Beware of Somen! Uncovering the Secrets of Japan's Tasty and Versatile Noodles

Introducing Japan's Somen Noodles

Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

Somen are Japanese noodles made from wheat, water, salt, and vegetable oil.

These noodles are characterized by how thin they are. While this depends on the product, some noodles are only 0.6 millimeters thick. Considering spaghetti noodles have a thickness of 1.5-2 millimeters, this gives you an idea of just how thin somen noodles can be.

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Due to their thinness, people preparing somen for the first time may put too many noodle bundles in boiling water. We often hear first-timers remark, "I was surprised by how much they increase in volume when you boil them. You have to be careful with somen!"

On the other hand, they offer an appealing smooth texture that you don't get with ramen or udon. Somen is a particularly popular dish during the summer months in Japan.

This article introduces the secrets of somen, a popular somen restaurant, and some easy-to-prepare recipes.

Somen: What's the Secret Behind These Popular Noodles?

When mentioning Japanese noodle dishes, what usually come to mind are ramen, udon, and soba. But somen is different, with its unique history and special characteristics.

Secret 1: The Origins Date Back Longer Than Ramen

Somen-making production in the olden days (Ibonoito Museum Somen no Sato). Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

The origins of somen date back to the Nara Period (710-794). It was during this time when these noodles were first introduced from China in the form of a confectionery called sakubei.

Afterward, it was developed into a noodle dish. During the Heian Period (794-1185), these noodles evolved into a high-class cuisine catered to emperors and nobles.

Following the Edo Period (1603-1868), somen became a dish for ordinary people. However, it continued to appear on menus at wedding receptions and was later embraced as a celebratory dish.

When considering that ramen, a popular dish worldwide, which originated during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), you can really feel the long history of somen as a traditional Japanese food.

Secret 2: Nagashi Somen - An Entertaining Way of Enjoying These Noodles

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When serving "nagashi somen," you must use a bamboo pipe that's been cut in half. As cold water and somen flow down the bamboo, the somen is scooped up with chopsticks and eaten by participants. This is an entertaining way to enjoy these noodles.

Located in East Asia, Japan has hot and humid summers. Nagashi somen reportedly gained popularity throughout Japan in the 1950s as a way to cool down from the sweltering heat.

Nowadays, nagashi somen has become a seasonal tradition enjoyed by many overseas visitors and residents. The excitement really picks up when you enjoy somen this way with friends and family!

Secret 3: There's Even a Somen Shrine!

Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

Somen dishes are deeply loved by Japanese people. As a result, there's even a somen shrine!

The Banshu area (present-day Tatsuno City) in Hyogo Prefecture is a famed somen-growing region. Tatsuno City's Omiwa Shrine, nicknamed the Somen Shrine (Japanese Google), held many somen-related events during the Meiji Period.

Where to Enjoy Somen Dishes

Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

There are many restaurants offering dishes featuring somen noodles in Japan.

In particular, we recommend a shop located near the above-mentioned Somen Shrine. It is called Ibonoito Museum Somen no Sato.

Sea Bream Somen. Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

You can enjoy several versions of somen at this restaurant. The menu includes a local specialty called Tai (Sea Bream) Somen and Somen Makizushi, a type of sushi in which somen replaces rice. There are also Chinese-style and Western-style warm somen noodles.

Visitors will also spot a somen-related museum at Somen no Sato. Visitors can learn about somen's long history (English displays available). A special hands-on nagashi somen experience is available to the public during the summer.

Somen no Sato

56 Okumura, Kamiokacho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture 679-4101

Purchase Somen Anywhere in Japan! Makes a Great Souvenir

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We also recommend overseas visitors interested in sampling somen to make some while in Japan. You can find these noodles in many supermarkets, and somen dishes are surprisingly easy to prepare.

There are several makers of somen in Japan, including the popular Ibonoito brand. This brand is available at most supermarkets and convenience stores.

A 300-gram pack costs a reasonable 300 to 500 yen. It also makes a great souvenir to take back home with you!

It's Easy to Prepare Somen! Suggested Recipes

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Somen noodles only need to be boiled for a short time, making them easy to prepare. We will explain the basic cooking procedure below.

1. Add noodles to boiling water and scatter them apart from each other. *A general guideline for one person is 100 grams of noodles in one liter of boiling water.
2. Boil the noodles for about 90 seconds to two minutes. When the water begins to boil again after adding the noodles, adjust the heat, so it doesn't boil over.
3. After boiling the noodles, quickly transfer them to a colander and cool them with water. While running them under water, rinse the noodles thoroughly to remove any slimy texture. This will ensure that they taste delicious.

Below, we've introduced several different ways to enjoy somen.

Nagashi Somen

Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

Generally speaking, somen is prepared along the instructions detailed above, then dipped into a special sauce called mentsuyu. It's usually eaten with seasonings such as green onions and ginger.

The mentsuyu sauce consists of dashi soup stock, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and other ingredients. When purchasing these noodles in a supermarket or convenience store, you'll usually find these condiments available on the same shelf.

In Japan, the standard way to enjoy somen is to place the noodles in ice water and cool them down after being rinsed off.

Nyumen: A Warm Version of Somen

Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

Somen is also delicious when eaten warm. Warm somen noodles are often referred to as "nyumen" in Japan.

Warm somen is easy to prepare.

1. Boil the noodles for a slightly shorter time than usual, then rinse them off and drain the water.
2. At the same time, place the mentsuyu and some water into a pot. Add the cooked noodles back to the pot when the liquid comes to a boil.

Japanese people often garnish the noodles with green onions and yuzu citrus fruit. Adding some leftover meat and bean sprouts allows you to enjoy somen in a ramen-like fashion.

Somen Carbonara

Picture courtesy of Ibonoito *From Ibonoito Somen Recipes (WANI BOOKS CO., LTD.)

Despite its simple flavor, somen can be prepared in various ways, including Western-style and Chinese-style dishes.

For example, you can easily prepare a carbonara-type dish, as explained below.

1. Boil the noodles for a slightly shorter time than usual.
2. Create the carbonara sauce using ingredients of your choice, such as eggs, consomme, and grated cheese. Then mix the noodles in the sauce.
3. Put the mixture in a bowl and garnish with parsley and black pepper.

You can also add fried bacon pieces, switch some of the sauce ingredients, or add your creative touch to enjoy this dish in multiple ways!

Enjoy Somen Prepared in Multiple Ways!

Picture courtesy of Ibonoito

Somen is so versatile that it can even be prepared as a Chinese-style dish or salad.

So by all means, please check out some of the interesting somen recipes on Ibonoito's official website (English)!

Main image coutersy of Ibonoito
Written by Mizzochi
Sponsored by Ibonoito