Soba noodles are a type of Japanese buckwheat noodle that is made from 100% buckwheat flour. They have been popular in Japan for centuries and are considered to be a healthy alternative to wheat-based noodles due to their high protein, fiber, and vitamin content. Soba noodles can be served hot or cold and are often eaten with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and wasabi. They are also commonly used in soups such as zaru soba (cold soba noodles served with a dipping sauce) and kake soba (hot soba noodles served in a broth).