Last update September 9, 2025

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Japanese Food - Sōmen -

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Sōmen そうめん, 素麺 Thin Wheat Noodle The sensation of the noodles being crisply cut inside the mouth and almost slipping through the throat makes Sōmen an undeniably refreshing summer food. The noodles, characterised by their white colour and slippery-smooth texture, are made from a wheat dough mixed with brine, kneaded and oiled, which is then stretched and cut into thin strings. Served cold and eaten with a Shōyu-based dip, along with condiments such as minced Neghi, grated ginger, and fine-cut Myōga. Sōmen is often used in an event called “Sōmen Nagashi” (Sōmen Flowing), where the noodles are let pass in a water stream through a bamboo trough, allowing eaters to scoop them up with chopsticks. You can also enjoy the food hot, and one boiled in a soup is specifically called Nyūmen. Here are several famous Sōmen brands: Ibo No Ito (Threads of the Ibo River) from Hyogo Prefecture, and Miwa Sōmen, which originated from Miwa, a place in Nara Prefecture. Sōmen featuring a refreshing feel. Sōmen eaten dipped in a soup. Sōmen featuring a refreshing feel. Sōmen eaten dipped in a soup.

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