Where Can I Buy Chinese Egg Noodles?

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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.

Finding Your Noodles

Most Asian markets group noodles according to country of origin, placing soba near udon and lo mein near misua. So consider the country of origin of the dish you intend to prepare before looking there. You will see repetitions under different names because many noodles are used in different cuisines, so don’t overthink it. And remember, the hunt is half the fun!.

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.

FAQ

What are Chinese egg noodles called?

Wonton noodles, Hong Kong-style (chow mein) noodles, and lo mein noodles are the most popular types of fresh egg noodles available.

Are Chinese noodles egg noodles?

The Chinese word for “noodles” is simply mein (or mian; pronounced “me-an”). The same kind of Chinese noodle is used to make both lo mein and chow mein. Similar to Italian pasta, this noodle is made from wheat flour and eggs.

What are Chinese noodles called from restaurant?

Chow mein and lo mein dishes are both made with Chinese egg noodles, which are wheat flour noodles with added egg, despite their differences. Chow mein can be made with either fresh or dried egg noodles, unlike lo mein which calls for fresh egg noodles.