The Most Popular Noodle, Ranked

Choose the noodle you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:44
In a world brimming with countless noodle varieties, each unique in flavor and origin, it can be a daunting task to choose which to try next. This uncertainty often leaves food enthusiasts curious about which noodles stand out in the global culinary arena. By ranking noodles based on popular opinion, not only can new and exotic tastes be highlighted, but overlooked classics can also gain well-deserved attention. Through a collective voting process, each visitor contributes to a dynamic list that reflects real-time preferences and trends within the noodle community. Whether you are a fan of hearty, rich bowls or lean toward light, tangy broths, your vote helps guide others. This active participation ensures the list remains up-to-date, capturing shifting tastes and new culinary innovations.

What Is the Most Popular Noodle?

  1. 1
    12
    votes
    Originally from Japan, ramen noodles are popular worldwide due to their flavor, versatility, and convenience. They are often served in a broth with meat, vegetables, and spices.
    Ramen noodles are a type of Japanese noodle dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. It consists of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, often topped with various ingredients such as sliced pork, seaweed, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs. Ramen is known for its rich and complex flavors that are achieved through hours-long simmering of ingredients like bones, vegetables, and various seasonings.
    • Noodle Type: Ramen noodles are made from wheat flour, water, salt, and an alkaline mineral water known as kansui. This combination gives ramen noodles their characteristic springy texture.
    • Broth: The broth is a crucial component of ramen and can be categorized into various types such as tonkotsu (pork bone), shoyu (soy sauce), miso (soybean paste), and shio (salt). Each type has its own distinct flavors.
    • Toppings: Common toppings for ramen include chashu (sliced roast pork), nori (seaweed), menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), negi (green onions), soft-boiled eggs, and corn. These toppings add texture and enhance the overall taste.
    • Regional Variations: Ramen has regional variations in Japan, with notable styles like Hokkaido-style, Kyushu-style, and Tokyo-style, each having unique characteristics in terms of broth, noodles, and toppings.
    • Noodle Texture: The texture of ramen noodles can range from thin and straight to thick and curly, providing different mouthfeel experiences depending on the style.
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Spaghetti noodles
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0
    One of the most popular Italian dishes, spaghetti noodles are long and thin and are usually served with a tomato-based sauce. They are also used in many other dishes, including pasta salads and casseroles.
    Spaghetti noodles are long, thin cylindrical pasta strands that are typically made from wheat flour and water. They are popularly associated with Italian cuisine and are widely enjoyed in various pasta dishes around the world.
    • Shape: Long, round and thin cylindrical strands
    • Ingredients: Wheat flour, water
    • Texture: Firm and chewy
    • Length: Usually around 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
    • Cooking Time: Usually 8-12 minutes, depending on desired doneness
  3. 3
    14
    votes
    Udon noodles
    Cal3135 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    These thick, chewy noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine and are often served in a hot broth with meat, vegetables, and spices. They can also be stir-fried or used in salads.
    Udon noodles are a type of thick wheat noodle originating from Japan. They are known for their chewy and soft texture, making them versatile and enjoyable to eat. Udon noodles are typically used in various hot and cold dishes, from soups to stir-fried preparations.
    • Thickness: Udon noodles are thicker compared to other types of noodles, typically ranging from 1.7 mm to 2.8 mm.
    • Color: Udon noodles are typically white, but variations such as brown or green udon noodles can also be found.
    • Ingredients: The main ingredients used to make udon noodles are wheat flour, water, and sometimes added salt.
    • Cooking Time: Udon noodles have a relatively short cooking time, usually boiled for about 10 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
    • Texture: Udon noodles have a unique texture, characterized by their smooth and chewy consistency.
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    Made from buckwheat flour, soba noodles are a popular Japanese dish served hot or cold. They are often used in salads or stir-fried dishes and are known for their nutty flavor.
    Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. They have a nutty flavor and a firm yet chewy texture. Soba noodles are typically served chilled with dipping sauces or in hot broths. They are a popular choice in Japanese cuisine and are enjoyed for their unique taste and versatility.
    • Noodle type: Buckwheat noodles
    • Flavor: Nutty
    • Texture: Firm and chewy
    • Serving style: Chilled with dipping sauces or in hot broths
    • Cuisine: Japanese
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    Similar to spaghetti, linguine noodles are slightly wider and flatter. They are often served with seafood or tomato-based sauces and are a popular dish in Italian cuisine.
    Linguine noodles are long, thin pasta noodles that are flat and elliptical in shape. They resemble flattened spaghetti and have a smooth texture. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine and are known for their ability to hold sauces well.
    • Shape: Flat and elliptical
    • Length: About 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
    • Width: About 1/8 inch (3-4 mm)
    • Texture: Smooth and firm
    • Ingredients: Durum wheat semolina and water
  6. 6
    18
    votes
    Vermicelli noodles
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0
    These thin, rice noodles are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and are often served in soups or stir-fried dishes. They are also used in spring rolls and salads.
    Vermicelli noodles are long, thin strands of pasta that have a round shape and resemble thin spaghetti. They are commonly used in various Asian cuisines, particularly in dishes from China, Vietnam, and India.
    • Cooking method: Boiling in water until tender
    • Shape: Round
    • Thickness: Thin
    • Length: Long
    • Texture: Smooth
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    Pad Thai noodles
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A popular dish in Thailand, pad Thai noodles are stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and spices, and are often topped with crushed peanuts and lime juice. They are made from rice flour and have a slightly sweet flavor.
    Pad Thai noodles are a popular Thai stir-fried dish made with rice noodles, commonly served as street food. The dish typically consists of stir-fried noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime. It features a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a balance of textures.
    • Origin: Thailand
    • Main ingredients: Rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp/chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts, lime
    • Flavor profile: Sweet and tangy
    • Texture: Soft noodles, tender proteins, crunchy peanuts and bean sprouts
    • Typical garnish: Chopped peanuts, lime wedges, bean sprouts, cilantro
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Fettuccine noodles
    LPLT · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Similar to linguine, fettuccine noodles are wider and flatter. They are often served with creamy sauces, such as Alfredo sauce, and are a staple of Italian cuisine.
    Fettuccine noodles are a type of pasta characterized by their long, flat and ribbon-like shape. They originated in Italy and are commonly used in a variety of dishes, particularly in the well-known Fettuccine Alfredo. The noodles are typically made from wheat flour and eggs, giving them a rich and creamy flavor and a smooth, slightly chewy texture.
    • Shape: Long, flat, and ribbon-like
    • Origin: Italy
    • Primary Ingredients: Wheat flour and eggs
    • Flavor: Rich and creamy
    • Texture: Smooth and slightly chewy
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Rice noodles
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0
    These noodles are made from rice flour and are commonly used in Asian cuisine. They are often served in soups or stir-fried dishes and are a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
    Rice noodles are a type of noodle made from rice flour or rice starch. They have a soft and smooth texture and are commonly used in various Asian cuisines. Rice noodles are versatile and can be found in dishes such as stir-fries, soups, and salads.
    • Ingredients: Rice flour or rice starch
    • Texture: Soft and smooth
    • Origins: Asia
    • Common Uses: Stir-fries, soups, salads, etc.
    • Length: Varies (thin to wide)
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    These noodles are made from wheat flour and eggs and are popular in many different cuisines, including Chinese and European. They are often used in soups, casseroles, and stews.
    Egg noodles are a popular type of noodle in America that are made with flour, egg yolks, and water. These noodles have a rich yellow color and a slightly chewy texture, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes. They are commonly used in soups, stir-fries, and casseroles, and are often served with butter or sauce. Egg noodles can be found in various thicknesses, from thin to wide, allowing for different cooking times and textures. They are known for their comforting and satisfying taste, making them a staple in American cuisine.
    • Ingredients: Flour, egg yolks, water
    • Color: Rich yellow
    • Texture: Slightly chewy
    • Common Uses: Soups, stir-fries, casseroles
    • Serving Style: Often served with butter or sauce
    Egg noodles in other rankings

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Ranking factors for popular noodle

  1. Global consumption
    The number of people who consume a particular type of noodle worldwide should be taken into account.
  2. Cultural significance
    The popularity of a specific noodle type in various cultures and regions should be considered.
  3. Versatility
    The ability of a noodle to be a part of multiple dishes and its adaptability in terms of flavor should be a factor.
  4. Availability
    The ease of finding a specific noodle type in different markets and regions plays a role in its popularity.
  5. Nutritional value
    Health-conscious consumers may prefer certain noodles based on their nutritional qualities, such as whole grain or gluten-free varieties.
  6. Ease of preparation
    The time and effort it takes to prepare a specific noodle type may affect its popularity among consumers.
  7. Affordability
    The cost of a noodle type can influence its popularity, particularly in lower-income markets.
  8. Brand recognition
    The popularity of certain noodle brands and their marketing efforts may play a role in the overall popularity of that particular noodle type.
  9. Media portrayal and popularity in the food industry
    The recognition and promotion of a particular noodle type by chefs, food writers, and media outlets can impact its popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular noodle. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or noodle is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1504 views
  • 153 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each noodle once every 24 hours. The rank of each noodle is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular noodle

Noodles have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, with their origins traced back to China. Today, noodles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, making them a versatile and popular ingredient in dishes around the world. In fact, there are countless noodle dishes to try, from the comforting classic of spaghetti bolognese to the spicy kick of Korean ramyun. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which noodle reigns supreme. That's where StrawPoll comes in - we've gathered data from our users to find out which noodle is the most popular. So, let's dig in and discover which noodle takes the top spot!

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