Noodles are one of the staples of Chinese cuisine, and they’re enjoyed worldwide in various forms and flavors. However, with all the options available in today’s market, it cannot be easy to differentiate between them.
Therefore, if you’re new to Chinese cuisine, you need to brush up on your knowledge. Read through this guide on the different types of Chinese noodles you need.
Rice Vermicelli (Mi Fen)
The first on our list of different Chinese noodles is Rice vermicelli, also known as mi fen. They are made from rice flour and water. They’re skinny and delicate, so they cook quickly.
In addition, Rice vermicelli is often used in soups or stir-fries, or they can be deep-fried and served with a dipping sauce.
Long Life Noodles (Yi Mein)
Long-Life Noodles are different types of Chinese noodles that are said to represent long life and good health.
They are often given as a gift for birthdays or special occasions.
Further, Yi Mein is made from wheat flour and water and is rolled out into long, thin strands. The noodles are then boiled in water or broth and can be served with a variety of different toppings.
Knife-Cut Noodles (Dao Xiao Mian)
Dao xiao mian is one of the most popular different types of Chinese noodles. They’re made by taking a long strip of dough and cutting it into thin noodles with a knife.
The noodles are then cooked in boiling water. When they’ve finished cooking, they’ll usually be served with sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and shallots or scallions.
Although dao xiao mian is often eaten dry (as opposed to the soup), you can get them topped with wontons or other fillings.
Oil Noodles (You Mian)
These noodles are made from wheat flour and have a high gluten content, which gives them a chewy texture.
These different Chinese noodles are typically fried in oil, hence their name. And then doused in a sauce or served with a topping. Meanwhile, Oil noodles are famous in southern China and can be found in Cantonese cuisine.
Hand-Pulled Noodles (La Mian)
La Mian is long, chewy noodles pulled by hand from a block of dough. They’re often served in beef noodle soup and can be stir-fried or served in a clear broth. One of the most popular varieties is Lanzhou Lamian, which has a thinner texture than other types.
Fried Rice Noodles (Chow Mein)
One of the different types of Chinese noodles is Fried Rice Noodles. They are flat egg noodles fried with vegetables and meat before being tossed with soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Lo Mein noodles
Lo Mein noodles are different types of Chinese noodles that are made from wheat flour and water. The dough is then rolled out flat and cut into strips. These noodles can be used in various dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and stews.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are another Chinese type made from wheat flour, water, and eggs. The dough is rolled out flat and then cut into strips or other shapes.
These noodles are often used in soups, stews, and dishes like lo mein.
Rice Noodles
Rice noodles are different Chinese noodles made from rice flour and water.
Wheat Vermicelli (Misua)
Wheat vermicelli, or misua, is a transparent noodle made from wheat flour and water. It’s fragile and delicate, so it’s often used in soups or braised dishes. Wheat vermicelli is commonly found in northern Chinese cuisine.
Teochew Flat Noodles (Mee Pok
Mee Pok is a flat egg noodle originating from the Teochew region in China. It is made with wheat flour, water, and salt and has a yellowish hue. These different types of Chinese noodles are rolled out into thin sheets and cut into strips. Mee Pok can be served dry or in soup and is often garnished with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Wonton Noodles
Wonton noodles, or wantan mein, are a type of egg noodle popular in southern China. They’re made with wheat flour and eggs and are often served in soup with wontons or dumplings.
Also, Wonton noodles can be stir-fried with vegetables or meat.
Yunnan Rice Noodles (Mi Xian)
These noodles are other different types of Chinese noodles. They are made from rice ground into flour and then formed into noodles.
They’re long, thin, and have a slightly chewy texture, typically served in a broth with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Glass Noodles (Fensi)
Fensi, or glass noodles, are made from mung bean starch and are transparent or translucent in color. They’re often used in soups or stir-fries and take on the flavor of the other ingredients they’re cooked with. In addition to being gluten-free, fensi is also low calorie and high in fiber.
Udon noodles (Chinese)
Similar to Japanese udon noodles, these wheat flour noodles are chewy and thick with a satisfying texture that can’t be beaten! These different Chinese noodles go well when served cold or hot, but their most popular preparation is in soup – especially on a rainy day!
Silver Needle Noodles (Yin Zhen Fen)
Silver needle noodles, also known as Yin Zhen Fen, are made from only the most refined quality wheat. The long and thin noodles are white and have a delicate flavor. They’re often used in soups and salads.
Bamboo Noodle
Bamboo noodles, also known as zhúshā fěn or simply shā fěn, are a type of noodle made from bamboo shoots. The shoots are first boiled and then ground into flour, which is used to make the noodles.
Also, these different Chinese noodles are typical in southern China, where bamboo is more plentiful.
Wheat Flour Noodle (dà fěn miàn)
Wheat flour noodles are the most common different types of Chinese noodles in China. They’re made from wheat flour, water, and salt and can be either fresh or dry.
However, these noodles are used in various dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and noodle salads. They can be either thick or thin, depending on how prepared.
Bean Thread (dòu mì)
Also known as cellophane noodles or glass noodles, bean thread noodles are made from mung bean starch. These different types of Chinese noodles are clear, chewy, and often used in soups or stir-fries.
Rice Sticks (mì tín)
Rice sticks are rice flour dough cut into strips and deep fried before being dried and packaged. They’re available in dried form, but most people use them right after opening the package.
Seaweed Flour Noodle (hǎi yá)
Also known as hǎi yá, these noodles are made with a type of seaweed called dulse. Dulse is a red alga that’s common in Chinese and Korean cuisine. These noodles have a slightly chewy texture and are often used in soups or stir-fries.
Flat Rice Noodle (Ho Fun)
Ho fun noodles are made from rice flour and water and are rolled out into flat sheets. They’re then cut into strips that can be either wide or thin.
These different Chinese noodles are standard in Cantonese cuisine and are often stir-fried with beef and vegetables.
Conclusion
There are so many different types of Chinese noodles that it’s impossible to list them all. But, these are some of the most popular and well-known varieties.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty dish or something light and refreshing, there’s a Chinese noodle out there for you. So next time you’re in the mood for some Asian cuisine, don’t forget about the noodles!
