Chinese and Asian countries are the hometown of noodles with various tastes. Noodles have become a critical part of Chinese cuisine.
Chinese people regard noodles as a symbol of luck. Thus, they love eating this delicious dish on special occasions. So, what are the top 10 noodles?
I will list the most popular Chinese noodles with the finest quality and flavor. If you have a chance to visit China, remember to try out these stunning dishes.
This dish has become a symbol of China’s diverse and rich culinary culture. Now, let’s discover the 10 delicious Chinese noodles you should try when visiting this country.
1. Chow Mein
Its name is a combination of a Mandarin word (chǎomiàn) and a Taishanese word. The hometown of Chow mein is in Northern China. Despite its diverse variation, most Chow mein noodles share the same cooking method.
First, the chefs boil and fry the noodles until they get crispy but still soft inside. Then, they mix noodles with chickpeas, beef, or even seafood to stir and serve.
2. Wonton Noodles
This famous Cantonese noodle has made its reputation across the Southeast Asia region. There are wide varieties of wonton noodles. Yet, wonton dumplings and egg noodles are two indispensable components of this dish.
Wonton dumplings are the soul of this noodle dish. They feature a flavorful and meaty taste with a blend of shrimp and minced pork. You can also taste the mild undertone of ginger and sesame oil.
3. Zhajiangmian
It’s a pity to visit Beijing and not try out its speciality, Zhajiangmian noodles. This dish features wheat noodles seasoned with soybean sauce and vegetables.
To make Zhajiangmian noodle sauce, you have to mix fermented soybean paste with ground meat. Meanwhile, the vegetarian version will substitute ground meat with smoked tofu.
4. Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles
Wuhan’s favorite breakfast comprises a hot bowl of dry noodles. This dish features knead dough noodles with a long and thin texture. The deep flavor of this dish comes from its seasoning combination.
After boiling the noodles, the chef will season them with chili oil, vinegar, sesame sauce, and veggies. An authentic hot, dry noodle dish should bring an eye-catching yellow color and a spicy taste.
5. Dan Dan Noodles
Ask any Chinese about a classic noodle variety, and they will give you dan dan noodles. This dish is the perfect choice for people preferring spicy food. Its spiciness comes from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn, and peanut sauce.
Unlike the other noodles, this dish involves minced beef or pork and a few green onions for the toppings.
6. Sichuan Dandan Noodles
The name of this dish comes from a tradition in ancient times. Sichuan noodles have a long and thin shape, plus a chewy texture. One thing you can notice when tasting these noodles is their spicy and yummy taste.
7. Lo Mein
Lo mein is among the most popular Chinese noodle varieties. These stirred noodles involve boiled wheat mixed with egg noodles and a special savory sauce.
The common toppings for lo mein are stir-fried veggies (carrots and cucumber) plus many pieces of meat. The special trait of lo mein lies in its sticky and firm texture, similar to pasta or ramen.
8. Shanxi Sliced Noodles
This noodle has a very interesting origin. Its name comes from the “Biang Biang” sound heard when producing noodles on the panel.
Shanxi sliced noodles are typically 3-centimeters wide, and a stripe can get very long. Thus, a serving of Shanxi noodles features only one or two stripes. This variety can pair well with various toppings and ingredients like salt and vinegar.
9. Liangpi
This variety first appeared in the Shaanxi province of China. In English, this noodle means cold skin. It has a chewy, translucent, and thick texture.
The popular materials for producing liangpi are rice flour, wheat flour, or a mix of the two. Chinese people often mix liangpi with chili oil, vinegar, and peanut sauce to enrich its flavors.
10. Beef Lo Mein
Commonly known as lanzhou noodles served with beef, this dish is a familiar item on many Chinese restaurants’ menus. The chefs will pull the noodles with their hands several times, creating a thin and long texture.
Many diners shared that beef lo mein can come with 9 distinct thickness levels. After boiling the noodles, the chefs will mix them with umami soup, plus slices of beef and veggies to serve.
FAQs
There are many facts you may not know about Chinese noodles. Check out the answers below to discover more.
What’s The Difference Between Lo Mein And Chow Mein Noodles?
The main difference lies in their texture and taste. While lo mein noodles feature a chewy and thicker texture, chow mein noodle stripes are thinner and drier.
Are All Chinese Noodles Consist Of Wheat Flour?
Wheat flour is one of the most popular ingredients for making Chinese noodles. Yet, many manufacturers also use mung bean starch or rice flour as a substitute for this ingredient.
Are Chinese Noodles Gluten-Free?
Not all Chinese noodles are gluten-free. It depends on the manufacturer and ingredients used, for instance. Yet, you can easily find many gluten-free noodle products in this country.
Do Chinese Noodle Dishes Carry Any Symbolic Meanings?
Chinese noodles represent a lot of good things in China. For instance, they are a symbol of luck and longevity. Therefore, noodles often appear on special occasions like New Year’s Eve or birthday parties.
Can You Eat Chinese Noodles Cold?
Unlike spaghetti, wide Chinese noodle varieties are meant for eating cold. There are many cold ramen and noodle recipes, for example. Their freshness and chill flavor will amaze any culinary lover.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a special holiday or a casual day, Chinese noodles can bring you a satisfying and flavorful meal. If you love noodles, consider between these ten varieties and pick the most suitable option for your taste.
Besides their delicious taste, noodles can combine with countless dishes and ingredients to create tasty dishes. Which noodle variety is your favorite on this list? Feel free to comment and tell me. Thank you for reading!