Toshikoshi Soba, which is "year crossing buckwheat noodle", is a Japanese tradition of eating a bowl of soba noodles on New Year's Eve just before midnight.
As with most Japanese New Years foods, Toshikoshi Soba has symbolic meanings. The most common explanation of their meaning is that the long shape of the noodle symbolizes the crossing from one year to the next. It's also said that since noodles are easily cut, they symbolize letting go of the regrets of the past year.
Less common explanations of the meaning include that long noodles represent longevity, that buckwheat is a hearty plant the represents stamina or that buckwheat symbolizes wealth because Japanese goldsmiths used buckwheat flour to collect gold dust.
Whatever meaning people subscribe to, Toshikoshi Soba is a common ritual in every region of Japan. In many areas, the noodles are served with a simple garnish of shallot. In other areas, it's common to add tempura or other ingredients. These rituals also vary from family to family.
I made my own style this time with egg, cucumber, boiled chicken and shitake mashroom. It was very yummy!
