Learn how to make cold Japanese *sōmen* noodles at home.

Sōmen Recipe: How to Make Homemade Sōmen Noodles

*Sōmen* are Japanese noodles made by pulling wheat dough into long, thin strips. This style of preparation differs from the method of rolling and cutting used for [soba](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-soba-noodles), ramen, and [udon](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-udon-noodles). The traditional drying and aging process for making *sōmen* can take months, and so the noodles are coated with vegetable oil between stretches to prevent them from drying out. Dried *sōmen* noodles are sold at most Asian grocery stores.

Typically served *hiyashi* (chilled) with sauce, *sōmen* is a refreshing food during Japan's hot summers; some Japanese restaurants provide *nagashi sōmen*—an eating style that involves catching the noodles with chopsticks as they flow down a bamboo water slide. *Sōmen* served as a hot soup is known as *nyumen*.
Learn how to make cold Japanese *sōmen* noodles at home.

Sōmen are Japanese noodles made by pulling wheat dough into long, thin strips. This style of preparation differs from the method of rolling and cutting used for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-soba-noodles' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-soba-noodles","linkCopy":"soba","category":null}'>soba</a>, ramen, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-udon-noodles' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-udon-noodles","linkCopy":"udon","category":null}'>udon</a>. The traditional drying and aging process for making sōmen can take months, and so the noodles are coated with vegetable oil between stretches to prevent them from drying out. Dried sōmen noodles are sold at most Asian grocery stores.Typically served hiyashi (chilled) with sauce, sōmen is a refreshing food during Japan&#39;s hot summers; some Japanese restaurants provide nagashi sōmen—an eating style that involves catching the noodles with chopsticks as they flow down a bamboo water slide. Sōmen served as a hot soup is known as nyumen.

What Are Sōmen Noodles?

Cold Sōmen Noodles Recipe

Learn how to make cold Japanese sōmen noodles at home.