What Are Asian Noodles Called?

• Ramen Noodles. …
• Udon Noodles. …
• Rice Noodles. …
• Soba Noodles. …
• Glass Noodles. …
• Chow Mein Noodles. …
• Vermicelli Noodles. …
• Somen Noodles.

If you’ve ever looked at the menu for your neighborhood Chinese restaurant and wondered what the distinction between lo mein and chow mein was, here’s a hint: It’s actually not the type of noodles used. Let’s take a look.

We find the classification of Asian noodle dishes to be quite perplexing, I don’t know about you.

The truth is that in the United States, we typically eat these dishes as Chinese takeout, which turns ethnic cuisine into a huge mess of sweet and salty, Americanized, cultural confusion.

For their standard noodle dishes, many restaurants even interchangeably use the terms “lo mein” and “chow mein.”

They really don’t help the cause with their naming conventions. And really, nothing from the restaurants tends to look (or taste) particularly different, making it difficult to distinguish any clear differences.

A guide for how to shop for, cook, and use the wide variety of Asian noodles available at large grocery stores and specialty markets.

The world of Asian noodles is vast. You can find aisles of noodles in any Asian market, all with different shapes, lengths, and textures. In Asia, noodles are more than just a dish; they have a 4,000-year history as an integral component of culture. Even the length of the noodles has meaning; they are frequently used as symbols of longevity in celebratory meals.

It can be confusing for a novice noodle shopper to sort through a grocery’s numerous noodle options. Similar types of noodles can be purchased packaged in both soft and dried form in Southeast Asia, China, and Taiwan. The sheer number of varieties is overwhelming, which is made worse by the lack of a recognized nomenclature, language, or even classification system for noodle varieties. Due to this, it is challenging to distinguish between different types of noodles and make a decision. The following guide will help you recognize some of the most popular noodles found in Asian markets in the US.

Asian Noodles vs. Italian Pasta

Asian noodles and Italian pasta have some significant differences despite the fact that some varieties resemble each other. Asian noodles are different from most pastas in that they are not meant to be cooked to the same al dente consistency. Some are soft; others have a firm bite. Others, like ramen, have a more springy resistance to the teeth while some are chewy.

In addition to wheat flour, rice, yam, and mung beans can also be used to make Asian noodles, though even that wheat is a different variety than the durum wheat used to make pasta. Due to all of these texture and flavor differences, Asian noodles cannot usually be substituted for Italian pasta.

Learn everything you need to know about the most common strands

If you’ve ever browsed the noodle section of an Asian grocery store, you know how diverse the selection can be for home cooks who aren’t familiar with the various kinds.

Following a recipe is one thing; just purchase and use the specific type of noodles it calls for. But what if you want to try something new and diversify a little? In that case, you’ll want to learn a little bit more about each kind of noodle.

There are three main categories of Asian noodles: glass or cellophane noodles, wheat noodles, and rice noodles. Discover more about each type below, complete with examples of each that are most popular, useful cooking advice, and recipes.

Each type of noodle can frequently be prepared in a variety of ways, including in broth, stir-fried, deep-fried, and either cold or hot.

The most common grain used to make noodles is wheat, and Asian noodles are no exception to this rule.

Like Italian pasta, Asian wheat noodles are typically made with wheat flour and eggs. However, one significant distinction is that many varieties of Asian egg noodles are made by pulling and stretching the noodles, as opposed to Italian pasta, which is made by rolling and then slicing the dough.

Similar to rolling, this works the dough’s glutens, but the resulting noodles have a different texture and consistency. Asian noodles tend to be more bouncy and springy than their Italian counterparts.

FAQ

What are Chinese noodles called?

Noodles made from wheat flour are known as miàn (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; frequently transliterated as “mien” or “mein”), while noodles made from other starches, particularly rice flour and mung bean starch, are known as “fun” ().

What are large Asian noodles called?

Udon. The Japanese value it for its large, chewy bite because it is one of the thickest noodles you can find in a market. Udon are very well-liked and are available in a range of thicknesses and sizes. They’re sold dried, fresh, and frozen.

What are the thin Asian noodles called?

Vermicelli. While thin noodles are generally referred to as “vermicelli” in different world cuisines, rice vermicelli—also known as rice sticks—is a favorite in East and Southeast Asian cuisine. The noodles are typically sold dried in folded, crunchy bunches and are a pale white, almost translucent color.