Getting your noodles right is crucial when making Asian recipes, whether you’re making a spicy Malaysian laksa or a classic pad Thai. There’s a whole world of noodles out there, but here are a few common varieties you should get to know.

Ramen Noodles

We all know this Japanese wheat noodle as the star of the brothy ramen soup, but what you may not know is that ramen noodles can also be used in cold dishes, like noodle salads and asian slaws – often left uncooked for a satisfying crunch.

Hokkien Noodles

Famous for its part in dishes like Hokkien mee, this chewy, yellow noodle should be bought and cooked fresh. A wheat-based noodle made with egg, Hokkien should be blanched in boiling water before adding to noodle dishes such as Chow Mein.

Rice Noodles

Bun cha, Pad See Ew, Chow Fun, Pho – many of our favorites use the versatile rice noodle. Commonly bought dried, these naturally gluten-free noodles come in many varieties, like rice stick, rice thread and vermicelli. The noodles even come as rice paper sheets for making spring or summer rolls.

Soba Noodles

Made from buckwheat flour, soba noodles have a distinctive flavour and light brown colour. Soba noodles are usually chilled after cooking and served cold – great for summer salads or often enjoyed on their own as a snack with dipping sauce.