Slurping noodles on New Year's Eve is a long-standing Japanese tradition. Toshikoshi soba, or New Year's Soba, is a symbolic dish eaten on December 31st to bring good luck and longevity in the year ahead. These buckwheat noodles are served in a hot, flavorful broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and a little sugar.

While traditionally enjoyed on New Year's Eve, Toshikoshi soba is delicious any time of year.

Ingredients

Soup

1.5 L bonito or kombu kelp dashi stock

200 ml soy sauce

6 tablespoons of sugar

1 tbsp sugar

300 ml tsuyu (optional)

Noodles & Garnish

200 g soba buckwheat noodles

100 g spring onions

20 g tempura flakes

150 g kamaboko fish cake (optional)

Making the Soup

In a large pan, heat 6 tablespoons of sugar gently for a few minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in 200 ml soy sauce to complete your soba soup base. If using tsuyu instead, mix 1 part tsuyu with 5 parts dashi for a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking the Soba Noodles

Bring 1 L of water to a boil in a separate pan. Add 200 g soba noodles and stir to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for around 8 minutes, checking the package instructions for accuracy. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water, gently rubbing to remove excess starch.

Preparing the Garnishes

Thinly slice the spring onions and prepare any additional toppings such as tempura flakes or kamaboko fish cake. These add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your noodles.

Serving Toshikoshi Soba

Gently reheat the soup and pour it into serving bowls. Add the noodles and arrange the garnishes on top. Serve immediately while hot, alongside any optional accompaniments like Japanese marinated duck for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

- Marinated Duck – A traditional pairing that can be made ahead for a richer meal.

- Homemade Dashi – For authentic flavor, make dashi from scratch.

- Quick Option – Replace the soy sauce, a little sugar, and sugar with tsuyu mixed with dashi for a faster version.

Toshikoshi soba is more than just a meal; it's a tradition that embodies hope, luck, and the welcoming of a new year. Preparing and enjoying these noodles connects you to Japanese culture while giving your family a warm, comforting dish to enjoy as you count down to the New Year.