This cold noodle dish is a simple Japanese classic consisting of buckwheat (soba) noodles served with mentsuyu or tsuyu sauce on the side. The noodles are cooked and chilled and should be quickly dipped in the sauce that usually combines sake, mirin, soy sauce, and dry bonito flakes.

The dish was named zaru after a traditional bamboo strainer on which the noodles are traditionally served. Because it is light and simple, zaru soba is a summer specialty in Japan. The dish is sometimes garnished with sliced onions, but it's always topped with shredded nori—dry seaweed sheets.