20 Types of Noodles (Different Kinds)

You might not think it, but there are so many different types of noodles.

From familiar spaghetti and fettuccine to ramen and udon, this list is surprisingly long!

If you can’t get enough of noodles, you’ve come to the right place.

Italy might have the market covered on pasta, but noodles are a whole other ball game.

In fact, the oldest documented noodle was discovered 4,000 years ago in China. 

I guess that’s why there are so many incredible Chinese noodle recipes!

Ready to learn all about the different types of noodles? Let’s dive in.

1. Udon

Udon noodles show up a lot in Japanese cooking. They’re composed of wheat flour and salt and taste similar to ramen noodles.

What’s different about udon noodles is that they’re thick, soft, and work perfectly in dishes like yaki udon.

They’re also an exciting substitute for ramen recipes.

If you want the noodle to be the star of your dish, udon noodles are an excellent choice. 

You can’t go wrong with yaki udon for a mouthwatering Japanese dinner dish!

2. Soba 

Soba noodles are a great alternative to keep calories low.

They earn their dark coloring from buckwheat flour. It has more protein and fiber than your average pasta.

Their bright, earthy flavors make them perfect for cold pasta dishes. But you can also use them in stir-fries and soups.

Plus, these flavorful noodles can also work as great dipping noodles.

Remember that soba noodles often have strong earthy flavors, which might not be for everyone. 

3. Lo Mein and Chow Mein

When you think of lo mein and chow mein, chances are you think of Chinese takeout.

Lo mein and chow mein noodles are China’s take on egg noodles. They incorporate wheat flour (hence their darker coloring) and eggs.

They have a savory flavor that stands apart from other Asian noodles and a chewy texture.

The flavors of lo mein and chow mein noodles are perfect for hot stir-fries with garlic, sesame, and ginger. 

4. Rice Noodles 

The great thing about rice noodles is that they have a very subtle flavor.

On their own, they have a very mildly sweet and nutty flavor.

Once you toss them into a sauce or soup, the open texture soaks up the flavors in your dish like a dream.

They’re great in soups and stir-fries but also work well in desserts. 

5. Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are more savory and filling than noodles made from flour or rice.

While they have a very mild egg flavor, they absorb sauces really well.

Plus, they have twice as much calcium as traditional flour or rice pasta but surprisingly less protein. 

6. Glass Noodles

These noodles their name from their delicate and translucent nature.

They incorporate various types of vegetable starches.

These include mung bean, peas, or sweet potato, although mung bean is the most common.

They’re lower in calories and are great additions to hot pots, salads, and soups. 

7. Ramen Noodles

This versatile noodle reigns supreme in Japan.

Ramen noodles incorporate wheat flour, vegetable oils, and in some instances, extra flavoring.

What’s interesting about ramen noodles is that they are often pre-cooked. All you need to do to cook ramen is rehydrate them in water.

While ramen noodles and soup go hand in hand, their use doesn’t end there!

You can use ramen noodles in just about anything.

That said, you can’t beat brothy soup with noodles and ramen toppings!

8. Spaghetti

Spaghetti likely needs no formal introduction, as it is the most popular pasta in the world.

Authentic Italian spaghetti incorporates purified middlings of semolina flour.

But many store-bought brands make their spaghetti from various types of milled wheat.

The ultimate Italian pasta pairs perfectly with red or white sauce or good old-fashioned spaghetti and meatballs!

Its mild flavors work in just about any cuisine, from Italian to Spanish, or even stir-fries. 

9. Yi Mein

Yi Mein noodles are Cantonese egg noodles. They have a hearty and chewy texture and incorporate wheat flour.

Their spongy texture is due to the soda water used when creating the noodles.

They soak up sauces in stir-fries and soups like a dream!

Yi mein noodles work best in stir-fries with bright and bold flavors but can also be tossed into soups or in a hearty sauce. 

10. Wonton

You’re probably familiar with wontons from your local Chinese takeout restaurant.

While wonton soup is a staple, these noodles are great for from that just stuffed pork wontons!

Wonton noodles utilize pastured egg yolks and wheat flour.

They have a similar texture to ramen, making them perfect for soups and stir-fries.

These noodles are so hearty, they can (and should!) be used to make stuffed wontons.

Think of wonton noodles as China’s take on ravioli. 

11. Somen

Somen noodle recipes are impossibly light and delicious.

These thin noodles incorporate wheat flour and have a very mild flavor.

They’re often used in cold dishes paired with a bright dipping sauce. But can also work in hot pots or stir-fries.

I know firsthand that somen noodles are incredibly delicate, so handle them carefully. Dried noodles break very easily. 

12. Biang Biang Noodles 

Never heard of biang biang noodles before? You’re not alone!

These once-obscure large, flat noodles have gained much popularity in recent years.

Their flat and wide shape was thanks to laziness. Essentially, people didn’t have the time to create delicate or intricate noodles.

They boast a wide, flat shape and are composed of wheat flour.

They earn their bold flavors with vinegar, garlic, and chili oil. 

13. Bucatini

Move over, spaghetti, there’s a new pasta in town.

While bucatini looks like your average spaghetti noodle, it’s a little different (in all the best ways).

Bucatini noodles may look like spaghetti, but they are thicker and have a hole running through the center.

This hole soaks up rich pasta sauces, making it an excellent option for most saucy meals.

Bucatini is like spaghetti-like macaroni noodles that soak up delicious sauces.

If you whip up spaghetti with red sauce, opt for bucatini to switch things up.

You may never look at classic spaghetti noodles the same way!

14. Shirataki Noodles

The flavor of shirataki noodles is incredibly mild. On their own, they don’t taste like much of anything.

However, their open texture soaks up rich sauces and transforms these humble noodles into something incredibly mouthwatering.

They’re composed of a compound derived from the konjac root that gives these noodles their light, delicate texture. 

Shirataki noodles work best in dishes with bright, bold flavors thanks to their delicate flavors.

They work great in stir-frys or tossed into hot pots. 

15. Kelp Noodles

If you’re on a gluten-free diet, kelp noodles are a must-try.

As you may have already guessed, they are composed of kelp.

Don’t worry, unlike other sea vegetables, kelp noodles have no fishy taste whatsoever. 

The best thing about kelp noodles (aside from being gluten-free) is that they don’t require cooking.

Just reheat the noodles, and they’re ready to serve! While they’re great in hot dishes, they also work incredibly well in cold dishes. 

Check out my post on kelp noodle recipes if you’re intrigued!

16. Dangmyeon 

Dangmyeon are very similar to glass noodles. They’re light and delicate and provide a very subtle flavoring.

They’re composed of sweet potato starch, water, and salt, rather than traditional rice or wheat flour.

They work in hot and cold dishes with a delicate texture and go great with crunchy vegetables.

You can also use them in dessert recipes as well thanks to their mild flavor. 

Because they have such a mild flavor, don’t be afraid to get bold with your seasoning!

17. Fideo

Think of fideo noodles as Spain’s take on angel hair pasta.

These delicious egg noodles are very similar to the flavors of vermicelli.

Just like ramen, they cook up in only a few minutes and work incredibly well in soups or in a tasty sauce. 

If you want to cook a classic Spanish dish, sopa de fideo is a great choice and only uses five simple ingredients.

The dish has hearty fideo noodles, oil, chicken broth, and Mexican cheese.

The ultimate quick dinner dish puts a Spanish spin on spaghetti and red sauce!

18. Silver Needle Noodles

Silver needle noodles go by quite a few names, including rat noodles, bee tai bak, and runny nose vermicelli.

While they look like short spaghetti noodles, they taste nothing like spaghetti.

Made from potatoes, mung beans, tapioca, or sweet potatoes, they turn translucent like glass noodles once cooked.

They might look peculiar, but they have a flavor similar to wheat pasta. 

19. Lomi Noodles

Lomi noodles are long, thick, and incredibly chewy.

They’re made from eggs and soaked in lye water to provide their patented chewy texture.

Lomi noodles are a staple in Filipino cooking. They’re often used as the main noodle in chicken noodle soup.

If you want to get inventive with your classic chicken noodle soup, a simple noodle swap is a great option!

20. Lamian 

Lamian noodles are the oldest documented noodles discovered 4,000 years ago in China.

Made from soft wheat flour, these Northern Chinese noodles taste similar to ramen noodles. 

While they’re composed of similar ingredients to ramen, a few characteristics make them different.

Lamian noodles are straight, like spaghetti, rather than wavy.

Plus, they are slightly thinner than ramen noodles and a little softer.

These hand-pulled noodles have high elasticity, making them super easy to make at home!