What is Soba?
First of all, you may be more curious in what exactly Soba is. Soba is actually Japanese noodles that is made of buckwheat flour and water; while some companies would include wheat flour so as to reduce the bitterness. With buckwheat flour as the main ingredient, it makes Soba noodles a healthy staple food in Japan.
what is Cha Soba (茶そば)?
Due to a large amount of buckwheat flour is used, Soba carries a hint of bitterness taste. Thus, many of the Japanese starts to innovate and invent new flavors which can cover or compromise the taste of the buckwheat flour - which the most successful flavor: Cha Soba
The word "Cha" is actually wrong as 茶 in Japanese, with the same meaning and reading in Chinese - which means "TEA". And by "tea", it actually meant the Japanese Green Tea. With that, Japanese mixed them together with the buckwheat flour and water and developed the famous "Cha Soba" (茶そば). Not only compromised the bitterness from the buckwheat flour was compromised, it also helped to bring out the unique fragrant taste of the Japanese Green Tea through the Cha Soba noodles.
Frozen Soba VS Dried Soba
Many have always wondered "What is the difference between Frozen Soba Noodles and Dried Soba Noodles?". Not just them, I would also wonder it sometimes.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE - that's the main difference that I could simply tell you guys.
However, I have compiled a *simple list of the Pros and Cons of Frozen Soba and Dried Soba for your reference. (*But please do note that this list is mainly from my personal experience from all different clients.)
Frozen Soba Noodles
+ Fresher → These Soba noodles are frozen right after they have been kneaded and rolled.
+ Separated by Portions in advance → Frozen Soba are already in a 5x single portion when you buy in packet.
+ Fatter Noodles → They are able to keep the noodles in bigger sized.
- Space Consumption → Packaging is bigger due to it being separated by portion.
- Storage Restriction → Have to be stored in the freezer, preferably under -18°C.
Dried Soba Noodles
+ Longer Shelf Life → They can be stored in your cupboard long enough as long as it is kept in a dark and dry place.
+ Easy Storage → The packaging is way smaller and more compacted.
- More Fragile → Air-dried Soba have not much moisture left in them; thus, they tend to break easily, even while boiling in water.
Where can I get Soba Noodles in Singapore?
Soba noodles are not hard to find in Singapore. It can easily be found at your nearest supermarket.
Of course you can get it from us too - just CLICK the picture of the type of Soba that you would like to purchase:
If you are unsure of which to get, or you have something else in mind that we did not have it on our website, please feel free to contact us:
Ziqi @ 9180 2380 (English)
Wang @ 9223 6988 (Chinese/Dialects)
We are more than happy to assist you.
my super easy Soba SOUP Recipe
To me, cooking Soba noodles is as easy as cooking instant noodles. But of course, you have to have your ingredients ready. For today's "instant" soba, I'll be using the Dried Soba Noodles.
* Do note that following recipe is only for 1 person's serving, you can double up the noodles portion.
Total Cooking Time:
< 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 100g of Dried Soba Noodles
- 500ml of Water
- 1 Tablespoon of Dashi no Moto (Bonito Powder)
- 1 Tablespoon of Mirin (Japanese Sweet Cooking Wine)
- 1 Teaspoon of Cooking Sake
- 1 Tablespoon of Shoyu (Soy Sauce)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Soba Noodles
Add the Dried Soba Noodles into boiling water and cover with lid.
Let it boil for about 2 minutes.
* Do note that cooking time for different noodles varies according to the brand. Please look at the instruction given by the manufacturer for more accurate cooking time.
Step 2: Add in remaining ingredients into the water
After the noodles is almost cooked, add in the Dashi no Moto, Mirin, Cooking Sake and Shoyu.
Stir well and bring the soup to boil for another 1-2 minutes (depending on the noodle cooking time).
Turn off the heat and serve the Soba Soup.
Too plain?
If you find this too plain for your taste bud, you can always try making a salad with Soba noodles. Add some strong salad dressings that you can get from us, like:
Soba Salad is not only healthy, it would also be very tasty.
If you find this easy, stay tune next time for more difficult recipes and information on the things we sell.