When the summer heat hits, first thing you crave is probably something cool, refreshing, and effortless to enjoy. That’s where Japanese cold noodles come in! These chilled dishes are the perfect antidote to sweltering days, offering light yet satisfying meals that require minimal cooking.
1. Hiyashi Tantanmen
A summer twist on classic tantanmen, this cold version blends miso, toban-djan, soy milk, sesame, and chili oil into a creamy, chilled bowl ready in 20 minutes.
I especially love the contrast! The fire from chili meets the chill perfect for hot summers. It’s my go-to when I crave heat without sweat.
2. Zaru Udon
This basic yet elegant cold noodle dish highlights al dente udon paired with a chilled soy-dashi dipping sauce and optional toppings like green onions and grated ginger.
As a Japanese, zaru udon is what instantly comes to mind when I think of summer cold noodles. It’s an undeniable classic that represents the essence of Japanese summer dining.
3. Hiyashi Chuka
This chilled ramen noodle salad features a rainbow of colorful toppings like kinshi tamago, ham, cucumber, and tomato, all drizzled with tangy soy-vinegar sauce.
This dish truly is a cultural monument to Japanese summer, significant enough to earn its place as a seasonal word in haiku poetry. The sight of “Hiyashi Chuka Hajimemashita” (Cold Chinese Noodles Now Available) signs marks the true beginning of summer in Japan.
4. Zaru Soba
Where there’s zaru udon, there’s also zaru soba, and honestly, I prefer soba over udon when it comes to cold preparations.
The nutty, earthy flavor of buckwheat noodles somehow feels more refreshing and sophisticated in summer heat.
5. Zaru Ramen
These chilled ramen noodles are served with a tangy, umami-rich dipping sauce that includes rice vinegar for brightness.
This dish doesn’t have the same recognition as zaru soba or zaru udon, but the tangy dipping sauce makes it unique! Unlike hot tsukemen where both noodles and sauce are served hot, zaru ramen offers the refreshing experience of completely chilled components.
6. Chilled Chicken and Citrus Somen Noodle Soup
These ultra-thin wheat noodles swim in a refreshing citrus-infused cold broth made with chicken stock, soy sauce, and garlic.
Somen is truly another summer household staple! While it’s typically eaten by dipping in mentsuyu, I transformed it into a complete meal with a citrusy cold broth.
7. Soba Noodle Salad with Summer Vegetables
Chilled soba meets vibrant summer produce in this noodle salad, crowned with a golden ground-meat and miso sauce.
If you want to combine soba with summer vegetables, this is it!
8. Hiyashi Ramen
This is my creatively crafted cold ramen soup! I developed this because I love ramen but hate eating hot soup when it’s over 30°C outside.
The toppings are creative too! I use Jamón Serrano instead of traditional chashu, which surprisingly works perfectly with the chilled broth, proving that innovation can enhance traditional flavors.
9. Hiyashi Tanuki Udon
These chilled udon noodles are topped with tenkasu (tempura flakes), kamaboko, cucumber, okra, grated daikon, and wakame seaweed.
If you want to make something with chilled udon by simply adding toppings, this is it!
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