen
Somen noodles are extremely thin noodles made primarily from wheat flour. They are characterized by their smooth texture and moderate firmness. Sold in a dried state, they have excellent shelf life. Compared to soba and udon, somen are often eaten in summer. "Nagashi Somen," where noodles are floated down a bamboo gutter (toi) and caught with chopsticks, is a traditional Japanese summer custom.
Ibonoito
This is a high-quality somen noodle representing Japan, produced in Hyogo Prefecture. It is made using a traditional hand-stretched manufacturing method that has been passed down for 600 years.
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Miwa Somen
Produced in Nara Prefecture, this is Japan’s oldest somen noodle. It is characterized by its delicate and smooth texture.
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Hiyashi Chuka
This is a classic summer noodle dish made by cooling boiled Chinese noodles, topping them with a sweet and sour sauce, and garnishing with colorful ingredients. Convenience stores and supermarkets sell sets that include all the ingredients and can be eaten immediately. The typical ingredients are thinly sliced cucumbers, ham, shredded eggs, and tomatoes.
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Choose Your Broth to Match Your Mood!
The noodle broth is a key element that determines the dish’s flavor. Soy sauce-based broth is rich in umami, characterized by the aroma and saltiness of soy sauce, and is a classic used in a wide variety of noodle dishes. Sesame broth features a fragrant sesame aroma and a mellow taste. Broth with added vinegar offers a sweet and sour flavor, balancing acidity and sweetness to stimulate the appetite.
You can easily make homemade broth by combining soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (such as kelp). Various flavored broths are also available on shopping platforms like Rakuten. We recommend purchasing several varieties so you can choose according to your mood each day.
Enjoy a Change of Pace with Condiments!
Condiments enhance the flavor of a dish while adding texture and aroma.
Classic Condiments
- Green onions: Add aroma and texture, while also making the dish look vibrant.
- Wasabi: Adds a sharp spiciness that goes through the nose.
- Seaweed: A classic topping for soba and udon that enhances the mellow flavor.
- Sesame: Adds aroma and texture.
- Grated ginger: You can enjoy the spiciness and aroma, as well as eliminate the odor of ingredients.
Other Recommended Condiments
Adding a burst of citrus fruits brings a bright, refreshing twist.
Spiciness not only enhances the dish but also helps increase appetite and promote blood circulation.
Shichimi Togarashi (Seven Spice Blend)
There are endless combinations of noodles, broth, and condiments. Enjoy the various flavors and find your favorite combination!
Order Products with Rakuten Global Express!
Have the noodles and related products you purchased on Rakuten delivered to your home with Rakuten Global Express.
You can consolidate products purchased from multiple shops into a single package.
There is no additional fee for combining items, allowing you to save on international shipping fees.
In addition, Rakuten Global Express will store your items free of charge for up to one month.
*Some products may not be available for overseas delivery. If you have any questions, please see the FAQ.Points awarded when purchasing on Rakuten Ichiba can also be used for shipping costs.
You can save on international shipping by using Rakuten Points.Rakuten's compensation service "Rakuten Ease of Mind Shopping Service" is available.
You can use Rakuten's compensation service if your product does not arrive or is damaged.Professional Packaging Options
Special packaging options, such as waterproofing and reinforced boxes, are available to ensure the safe delivery of delicate items.
If you need additional support, please feel free to contact Customer Support. (Supported languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese)
Enjoy high-quality Japanese noodles and ingredients at home with Rakuten Global Express!
