Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Make a well in center, and add buttermilk. Using one hand like a claw, mix buttermilk into dry ingredients until dough forms a ball. (Dough should be sticky and slightly clumpy.)

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and gently shape into a ball. Transfer to a lightly floured baking sheet. Pat dough into a 1½-inch-thick disk. Using a knife, cut an “X” across top of dough. Using tip of knife, prick a hole into each of the four sections of dough.

Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15 minutes more. Turn bread, and bake for 5 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board, and let cool until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes.