Hiyashi Chuka

Description
This is a delicious salad served only in the summertime in Japan. I really miss being able to drop by the convenience store and pick up one of these for a fast and easy meal. It's wonderfully refreshing, especially when there's no air conditioning available. Cook time refers to boiling noodles.



Soysauce flavor dressing

 * 1/3 cup water  
 * 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar  
 * 2 tablespoons soy sauce  
 * 3 tablespoons sugar  
 * 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Sesame flavor dressing

 * 3/4 cup water  
 * 4 tablespoons sugar  
 * 8 tablespoons soy sauce  
 * 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar  
 * 2 tablespoons ground sesame seeds  
 * 1 teaspoon sesame oil  
 * 1 package Chinese egg noodles, boiled and cooled (chuka soba that look like ramen noodles)

Toppings (choose as many as you like)

 * thin strips of fried eggs, in an omelette 
 * thin strips ham or poached chicken breasts 
 * julienned cucumbers 
 * julliened carrots 
 * bean sprouts 
 * sliced tomatoes 
 * pickled ginger (beni shoga, in little strips)

Directions
All ingredients should be as cold as possible for maximum body-chilling benefit. <BR> Divide chilled noodles among serving plates. <BR> Add toppings of your choice. <BR> My personal favorite is ham, omelette, cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts and ginger. <BR> Add dressing of your choice just before eating.