soba

Type of noodle principally made from buck-wheat flour. It is boiled, then served either hot or cold. Often topped with slices of nori (dried seaweed), it is often dipped in a cold dipping sauce consisting of soy sauce, mirin (sweetened sake), sugar, and stock made with bonito flakes. Finely sliced green onions and wasabi (Japanese horseradish) are used as condiments. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)