Toshikoshi soba: a Japanese tradition to eat before the New Year
Toshikoshi soba is a traditional dish that is indispensable during the New Year in Japan. This soba noodle dish is usually eaten on New Year's Eve, December 31st every year, with the meaning of praying for good health and longevity in the new year.
The custom of Toshikoshi soba has been around since the Edo period and is still practiced in many households today. The custom of Toshikoshi soba is said to have started during the Edo period (1603-1868).
Soba noodles are easy to cut and are considered a symbol of escape from hardship and disaster. In addition, the long shape of soba symbolizes longevity, so people eat it with the hope of living long and healthy. It can be said that Toshikoshi soba is an important culinary culture that helps welcome the new year with a refreshing feeling and ward off evil spirits of the old year.
Toshikoshi soba has many ways of preparing depending on the region and each household. Generally, it is eaten as warm Kake soba, but you can also enjoy it as cold Soba zaru or Soba tempura depending on your preference. In addition, each region has its own recipe for Toshikoshi Soba, often using locally produced ingredients and soba.
Popular New Year's Eve Soba Types
- Kakesoba: Basic soba served with simple soba soup.
- Tempura Soba: A luxurious dish served with shrimp and vegetable tempura.
- Zaru Soba: A refreshing dish made by dipping cold soba noodles in soup.
Toshikoshi Soba can be purchased at supermarkets and soba specialty stores. Especially at the end of the year, many Toshikoshi Soba sets are sold, so it is easy to own them. Soba sets that can be easily prepared at home and high-quality soba made from local specialties are also very popular.
There are a few points to note when enjoying Toshikoshi Soba. First of all, it is important to eat with family and friends. In addition, if you make it at home, you can enjoy it more deliciously by giving specific instructions on how to boil soba and how to make the sauce. Moreover, if you take the time to enjoy Toshikoshi Soba after preparing for the New Year, you will feel more excited to welcome the New Year.
Toshikoshi Soba is an indispensable traditional dish during the Japanese New Year. By knowing its origin, meaning and enjoying it properly, you can welcome the New Year with health and happiness. Come enjoy Toshikoshi Soba with your family and friends on New Year's Eve this year.
Above, we have explained in detail the appeal of Toshikoshi Soba and how to enjoy it. Toshikoshi Soba is an important part of the Japanese New Year's culture. Understand its value and how to enjoy it, and try incorporating it into your New Year's Eve.
