Somen, the Versatile Noodle

When one thinks of noodles, one’s mind usually goes to the tasty triumvirate: soba, udon, and ramen. However, a conversation about Japanese noodle culture would be amiss without including somen, which sadly is the only of these four noodles that spellcheck doesn’t recognise.

The sounds of the cicadas, the wind gently blowing bells, and the of slurping cold somen are the sounds of summer in Japan. Its texture, modestly firm and smooth, is the noodle’s charm. Soba, udon, and ramen require soup, but somen does well on its own.

Somen is a chameleon of sorts, as it blends beautifully with the food that surrounds it—if you appreciate its texture. It’s often used by French and Italian chefs. Sometimes they substitute it for capellini or use it as a soup ingredient. It finds a special place in rich soups such as pumpkin or mushroom potage.

Nagasaki’s Minami-Shimabara City produces some of Japan’s favorite somen. Water determines the noodle’s texture more than anything, and the city’s subterranean river from Mt Unzen is the secret to the area’s tasty somen. Different locations along the river give the noodle different qualities. Minami-Shimabara’s specialty is an al dente noodle, so the somen maintains its firmness in both hot and cold soups. Maybe it’s time you explore your original recipe for somen.