Winter Somen: Healing the Mind and Body with Warm Noodles

Somen is one of Japan's traditional noodle dishes, characterized by its extremely thin noodles. It is predominantly consumed during the summer months, but it can be enjoyed throughout the year depending on seasonal preferences and individual tastes.

The defining features of somen are its thinness and texture. Typically made from wheat flour, it results in very fine noodles. Boiling time is short, usually ranging from 1 to 3 minutes. Once boiled, somen noodles are commonly rinsed with cold water, a process that leaves them in a chilled state for serving.

While somen is commonly consumed cold, there is also a version where the noodles are served warm, immersed in hot soup. And it’s called "nyuumen".

Savoring somen noodles dipped in warm soup during the winter is also a wonderful choice to soothe the mind and body. Winter somen is characterized by the way the piping hot soup permeates the noodles, bringing a comforting warmth. The rich flavors of the soup spread in your mouth, offering a satisfying experience.