Japan Zaru Soba Noodle Tray - Miniature Plastic Model

Description

Brand new small (please see size information below) plastic model recreating the look of a tray of freshly prepared Japanese zaru soba noodles.  Soba buckwheat noodles are one of the most popular foods in Japan and are available in many varieties.  Zaru-style soba consists simply of boiled noodles chilled in ice before being placed before the diner on a flat bamboo tray.  The noodles are typically dipped in a flavorful liquid before being heartily (and loudly) slurped up.  Many diners choose to enhance the flavor of zaru soba with a hearty dose of wasabi horseradish (the stuff that gives sushi and sashimi its bite) mixed into the dipping sauce.  Zaru soba is often ordered with a side of crispy tempura and the meal goes especially well with cold tea or a big glass of Japanese beer.  Though normally considered a summer dish zaru soba is also a traditional favorite on new years eve.  Please read below to learn more about the Japanese tradition of eating soba noodles as the last meal of the year.

Size:
Height: 0.2 inches (0.4 centimeters)
Length of tray: 0.9 inches (2.4 centimeters)
Weight: 0.1 ounces (3 grams)

Long Noodles and Long Luck - Soba Noodles in Japan on New Years Eve

An interesting end-of-year tradition in Japan is the consumption of soba noodles on new years eve.  Like the midnight kiss western couples commonly exchange to ring in the new year, the Japanese enjoy their own tradition of gathering at soba noodle restaurants for the year's final meal.  This interesting tradition has its roots in the curious equation of "long noodles" with "long luck," and includes religious overtones as soba noodles were once the stock-in-trade of many feudal era Buddhist temples, who sold bowls of the delicious buckwheat fare to hungry pilgrims arriving at their gates.  Buddhism and noodles actually have a long association in Japan, where it is thought Buddhist priests first introduced noodles from China during the 9th century.

As for our family, we favor a small soba shop in our community which certain members of our family have patronized for over 40 years.  The restaurant is called Iwaichi and is run by three generations of the Kobayashi family.  Working from 7 AM until past midnight six days a week, the Kobayashi family make both noodles (men) and soup (tsuyu) from scratch in an establishment that seems to have its menu prices forever stuck in the decade of the 70's.  Visitors to Iwaichi are invariably greeted upon entry by the kind-faced mother of the family (mid 60's) while in the back the rest of her family (including a very elderly yet spry pair of grandparents) can be seen busily preparing savory bowls of soba for eager customers.  Our daughter Emily especially enjoys visiting Iwaichi which has a small bookshelf well stocked with children's books for auntie Yoko to read to her.  Emily also enjoys the treat of fresh fruit she invariably receives after her meal, complements of the kitchen staff.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact us anytime if you have questions or concerns about purchases made on this site.

• By Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
• By Phone: +1 949-466-0864
• Ship From Address:
  Art Hills Yada 501
  4-1 Yada, Suruga Ward
  Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
  Japan 422-8002

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