Food Bucket List: 15 Asian Noodles You Must Try

If you’ve only had wheat and rice noodles, then you’re missing out! There’s a whole world of noodles out there, each with its own unique flavor and texture! Here are 15 Asian noodles you must try. These noodles are not only unique in their own ways but also rich in history, carrying the traditions and cultures of their origins. Go through the list and next time you’re in an Asian restaurant, you’ll know which type to try next.

Chow Mein

Chow mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish made with stir-fried wheat noodles. The noodles are typically cooked with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage, and pairs well with homestyle chicken, grilled meat, or sautéed shrimp. The dish is flavored with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, giving it a deliciously complex taste. The noodles are often crispy on the edges, providing a contrast to the tender vegetables and meat.

Rice Vermicelli

Rice vermicelli, also known as rice noodles or rice sticks, are thin noodles made from rice flour. They are a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese and Thai dishes. These noodles are often used in salads, soups, spring rolls, and lettuce wraps absorbing the flavors of the ingredients they are paired with. Light and slightly chewy, rice vermicelli noodles are perfect for dishes that require a delicate texture.

Lo Mein

Lo mein is a Chinese noodle dish featuring soft, wheat flour noodles that are boiled and then tossed with a variety of ingredients. The noodles are typically mixed with vegetables, meats, dumplings, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Unlike chow mein, lo mein noodles are soft and soak up the rich flavors of the sauce. This dish is comforting and satisfying, with a wonderful blend of textures and tastes.

Udon

Udon noodles are thick, chewy noodles made from wheat flour, and they are a staple in Japanese cuisine. These noodles are often served in a hot broth, topped with ingredients like tempura, green onions, and seaweed. Udon can also be stir-fried or served cold with a dipping sauce. Their hearty texture makes them perfect for absorbing the flavors of broths and sauces, creating a comforting and filling meal.

Ramen

Ramen noodles are normally served in a rich, flavorful broth. The broth can vary widely, from soy sauce and miso to pork bone and chicken. Toppings often include sliced pork, boiled eggs, nori (seaweed), and green onions. Ramen is known for its comforting, umami-rich flavor that can warm you up on the coldest of days.

Soba

Soba noodles are thin Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour, offering a nutty flavor and firm texture. They can be served hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce, making them versatile for any season. Soba is often garnished with ingredients like tempura, green onions, and nori. Their unique taste and health benefits, including being high in protein and fiber, make them a favorite among health-conscious eaters.

Glass Noodles

Glass noodles, also known as cellophane or bean thread noodles, are made from mung bean starch. These translucent noodles have a springy texture and are commonly used in Chinese, Korean, and Thai cuisines. They are excellent in soups, stir-fries, and salads, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully. Glass noodles are light and airy, providing a contrast in texture to other components in a dish.

Pad Thai Noodles

Pad Thai noodles are flat rice noodles used in the famous Thai dish Pad Thai. These noodles are stir-fried with tofu, shrimp, eggs, and bean sprouts, and flavored with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and lime juice. The dish is topped with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs for added texture and flavor. Pad Thai noodles are slightly chewy and perfectly absorb the sweet, sour, and savory sauce.

Japchae Noodles

Japchae is potato starch noodles, known as dangmyeon. These noodles are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, meats, and a sweet-savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Japchae noodles have a chewy texture and a glossy appearance, making the dish visually appealing as well as delicious. They are often enjoyed as a side dish or main course during celebrations.

Pho Noodles

Pho noodles are flat rice noodles used in the Vietnamese noodle soup, pho. These noodles are served in a flavorful beef or chicken broth, accompanied by fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. Pho noodles are soft and slippery, making them perfect for slurping up with the rich broth. This dish is known for its aromatic and refreshing qualities, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

Mee Goreng Noodles

Mee Goreng is an Indonesian and Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish using yellow wheat noodles. These noodles are cooked with garlic, onions, prawns, chicken, and vegetables, and flavored with a mix of sweet soy sauce and chili. The dish is often topped with a fried egg and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. Mee Goreng noodles are savory, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying.

Biang Biang Noodles

Biang Biang noodles are thick, belt-like noodles from the Shaanxi province of China. These hand-pulled noodles are often served with a spicy, tangy sauce made from chili oil, vinegar, and soy sauce. Topped with garlic, green onions, and sometimes ground meat, these noodles are a flavorful and hearty dish. Their wide, chewy texture sets them apart from other noodles and provides a unique eating experience.

Laksa Noodles

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup from Malaysia and Singapore, featuring rice or egg noodles in a rich, coconut-based curry broth. The soup is typically garnished with shrimp, fish cakes, tofu puffs, and fresh herbs. Laksa noodles are slippery and slightly chewy, making them perfect for soaking up the bold, aromatic broth. This dish is an explosion of flavors, from creamy and spicy to fresh and herbal.

Hokkien Noodles

Hokkien noodles are thick, yellow noodles made from wheat flour and egg, used in various Chinese and Malaysian dishes. They are often stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, prawns, and vegetables, creating a savory and aromatic meal. The noodles are slightly chewy and have a rich, eggy flavor that complements the other ingredients well. Hokkien noodles are a comfort food favorite, offering a satisfying and hearty dining experience.

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan noodles are a Sichuan specialty featuring thin, wheat noodles in a spicy, tangy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and soy sauce. The dish is often topped with minced pork, preserved vegetables, and green onions. Dan Dan noodles are known for their bold, numbing spiciness and complex flavor profile. They provide a thrilling culinary experience for those who enjoy heat and intense flavors.