Nara Nyumen

At a glance

NameNara Nyumen (Nyumen)
PrefectureNara
RegionKansai
TypeThin somen noodles served in hot dashi

What is it?

Nyumen briefly simmers somen in seasoned dashi, or warms the boiled noodles with a ladle of hot broth, and adds shiitake, shrimp, eggplant, yuba, mitsuba or seasonal garnishes.

History and local context

The warming dish is especially associated with Nara and the Miwa area, a historic center of hand-stretched somen. Its name is commonly explained as a contraction or changed reading of ni-men, cooked noodles.

How to enjoy it

Rinse boiled somen to remove excess starch and salt, then warm it only briefly so the fine strands do not become mushy. Taste the dashi before adding salt and check wheat, shrimp, fish and soy allergens.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Nara Nyumen from?

It is associated with Nara, in the Kansai region of Japan.

What kind of food is Nara Nyumen?

This guide classifies it as thin somen noodles served in hot dashi. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Nara Nyumen online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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