Kake soba is a traditional version of soba noodles-based dishes and the most basic way to eat soba noodles in a hot dish. In order to prepare it, soba noodles are boiled, drained, and served in a bowl while still hot. A hot broth consisting of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi is then poured over the noodles and the dish is ready to be slurped.

Kake soba is characterized by its mild flavor, but the dish can be enriched with sliced scallions or a sprinkle of shichimi pepper on top, as well as slices of kamaboko fish cakes or soft-boiled pickled eggs (ajitsuke tamago), if desired.