Boiling the noodles 

Heat 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the noodles a small bundle at a time, stirring gently to separate. When the water returns to a full boil, add 1 cup of cold water. Repeat this twice. When the water returns to a full boil, check the noodles if they are done. You want to cook them until they are firm-tender. Do not overcook them.Drain the noodles in a collander and rinse well under cold running water until the noodles are cool.

Preparing the Dipping Sauce

Dashi stock can either be purchased pre-made, it can be made from scratch, or it can be made by mixing and diluting instant dashi granules. I chose to buy insant dashi granules at a local Japanese market. Any brand you find will come with directions on the back for how to make the stock. The dashi I found thankfully came with instructions in both Japanese and English. I used the proportions of 1 tsp of dashi granules for 6 cups of water. I would say this was on the weaker side, which was what I was in the mood for – mild dipping sauce so I could really appreciate the taste and consistency of the buckwheat noodles.

After making your dashi stock, bring the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin and sugar to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Once completely dissolved, allow the sauce to cool completely. You may refrigerate if you desire a cold dipping sauce (on a particularly hot day).

Arranging the Meal
This meal’s garnishes are almost as important as the noodles themselves. Using kitchen sheers, cut the sheet of nori crosswise into quarters. Then cut those quarters crosswise into 1/8-inch wide strips.

Next, very finely chop the green onions on the bias.

Mix wasabi to desired consistency, cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
Grate diakon (Japanese radish) using a microplane or similar grater.

Traditionally soba is served on a bamboo basket tray, but if you don’t have these, you can simply serve them on a plate or in a bowl. Divide up the noodles, laying them on your serving dishes. Sprinkle each with 1/4 of the nori. In small side bowl or cup, place 1/2 cup of dipping sauce into each. In separate small side dishes, serve each person a small amount of wasabi, grated daikon, and green onions.

The noodles are eaten by sprinkling the desired garnishes into the dipping sauce and eating the noodles by first dipping them into the sauce.

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