Udon and Soba

what is the main difference between udon and soba? I know soba is made of buckwheat, but was unable to find much else... thanks!

Nick

[Earl Hartman]

Noodles in general are referred to as "men-rui" or "the noodle category". This includes all Japanese pasta. The word soba can also sometimes mean noodles in general.

Udon refers to thick white noodles made with wheat flour. However, not all noodles made with wheat flour are considered "udon". Somen for instance, thin angel hair-type noodles often eaten cold, are made with white wheat flour, bit if you said "Let's have some udon" to a Japanese, he would not think of somen; he would almost certainly think of a bowl of thick white noodles in hot broth.

Soba, as you say, is made from buckwheat and is much thinner than udon.

Both udon and soba can be eaten hot or cold.