Udon and Soba in Japan
Udon and soba can be typically be called "Japanese fast food". Buckwheat, the main ingredient of soba, is grown mainly in the highlands, and wheat, the main ingredient of udon, is grown in flat plain areas, so in the past they were eaten in different areas. Now they often appear at home because they can be cooked easily.
The Flavor of Soups
The flavor of soups used in soba and udon are different depending on the region. There is a clear difference in soups between the Kansai region and Kanto region. In the Kansai region, it has firm taste of dashi stock, thin color and simple flavor. In the Kanto region, both its color and flavor are strong, with a dried bonito based soy sauce taste.
Udon
Udon is a noodle dish made from wheat flour. Dough is made by kneading flour and salt, which is cut thin to make noodles, boiled and eaten. Udon can be eaten cold or hot, so it's easy to make variations.
Sanuki Udon
Sanuki is what is currently known as Kagawa Prefecture. Its annual consumption of udon per capita is the largest in Japan. One characteristic of Sanuki udon is the chewy, smooth, strong noodles. The basic type of Sanuki udon is "Kijoyu udon", where boiled udon is eaten immediately after pouring soy sauce on it. Another characteristic is that many people in Kagawa put a small amount of strong soup with the noodles, compared to other regions.
Soba
Soba is a noodle dish whose main ingredient is buckwheat, which is made by grinding buckwheat seeds. You can enjoy its unique flavor by eating cold soba. Buckwheat seeds are harvested twice a year; in spring and in autumn. Soba made with fresh buckwheat seeds is called "Shinsoba" (new buckwheat noodles), which has exceptional flavor and taste.
How to Eat Soba
When eating soba, it's okay to slurp noisily. If you put air into your mouth together with the soba, its flavor is brought out. You can also drink the soup used for eating soba after adding "Sobayu", the hot water used for boiling soba. Sobayu is often served for free if you ask the staff.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
Recommended places for you
-
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Ueno
-
The Imperial Palace
Other Architecture
Tokyo Station
-
The Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
Landmarks
Tokyo Station
-
Koshitsu-to Sengyo Nihombashi Honjimboh
Udon & Soba
Tokyo Station
-
TOKYO SKYTREE®
Landmarks
Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R)
-
Nezu Shrine
Shrines
Ueno
-
The Complete Guide to the Kintetsu Rail Pass
-
12 Unique & Fun Tokyo Food Tours to Enjoy in 2024
-
The CASIO S100: How CASIO's Masterpiece Calculator Redefines Business Elegance With Japan-Made Reliability
-
Everything You Need To Know About the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
-
Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More
-
A Complete Guide to the JR West Kansai Area Pass
-
Tokyo Station Top 10 Sweets Ranking!
-
Asakusa Dining Guide: 3 must-try soba shops in Asakusa!
-
Ueno Station Area Guide: Fun Ways to Explore Tokyo's Popular Destination (Area Map & Sightseeing Tips)
-
Lunch in Shinjuku: 5 Best Restaurants Under $12 - Enjoy Wagyu, Sushi, and Tempura for Cheap!
-
Tokyo Roppongi: 5 Most Amazing Spots at Roppongi Hills and How to Make the Best of Them!
-
Kamachiku: Enjoy Delicious Kamaage Udon in a Historical Stone Warehouse
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks