Somen Noodle Soup
Nyumen - Japanese Warm Somen Noodle Soup
If you stocked up on somen noodles this summer and now find yourself craving something warm and comforting, this recipe is just what you need. Nyumen (煮麺) is a simple and soothing Japanese noodle soup made with somen noodles served in a hot broth - perfect for cooler days, lazy evenings, or when you just want a light and nourishing meal.
What is Nyumen?
Nyumen is a traditional Japanese dish that transforms chilled somen noodles—often enjoyed cold during summer—into a warm, comforting soup. Unlike udon or ramen, somen noodles are thin and delicate, making the soup feel light yet satisfying. The word "nyumen" literally means simmered noodles and it's often enjoyed in the colder months in Japan as a quick, home-style meal.
The base broth can be made with simple seasonings like dashi and soy sauce, but you can also dress it up with various toppings like mushrooms, egg, or greens. Today’s version is as easy as it gets, using pantry staples like torigara (chicken soup powder), hondashi, and fresh ginger for a flavorful bowl in minutes.
RECIPE
Servings: 1
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 serving somen noodles
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tsp torigara (Japanese chicken stock powder)
1 tsp hondashi (bonito soup stock powder)
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
grated ginger
chopped scallions and sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
My Kitchen Tools
Instructions:
Cook the somen noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the somen according to the package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes).Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.
Prepare the soup base
In a serving bowl, combine torigara, hondashi, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger.Pour in the hot water
Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups of boiling water into the bowl and stir until everything is dissolved.Add the noodles
Place the cooked somen noodles into the soup. Give it a gentle mix.Garnish and enjoy
Top with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if you like.Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth.
Kitchen Notes:
If you're out of torigara, you can use another kind of chicken bouillon powder or skip it, and add 1/2 tsp more of dashi for a lighter dashi-only broth.
Want extra protein? Top with a soft-boiled egg, leftover grilled chicken, or even tofu.
For spice lovers, add a dash of shichimi togarashi (Japanese chili pepper mix).
