Hiyashi Chuka Soba Isn't Your Typical Ramen Noodle Dish
by Marc Matsumoto on Jul 15, 2011
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While it literally translates to chilled Chinese noodles, Hiyashi Chuka Soba isnt actually a Chinese dish. Nor does it include buckwheat soba noodles. During the sweltering summers in Japan, noodles such as soba and udon are traditionally served cold. Its not a big surprise then that ramen (also known as chuka soba) turned into a cold noodle salad with a tangy sesame vinaigrette.
Like its older sibling ramen, hiyashi chukas origins are a bit fuzzy, but its become a ubiquitous dish served at ramen restaurants all over Japan during the summer.
Since fresh ramen noodles are tough to find in the US, Ive substituted dried udon noodles, but really any kind of Asian noodle will work just fine. You can put just about anything you want on top, including leftover cuts of meat, ham, or even salami. Thinly sliced egg and a rainbow of vegetables rounds out the toppings along with the tart piquant sauce that soaks into the toppings and noodles beneath.
Marc Matsumoto is a culinary consultant and recipe repairman who shares his passion for good food through his website norecipes.com. For Marc, food is a life long journey of exploration, discovery and experimentation and he shares his escapades through his blog in the hopes that he inspires others to find their own culinary adventures. Marcs been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, and has made multiple appearances on NPR and the Food Network.