The Importance of Tableware in Making Somen a "Gourmet Dish"! About 40% Responded that "Changing the Dishware Alone Creates a Gourmet Feel"

■ "Somen," a Summer Table Staple: Focusing on its Appearance

Somen's frequency of appearance on dining tables increases during the summer.

Its ease of preparation, simply boiling noodles and preparing dipping sauce, makes it a great ally during the hot season.

On the other hand, aren't there many households where you hear voices like, "Somen again?"

So, how much attention is actually paid to the "appearance" and "tableware" of somen?

Therefore, in collaboration with "FOURGRACE," an online store for stylish tableware for all seasons, we conducted a survey on "Summer Dining Table and Coolness" targeting 500 men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "eat somen or cold noodles at home in the summer (July-August)."

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"Summer Dining Table and Coolness" Survey Overview

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: June 2, 2026 - June 9, 2026

Target Respondents: Men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "eat somen or cold noodles at home in the summer (July-August)."

Valid Responses: 500 samples

Questions:

Question 1: How often do you eat somen or cold noodles at home during the summer (July-August)?

Question 2: Have you ever said or thought, "Somen again?" at the summer dining table?

Question 3: What do you think is the biggest reason for somen becoming monotonous? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 4: When serving somen, do you make efforts in presentation and tableware?

Question 5: Please explain the reason.

Question 6: Do you think that simply changing the tableware can make somen a "gourmet dish"?

Question 7: Do you think that using glass dishes or bamboo baskets stimulates appetite?

Question 8: Please explain the reason for feeling that way.

※ In principle, values are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

■ 54.0% Responded "Several Times a Month" for Frequency of Eating Somen/Cold Noodles in Summer

First, we asked about the frequency of eating somen or cold noodles at home during the summer (July-August).

The most common response was "Several times a month" at 54.0%.

This was followed by "Once or twice a week" at 38.0%, "3-4 times a week" at 7.2%, and "Almost every day" at 0.8%.

Although there are differences in frequency, it appears that somen and cold noodles appear on the summer dining table in many households.

■ 39.8% Have Experienced Saying or Thinking "Somen Again?" at the Summer Dining Table

Next, we asked if respondents had ever said or thought, "Somen again?" at the summer dining table.

As a result, 9.2% said "Many times," 25.4% said "A few times," and 5.2% said "Only once," totaling 39.8% who had experienced it. On the other hand, 60.2% answered "Never."

While somen and cold noodles are easy to prepare, they are also dishes that can easily become monotonous as their frequency of appearance increases. The fact that about 40% have experienced feeling "Somen again?" suggests the common dilemma associated with this summer staple.

■ 56.2% Cited "Same Taste and Ingredients" as the Biggest Reason for Somen Monotony

Next, we asked what respondents thought was the biggest reason for somen becoming monotonous.

The most common answer was "Same taste and ingredients" at 56.2%.

This was followed by "Always the same appearance" at 30.8%, "Few toppings or side dishes" at 26.2%, "Too easy, lacks a special feel" at 21.4%, "Simple presentation" at 19.6%, and "Other" at 8.6%.

The most frequently cited reasons were related to taste and ingredients.

Additionally, a considerable number of responses mentioned "Always the same appearance" and "Simple presentation," indicating that many people feel a visual monotony.

Perhaps the boredom with somen is not just about taste.

The same tableware and presentation every time can also be a contributing factor to the feeling of monotony.

■ 75.4% Responded "Do Not Make Efforts" in Somen Presentation or Tableware

Next, we asked if respondents make efforts in presentation and tableware when serving somen.

As a result, 5.4% said "Always make efforts" and 19.2% said "Sometimes make efforts," totaling 24.6% who make efforts in presentation and tableware.

On the other hand, 40.6% said "Do not make much effort" and 34.8% said "Do not make any effort at all," totaling 75.4% who do not make efforts.

While it is thought that appearance is related to the monotony of somen, it was found that in reality, many households do not go as far as to make efforts in presentation or tableware.

We asked for the reasons why people "make efforts" or "do not make efforts" in somen presentation and tableware, and here are some examples:

Reasons for "making efforts" in somen presentation and tableware:

- To prevent children from getting bored. (20s, Female)

- Arranging them into bite-sized portions for easier eating. (20s, Male)

- To discover delicious ways to eat through flavor variations and attractive arrangements. (30s, Female)

Reasons for "not making efforts" in somen presentation and tableware:

- I don't have many types of tableware, so there's not much I can do to make it special. (20s, Female)

- I don't know how to do it. (30s, Female)

- I lack a repertoire of ideas for making it special. (40s, Female)

Those who make efforts emphasized the importance of visual appeal, ease of eating, and ensuring family enjoyment.

On the other hand, among those who do not make efforts, comments about having a limited variety of tableware were noticeable.

Furthermore, responses like "I don't know how to do it" suggest that even with a desire to make efforts, the hurdles of time and lack of ideas are significant.

■ 39.8% "Agree" that Changing Tableware Can Make Somen a "Gourmet Dish"

Next, we asked if respondents thought that simply changing the tableware could make somen a "gourmet dish."

As a result, 7.6% said "Strongly agree" and 32.2% said "Somewhat agree," totaling 39.8% who responded that changing tableware can add a gourmet feel to somen.

On the other hand, 43.2% answered "Somewhat disagree" and 17.0% answered "Strongly disagree."

Because somen is a simple dish, it is a menu item where the overall dining table appearance can easily change just by using glass dishes, cool small bowls, or dishes for toppings. In addition to arranging flavors and ingredients, choosing tableware is one of the efforts that can help resolve monotony and create a special feel.

■ 60.4% Responded that Using Glass Dishes or Bamboo Baskets "Stimulates Appetite"

Finally, we asked if using glass dishes or bamboo baskets stimulates appetite.

As a result, 10.8% said "Strongly stimulates appetite" and 49.6% said "Somewhat stimulates appetite," totaling 60.4% who believe that using glass dishes or bamboo baskets stimulates appetite.