In this article, we’ll explore two popular Japanese noodles—soba and udon—and discuss how they are made, their differences in flavor, and the best ways to enjoy them.

a collage of soba noodle soup and udon noodle soup

Both soba and udon are iconic Japanese noodles with deep cultural roots. Although they can be prepared in similar ways, their textures and flavors set them apart.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to choose soba or udon for your next meal, this guide will walk you through their key differences and the best ways to enjoy each.

What are Soba Noodles? 

A ceramic bowl containing Oroshi Soba, chilled buckwheat noodles with grated daikon and savory sauce.

Soba noodles (そば or 蕎麦) are thin, delicate noodles made from buckwheat flour or a blend of buckwheat and wheat flour.

It is also worth mentioning that in Japanese, “soba” (そば) is a broad term for noodles. Dishes like Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-Fried Noodles) or Okinawa Soba use different types of noodles, not buckwheat. However, in most cases, “soba” refers specifically to buckwheat-based noodles.

In Japan, people enjoy soba noodles either chilled with a dipping sauce or served in a hot dashi-based soup broth made from kombu and bonito flakes. Both preparations are popular year-round.

Chopsticks pulling noodles from a white bowl containing Soba Noodle Salad topped with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro and green onions.

Characteristics of Soba Noodles

  • Thin and delicate, yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
  • Slightly shorter than spaghetti, making them easy to slurp.
  • Firm with a slightly grainy texture, thanks to buckwheat flour.
  • Earthy and nutty in flavor, offering a rich, distinctive taste.

Best Ways to Enjoy Soba

To fully appreciate high-quality soba, avoid overpowering it with bold seasonings, sauces, or toppings. Instead, let the subtle nutty notes of buckwheat take center stage. Soba pairs beautifully with light broths, simple dressings, and fresh garnishes like green onions and shredded nori.

Simplicity is key to enjoying soba noodles. This principle is reflected in this Soba Noodle Salad and the traditional Toshikoshi Soba, served on Japanese New Year’s Eve.

A Japanese bowl containing Toshikoshi Soba Noodle Soup with fish cake and wakame seaweed.

Soba Noodles: A Healthy Choice for Your Diet

Soba noodles are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support a balanced diet:

  • Rich in protein and fiber – Helps keep you full and supports digestion.
  • High in essential amino acids – A great plant-based protein source.
  • Nutrient-dense – Buckwheat flour provides vitamin B, iron, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
  • Refreshing and restorative – Light yet satisfying, perfect for a nourishing meal.
  • Energy-boosting – Ideal for maintaining stamina and overall well-being.

Since buckwheat is a gluten-free grain, it’s a great alternative for those who cannot consume wheat. Please note that soba noodles available outside of Japan are commonly made with a mixture of buckwheat and wheat flour to enhance elasticity and texture. If you’re gluten-intolerant, be sure to check the ingredient list and look for 100% buckwheat noodles, known as Juwari Soba (十割そば).

Where to Buy Soba Noodles?

Soba noodles are commonly sold dried. At Japanese or Asian grocery stores, you can also find fresh soba in the refrigerated sections and frozen soba in the freezer sections.

We recommend Shinshu Inaka Soba if you can find it at your local Japanese grocery store. Alternatively, you can also get common brands such as Hime Soba Noodles, Hakubaku Organic Soba, or Eden Foods Soba (100% buckwheat and gluten-free).

Soba Noodles | Easy Japanese Recipes at JustOneCookbook.com

What are Udon Noodles?

A bamboo basket containing homemade udon noodles.

Udon noodles are made from wheat flour, water, and salt and are prized for their thick, glossy texture and creamy white appearance. With a soft yet pleasantly chewy bite, they provide a satisfying base for a variety of dishes.

Many Japanese people consider udon a comforting choice, as its soft, soothing texture makes it easy to digest.

Characteristics of Udon Noodles

  • Soft yet satisfyingly chewy – Offers a hearty, comforting bite.
  • Mild flavor with a springy, doughy texture – Perfect for absorbing broths and sauces.
  • Incredibly versatile – Works well in hot soups, stir-fries, or chilled dishes.
  • Bouncy and fresh – Especially noticeable when handmade or freshly prepared.

Best Ways to Enjoy Udon

Thanks to their neutral flavor, udon noodles readily absorb bold sauces and seasonings while pairing well with various toppings.

Some popular udon dishes include Curry Udon, where the thick noodles cling to a savory spiced curry sauce, or Mentaiko Udon, featuring a rich, creamy sauce infused with spicy salted cod roe.

The thick texture and hearty nature of udon also make it a perfect choice for stir-fries like Yaki Udon and hot pot meals like Nabeyaki Udon. In Kagawa Prefecture, known as the “Udon Kingdom,” you’ll even find udon deep-fried into crispy noodle snacks.

Where to Buy Udon Noodles?

Udon noodles are available dried, fresh, or frozen. You can find them at Japanese and many Asian grocery stores, as well as select major American supermarkets. While dried noodles are a convenient option, fresh or frozen noodles offer the best texture.

We recommend the frozen Sanuki Udon, which can be found in the freezer section of Japanese supermarkets and some Asian grocery stores.

The packages include udon noodles.

Wish to try your hand at making your own noodles? Try Nami’s Handmade Udon Noodles next.


Classic Soba and Udon Dishes in Japan

Noodle shops in Japan never limit themselves to creative ways of serving soba and udon noodles. While both noodles can be prepared in distinct styles, there are also representative dishes where soba and udon are enjoyed in similar ways.

Here are just a few classic soba and udon dishes that have been enjoyed for generations:

1. Zaru Soba and Zaru Udon (Cold)

Two kinds of soba noodles served on a Japanese bamboo, garnished with shredded nori sheet.

These refreshing cold noodle dishes are go-to staples in Japan during the summer! They’re best enjoyed with a flavorful tsuyu dipping sauce and topped with shredded nori and chopped scallions.

2. Kake Soba and Kake Udon (Hot)

A bowl of simple soba noodle soup topped wakame seaweed, blanched komatsuna, and green onions.

Kake soba and kake udon are served hot in a simple noodle soup with a broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. They are typically topped with thinly sliced green onions and sometimes a piece of kamaboko (fish cake), tempura, vegetables, or egg.

This minimalist preparation highlights the texture and flavor of the noodles and broth.

3. Tanuki Soba and Tanuki Udon (Cold or Hot)

A white bowl containing chilled udon noodles, tenkasu, julienned cucumber, boiled egg, wakame seaweed, and grated onion, along with savory noodle soup.

Tanuki soba or tanuki udon is topped with crispy tempura bits called tenkasu and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

4. Kitsune Soba and Kitsune Udon (Hot)

Kitsune udon in a Japanese bowl.

Kitsune soba and kitsune udon feature hot or cold noodles topped with a thin sheet of deep-fried tofu, known as aburaage or inariage.


Whether you prefer the light, nutty flavor of soba noodles or the thick, chewy texture of udon, there’s so much to discover about these beloved Japanese noodles.

If you enjoy noodles, read Your Guide to Japanese Noodles & Delicious Recipes and explore our Best Authentic Japanese Udon Noodle Recipes.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on August 3, 2018, and republished with fresh, more insightful content on April 1, 2025.

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Muchas gracias por la ayuda… me sera de gran utilidad…

Great knowledge! Yakisoba is my favorite dish! I prefer the thinner noodles!

When living in Kure in 1952/3, I used to love Shina Soba, particularly in the middle of the night when the soba man came calling with his little cart, ah what memories. Do you have the recipe for Shina Soba?

I already receive your wonderful letter. Thank you for your great ideas and recipes.

Thank you Bill!

Love both, use both but was very glad to learn so much I did not know about both the soba and udon noodles . . . I prefer the buckwheat soba but must admit I have not eaten epithet cold! Living in Australia we can get both in their dried form even in the smallest supermarket . . . have to see whether anyone makes them fresh. Thank you, Reese !

I am curious, though. Is somen considered soba, or somen is just somen? I know for sure somen is not udon just because they look way too different

Hi Nami! Thank you for your wonderful recipes! I was wondering if you know of a suitable (and delicious) alternative to shoyu. Too much salt, especially MSG, gives me migraines and I miss udon, soba and somen.

Hi Marsha,

I’m glad to hear that you enjoy my recipes. I understand your concern about the level of sodium in your diet. A good quality of shoyu doesn’t contain MSG, so that’s something we wouldn’t have to worry about. Salt and shoyu are essential in bringing out flavors of the dishes. They are also good for us unless they are overly used. That is why home cooked dishes are so much healthier where we can control the amount of seasonings. Dishes would be bland without them. So, feel free to reduce the amount of salt/ shoyu if you’re following my recipe.

There are some healthy choices of salt and substitute for shoyu you can try. For salt, you can look up Himalayan pink salt online. For shoyu/ soy sauce, some people recommend Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. It’s lower in sodium and contains amino acids. Depending on the recipes, you can also use more aromatics such as ginger/ garlic/ black pepper/ green onions or ingredient like shiitake mushrooms to bring out the flavors. Spices & herbs are a good way to make up for the flavors if you cut down on salt. Hope this helps.

Thank you! Really appreciate your knowledge and talent!

Fantastic tutorial on udon making. I love the foot kneading. I would never have thought of that. Always wanted to make udon and now I can…

I really like to eat Soba Noodles Great taste it to eat