Noodles: soba, udon and ramen

Noodles are a tasty and inexpensive alternative to rice-based meals. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and come in a greyish color. They can be served hot with broth or cold with a dipping sauce. Udon is a type of thick wheat noodle served hot or cold with a soy or fish soup.

Ramen is perhaps the cheapest and most popular type of noodle in Japan, with over 10,000 specialty shops across the country (although originally from China). Ramen is served with a hot broth made from fish, pork, miso, or soy and is usually topped with tempura, crumbed pork fillets, or slices of meat.

A vending machine system is used by many noodle shops. When you arrive, simply purchase a ticket from the vending machine. Choose your preferred noodle temperature (hot or cold), thickness (thick or thin), serving size, and topping. Give the receipt to the chef or other staff member who will prepare it right away. Find a spot to sit or stand and enjoy slurping your noodles with the rest of the group.