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Glass noodles

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Glass noodles are a very special kind of food. They are famous for being clear and see-through when they are cooked. This is why many people call them glass noodles or cellophane noodles.

Yam wun sen
Yam wun sen

They are not the same as rice vermicelli. Rice noodles are white, but these noodles become transparent. People love them because they soak up many flavors. They are a favorite in many different cultures across Asia.

Mien luon Hang Dieu
Mien luon Hang Dieu

Making these noodles is a very interesting thing that happens. First, makers use starch and water to create them. Starch can come from many different plants. Some noodles use mung bean starch or potato starch. Others use sweet potato starch, tapioca, or canna starch.

Canna noodles (Canna edulis)
Canna noodles (Canna edulis)

Sometimes, a stabilizer like chitosan is added. Most glass noodles are sold in a dried form. To use them, you must soak them in water. This helps them become soft and ready to eat.

These noodles have a long history in China. The town of Zhangxing in Shandong province is a main place where they are made.

Mayishangshu
Mayishangshu

In the past, people shipped these noodles through the port of Longkou. Because of this, they are often called Longkou fensi. Different parts of China have different names for them. In Cantonese, people might call them saifun. In other places, they are called fentiao or hongshufen.

Many different countries have their own way of eating them. In Korea, they are called dangmyeon and are often thick.

Polish Korean Cuisine and Culture Exchanges Gradmother’s Recipes 05
Polish Korean Cuisine and Culture Exchanges Gradmother’s Recipes 05

People there make a popular dish called japchae with beef and vegetables. In Japan, they are called harusame, which means "spring rain."

Sotanghonjf1681
Sotanghonjf1681

In Thailand, they are called wun sen and go in spicy salads. In Vietnam, they are called miến. Some Vietnamese versions are even made from canna starch.

Glass noodles travel far and connect many different foods. In Hawaii, they are known as long rice. People say this name comes from how they are made. They are pushed through a tool like a potato ricer. In Samoa, they are called lialia. This name means "to twirl" in Samoan. It describes how people twirl noodles around chopsticks.

Yam wun sen
Yam wun sen

From spicy soups to sweet treats, these noodles are a wonderful part of many meals.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Mayishangshu.jpg
Mayishangshu.jpg
File:Polish Korean Cuisine and Culture Exchanges Gradmother’s Recipes 05.jpg
Polish Korean Cuisine and Culture...
File:Sotanghonjf1681.JPG
Sotanghonjf1681.JPG
File:Yam wun sen.JPG
Yam wun sen.JPG
File:Mien luon Hang Dieu.JPG
Mien luon Hang Dieu.JPG
File:Canna noodles (Canna edulis).JPG
Canna noodles (Canna edulis).JPG
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