Somen
Somen
Somen are Japan's finest noodles, thin white wheat noodles, typically less than 1.3 mm in diameter, served cold with a light dipping broth during the summer months. They cook in under two minutes, are refreshingly light and carry a delicate flavour that makes them the perfect counterpart to the bold, umami-rich tsuyu dipping sauce they are traditionally served with. Alongside the classic chilled somen with mentsuyu, they also appear in nagashi somen, the spectacular tradition of catching noodles flowing down a bamboo flume with chopsticks, and in various regional preparations throughout Japan.
The tools for somen preparation are minimal but specific. A large pot with enough capacity to boil noodles without them sticking together, combined with a colander for draining quickly, are the basics. After boiling, the noodles need to be rinsed under cold running water and, if not eaten immediately, kept in a bowl of ice water to prevent them from sticking together. A dedicated somen serving set, typically a glass or ceramic bowl with matching dipping cups, elevates the presentation significantly and is part of the summer dining aesthetic that somen represents in Japan.
Nagashi somen machines, which recreate the bamboo flume experience at the table using a small electric water pump, are also available in this collection and represent a genuinely fun and unusual dining experience for families and groups. They are a staple of Japanese summer entertaining and a conversation piece that guests consistently remember.
The condiments and dipping sauce components for somen, tsuyu concentrate, grated ginger, finely sliced spring onion, myoga and sesame, are covered in the ingredients section of the collection.
Discover more in our subcategories:
Serve in our bowls and use our condiment dispensers for the dipping sauce.
Showing 17 products
AVAILABILITY: In stock (489 items)
The One-Push Soy Sauce Dispenser, Japanese tabletop bottle with a push-button valve that releases a precise, drip-free measure of soy sauce without tilting or overpouring. Origin Made in Japan 🇯🇵 Materials Soda-Lime Glass, Silicone, & Stainless Steel Dimensions Ø6.1 cm...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-3 items)
Tenkasu Bits (120g), crispy fried tempura batter scraps. A beloved Japanese topping for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, udon, and ramen that adds irresistible crunch and savoury depth. Crispy, airy tenkasu adds irresistible texture to takoyaki and okonomiyaki Sprinkle over cold udon or...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-4 items)
Artisan Soba & Udon Equipment | Authentic Natural Beech Wood Komaita Noodle Guide Achieve flawless, competition-grade consistency in your homemade Japanese noodles. Crafted in Japan from select, lightweight natural beech wood, this traditional Komaita (駒板) is an essential master tool...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-10 items)
Green Yuzu Kosho, Japanese fermented chili and yuzu citrus paste made with unripe green yuzu and green chili. Bright, fiery, and intensely fragrant: a few grams transform any dish. Product Typology Yuzukosho (柚子胡椒: Fermented Citrus Chili Seasoning Paste) Regional Origin...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-6 items)
Japanese Somen noodles, ultra-thin wheat noodles traditionally eaten chilled in summer. Boil, rinse in cold water, and serve with mentsuyu dipping sauce and ice. Type Somen (thin wheat noodles) 320g Origin Japan Serve Chilled with mentsuyu dipping sauce Japan's classic...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (497 items)
Nibishi Soy Sauce, premium Japanese double-brewed (saishikomi) soy sauce with a thicker consistency and richer umami. Ideal for sashimi and dipping. Product Typology Sashimi-damari / Amakuchi Shoyu (甘口醤油: Sweet & Viscous Southern Japanese Soy Sauce) Primary Pairing Fresh sashimi slices,...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-1 items)
Ponzu Sauce, Japanese citrus-soy condiment that combines the brightness of yuzu citrus with the depth of dashi and soy. Lighter and more refreshing than plain soy sauce. Contents 500 ml Origin Made in Japan 🇯🇵 Browse also: shabu-shabu tools, sushi...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
The Soba Choko Coco, small Japanese ceramic cup in the Coco collection, traditionally used for soba dipping sauce (tsuyu) and sake. Its compact, cylindrical form is a Japanese tableware classic. Origin Authentic Made in Japan 🇯🇵 Material Premium Glazed Porcelain...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-2 items)
Ramen Plastic Bowls are durable Japanese-style plastic ramen bowls with a classic restaurant aesthetic - lightweight, heat-resistant, and perfect for everyday family ramen nights at a practical price point. In the Box Set of 4 Japanese Utility Bowls Color Traditional...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
Kujira Cups (set of 4), ceramic cups from the coordinated Kujira whale series, sized for Japanese tea, coffee, or cold drinks. Complete your Kujira collection with matching cups. Origin Authentic Handcrafted in Japan 🇯🇵 Material Fine Hand-Painted Porcelain Dimensions Ø8.5...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-1 items)
The Somen Nagashi Machine, Japanese recirculating bamboo flume machine for the classic summer activity of nagashi somen. Catch thin noodles as they flow past in a stream of cold water. Culinary Typology Tabletop Swirling Nagashi Somen Noodle Machine (流しそうめん器) Package...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (2 items)
Key features: Famous Kutani porcelain: Handcrafted from renowned Kutani porcelain, renowned for its beauty and rich cultural heritage, adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Ideal for Japanese sauces: Perfect for storing and dispensing soy sauce, ponzu, hot sauces,...