Noodles are a staple food of many Asian cuisines and restaurants, including Chinese cooking. In Chinese food, ride and noodles are both bases for many dishes. Asian noodles are often compared to wheat pasta. While there are some similarities, there are also significant differences that set noodles apart from pasta. At San Francisco Kitchen, our Asian fusion menu features many noodle dishes, so we know a thing or two about the differences.
Eating Asian noodles isn’t the same as enjoying pasta at other restaurants. Here are the key differences between wheat pasta and Asian noodles.
Ingredients
Asian noodles are typically made from rice, wheat, or mung bean starch, while wheat pasta is made from durum wheat semolina. This difference in ingredients results in different textures and flavors. Let’s get into the textures and flavors next.
Texture
Asian noodles are generally softer and more delicate than wheat pasta because they are made from starch. Starch is softer than durum wheat semolina, resulting in a softer consistency. Wheat pasta also has more gluten than Asian noodles, which makes them chewier.
Flavor
The flavor of Asian noodles is subtler than wheat pasta. Durum wheat semolina has a distinct nutty flavor, while the starches used to make Asian noodles are virtually flavorless. Asian noodles don’t lose anything by lacking flavor. In fact, it works in their favor. Asian noodles serve as a base for dishes that include flavorful ingredients and sauces, so their minimal flavor lets the other ingredients take center stage.
Cooking Time
Asian noodles typically cook faster than wheat pasta. Starch cooks much faster than durum wheat semolina. Wheat pasta can also be cooked to different consistencies depending on the dish or the diner’s preference. Asian noodles are different as they are made to be cooked to the same consistency every time.
Uses
Finally, we do have a similarity between Asian noodles and wheat pasta. They both feature in multiple dishes. Asian noodles are used in stir-fries, soups, and salads. There are also countless pasta dishes, but the primary difference is that different pasta shapes are meant for use in different dishes. In general, Asian noodles are always shaped into long, thin strands.
Enjoy Asian Noodles at Nashua Restaurants
If you’re looking for restaurants in Nashua that know their way around Asian noodles, you have to come to San Francisco Kitchen! We bring classic Chinese and Japanese dishes to the heart of Nashua so you can enjoy Asian fusion cuisine close to home.
