These handmade noodles stand out from the pack. With a versatile thinness unlike traditional udon, yet with the same slurpy, chewy texture that’s distinctive of the noodle, Inaniwa udon has been handmade by artisans for over 300 years. The process takes four whole days: The noodles are kneaded on a starched surface before drying, followed by a series of hand kneading sessions before they’re shaped into their final form and left to sit. The resulting noodles are silky smooth with a mild taste, with a lovely kick of salt that makes the flavor come alive.

These soft, fresh noodles are made from equal parts buckwheat flour and wheat flour, which yield an especially springy, yet tender texture and full flavor compared to other soba we’ve tried. The flour is milled in-house and no preservatives or other binding agents are used in the noodles—just a dash of salt to round out the flavors. We love the subtle nuttiness of buckwheat and how it plays up the overall umami flavor of soba. Plus, the wider surface area of these noodles allows them to sop up even more sauce.

Japanese soba noodles are crafted using traditional techniques handed down for centuries to achieve an optimal nodogoshi, or “throat feel”. And while we love the firm, nutty typical soba noodle, this one infused with premium green tea is earthy, fresh and elegant. Don’t be afraid of the flavor, it’s mild and wheatgrass-like, so it plays well with other tastes much like a plain noodle would while adding a little something special. plus, you can’t beat the soft, slippery, slurp-able texture.

Translucent and slippery with wonderful flavor-absorbing properties, glass noodles (harusame) are a staple on Japanese tables. But many typical brands of these harusame get mushy easily and also have to be soaked or parcooked. Malony’s noodles stand out, since they’re made from a combination of potato and corn starches instead of the conventional mung bean starch. This makes the noodles able to maintain the firm, springy texture glass noodles are known for—so there’s no rushing to finish your bowl before they go soggy. They even keep their shape as reheated leftovers. Plus, there’s no prep required—simply add straight to your soup. Although they don’t have a strong taste themselves, the noodles beautifully absorb the flavors they are cooked in, making for a versatile pantry staple that’s a step up from what you’d find in supermarkets.