Soba noodles are traditional Japanese noodles made primarily from buckwheat flour, often mixed with a small amount of wheat flour to improve texture and durability

. They have an ashen brown color and a slightly grainy texture. The buckwheat content typically ranges from 40% to 100%, with 100% buckwheat soba called juwari soba , which is gluten-free, while those with wheat flour are not

. Soba noodles can be served hot or cold. Cold soba is often served with a dipping sauce called tsuyu , while hot soba is served in a broth. Common dishes include mori soba or zaru soba (cold with dipping sauce), kake soba (hot in broth), and variations topped with ingredients like tempura or mountain vegetables

. Nutritionally, soba noodles are high in protein and contain a well-balanced amino acid profile, making them a nutritious alternative to wheat noodles. Buckwheat also offers benefits such as stabilizing blood sugar and reducing hypertension

. The tradition of soba dates back to the Edo period in Japan, with origins tracing even earlier to China. Soba is widely available in Japan, from fast food stands to specialty restaurants, and is a staple in Japanese cuisine

. In summary, soba noodles are Japanese buckwheat-based noodles, versatile in serving methods, nutritious, and culturally significant in Japan.