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Know Your Noodles!
From spaghetti to instant ramen, they’re one of the world’s most beloved foods.
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The Numbers
4,000 Years
The oldest noodles ever found were discovered in China. They date back 4,000 years.
85 servings
People in Vietnam eat the most instant noodles. On average, each person consumes about 85 servings a year!
600 ft
The world’s longest handmade egg noodle measured more than 600 feet. (That’s taller than the Washington Monument!)
Noodles Around the World
Almost every country has a favorite way to prepare them. Here are just a few.
Calvin Chan Wai Meng/Getty Images (Laksa); Sonia Tapia/Getty Images (Sopa de Fideo); Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)
1- Laksa
In Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, this spicy soup is a favorite meal. It’s often made with creamy coconut milk or tangy tamarind, a tropical fruit.
2- Cacio e pepe
This noodle dish is one of Italy’s most popular! Its main ingredients are cacio (cheese) and pepe (pepper).
3- Sopa de fideo
For many Mexicans, this is an easy-to-cook comfort food. It uses short, thin noodles called fideo. They’re cooked in a garlicky tomato broth and served with toppings, like avocado.
4- Koshari
In Egypt, this popular street food is the country’s national dish. It mixes noodles with rice. On top is a tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions.
Write About It: Research a popular noodle dish from a country not mentioned here. What are the ingredients? How do you prepare it? Why is it popular? Create an infographic about what you find.
