Soba means Okinawan noodle which is the very popular okinawan food. You can find so many Noodle-Shops here in Okinawa. Everybody goes to be a critic having "soba".SOBA-guide book (published by the Okinawan publisher) is very useful than [Zagat]magazine! In the new year's eve,family get together and cook Soba with each family's recepies and enjoy having delicious Soba.This is the traditional style of new year's eve in Japan, also in Okinawa. A Happy new year!