7 things to eat in Japan

Soba

Soba, the Japanese word for buckwheat, are thin, spaghetti-like noodles made from – surprise! – buckwheat flour, which gives them their gray/brownish color. Soba noodles are a favorite in Tokyo and date back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when they became popular among Samurais. The noodles are usually topped with an egg, tempura, or other ingredients and can be served hot or cold, with or without broth. Cold soba noodles are eaten with a soy based dipping sauce called t_suyu_, and it is an experience after which I decided I’m on Team Hot Soba.