Instructions: Heres a guide to some commonly available Japanese noodles: Udon, square or round wheat noodles, is a perfect vehicle for leftover meat and vegetables, like chicken strips and spinach or snow peas.

Soba, buckwheat noodles, is often served cold, topped with thin strips of nori (seaweed). The brown, square-cut soba gives a hint of its origins without being grainy.

Chuka soba, literally Chinese soba, is often served with toppings like thin strips of scrambled egg, ham and cucumber.

Somen, very thin wheat noodles, is served atop ice or bathed in a pool of cold water, to make sure its well-chilled before dipping.

Ramen, Chinese-style egg noodles, comes in instant varieties as well as dried and fresh. Most is intended for soup, but some is for stir-frying.

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