Nyumen - 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 Japanese noodle soup made with thin somen noodles served in a hot, flavorful broth. It’s one of those easy Japanese home-cooked meals that comes together in just minutes—perfect for a chilly day, a lazy evening, or whenever you want something light and comforting.
I especially love this recipe because you can turn the somen noodles sitting in your pantry into a completely different kind of meal. Instead of serving them cold with dipping sauce like you do in summer, simply add them to a warm broth with ginger, dashi, and soy sauce.
It’s simple, cozy, and very much the kind of meal you can make when you don't feel like cooking something complicated.
What Is Nyumen?
Nyumen (煮麺) is a traditional Japanese dish that transforms somen noodles—often enjoyed chilled during the summer—into a warm and comforting noodle soup.
Unlike udon or ramen, somen noodles are very thin and delicate, so the finished soup feels light rather than heavy. The word nyumen comes from the Japanese words for “simmered noodles,” referring to noodles cooked and served warm.
There are many ways to make nyumen in Japan. The broth can be made with dashi and soy sauce, and you can add all kinds of toppings, including mushrooms, egg, chicken, tofu, or green onions.
For this version, I'm keeping things especially easy. The soup is made with torigara (Japanese chicken stock powder), hondashi, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger. Just combine the ingredients in a bowl, add boiling water, and your warm noodle soup is ready.
It's the kind of simple Japanese meal that's perfect when you want something homemade without spending much time in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Nyumen Recipe
Ready in about 10 minutes
Uses simple pantry ingredients
A great way to use leftover somen noodles
Light but satisfying
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfect for fall and winter
Kitchen Notes
No torigara?
You can substitute another chicken bouillon or chicken stock powder. You can also leave it out and add about 1/2 teaspoon more hondashi for a lighter, dashi-forward broth.
Add protein.
For a more filling meal, top your nyumen with a soft-boiled egg, leftover grilled chicken, or tofu.
Make it spicy.
A sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese seven-spice chili blend, adds a nice kick.
Add vegetables.
Mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, napa cabbage, or other leafy greens are all delicious additions.
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)
Instructions:
Cook the somen noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
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.
FAQ
What is nyumen?
Nyumen (煮麺) is a Japanese dish made with somen noodles served warm in a flavorful broth. Somen is commonly eaten cold during the summer, while nyumen is a cozy way to enjoy these thin noodles during cooler months.
Is nyumen the same as ramen?
No. Nyumen uses thin somen noodles rather than ramen noodles. The broth is also generally lighter and simpler than a typical ramen broth.
Can I use leftover cooked somen?
Yes, but somen noodles are very delicate. If you're using leftover noodles, rinse them briefly with water to loosen them before adding them to the hot broth. Add them just before serving so they don't become overly soft.
Can I add vegetables to nyumen?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, napa cabbage, and green onions are all great additions. You can also add an egg or tofu to make the soup more substantial.
Is nyumen good for winter?
Yes! While somen is often associated with summer, nyumen is a wonderful way to enjoy these noodles during the colder months. The hot broth and fresh ginger make it especially comforting on chilly days.
Can I make nyumen without hondashi?
Yes. You can substitute another Japanese dashi powder or use homemade dashi. If you don't have dashi, you can also make a simple broth with chicken stock, soy sauce, and ginger.
