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Silver needle noodles

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Silver needle noodles are a unique type of Chinese noodle.

Dry Loh Shu Fun
Dry Loh Shu Fun

They are short and white. Each piece is about 5 cm long. They are also 5 mm wide. These noodles look semi-transparent. This means they look a bit clear. People call them many different names. In Hong Kong and Taiwan, they are silver needle noodles. In Malaysia and Singapore, people call them rat noodles. Some people even call them runny nose vermicelli.

Making these noodles is a special way of working.

First, people mix ground rice flour with water. They use rice that is glutinous or non-glutinous. Sometimes they add cornstarch to the mix. This helps the noodles stay strong when cooking. A person pushes the dough through holes in a sieve. This creates the iconic needle shape. This shaping is a skill that takes practice. After they are shaped, the noodles are steamed.

These noodles have a long history in many places.

You can find them in many Chinese markets. They are popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan. You can also find them in Cambodia and Indonesia. People in Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand eat them too. They are common in Vietnam and Singapore. Most people do not make them at home. It is too tedious to make a small amount. Instead, vendors make them fresh or companies produce them.

There are many ways to enjoy this food.

You can eat them for breakfast or lunch. They are also good for dinner. Some people stir-fry the noodles. Others cook them in a hot soup. You might even find them cooked dry in a clay pot. A famous dish is Clay-Pot Lao Shu Fen. This is found widely in Southeast Asia. The clay pot helps keep the food warm. This dish often has minced pork and prawns. It also uses a savory sauce.

These noodles are part of a big food family.

They are a variety of Chinese noodles. They are similar to other rice noodles. You might see them at hawkers or roadside stalls. Many Chinese restaurants serve them in different forms. They can even supplement a regular rice meal. Whether they are in a soup or a clay pot, they are a special treat. People love them for their unique shape and texture.

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