Yakisoba is literally translated as 'fried noodles'. The dish includes not only noodles, but also meat (pork or beef), vegetables and spices - the type of which usually depends on the region of Japan where the dish is made. It is prepared using the stir-fry method, i.e. by quickly frying the individual ingredients. The dish was popularised in the 1930s and can still be found sold in bars and local stalls. Before serving, the noodles are sprinkled with seaweed. A special sauce based on Japanese soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar and sake is also added to the dish. Yakisoba is a dish popularly eaten with pickled ginger. Depending on the ingredients and spices used, yakisoba can vary in colour. The most important rule - no matter what toppings are in the dish - is to make the ingredients crunchy with every bite.