Udon

Udon is a thick (thicker than soba) Japanese noodle that is made from wheat.  These types of noodles expand when cooked and become quite thick although soft in texture.  These noodles are usually served cold in a cold broth or with a dipping sauce, in the summer, or in a hot broth, in the winter.  Today, most restaurants have udon noodles in their traditional way; in a hot broth along with other ingredients like fish cakes, eggs, seafood, or vegetables.