Soba, udon and ramen noodles are all well-known outside of Japan, but sōmen — the thin, white wheat noodles that are similar to Italian angel hair pasta — is not as famous. Yet these delicate noodles are very versatile, since they can be served either hot or cold, and since they're so thin, they cook in no time. Cold sōmen with a chilled mentsuyu (noodle dipping sauce) is especially welcome on sweltering summer days, since they go down so easily — even if you have no appetite.