This cold dish may be served as an appetizer or as a side salad. It is perfect before a Japanese meal but don't think of it as purely Asian it goes well with many meals. I like it at room temperature. When you adjust the seasoning you may want to add a bit more soy, a touch more oil or even a bit of salt.. Make it ahead and allow the flavors to meld for an hour or so. If Soba noodles are not available you may substitute with wheat pasta (something like Cappini) The Soba noodles I refer to in the ingredient list are soft not dried and require very little boiling do not over cook them