15 Traditional Asian Noodle Dishes You Can Make at Home

Explore a world of flavors with these traditional Asian noodle dishes, each offering a liked culinary experience that reflects the rich diversity of the region. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene countryside of Japan, these recipes bring authentic taste and cultural depth to your home kitchen. Enjoy making these dishes that not only satisfy the palate but also enrich your cooking repertoire with bold spices, umami flavors, and different textures. Whether you prefer the comforting warmth of a broth-based soup or the flavors of stir-fried noodles, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Japanese Ramen

Japanese Ramen is a warming dish that brings together a rich, savory broth with chewy noodles. Begin by simmering 1 liter of chicken stock with soy sauce and miso paste for depth. Add 200 grams of ramen noodles and cook until tender. For toppings, include sliced chicken, a soft-boiled egg, and chopped green onions. Serve hot with a sheet of nori and enjoy the umami-packed experience. Excellent for a cozy dinner, this dish takes you straight to the heart of Japan’s culinary tradition.

2. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is Thailand’s national dish known for its comforting, savory-sweet flavors. Start by soaking 150 grams of rice noodles in warm water. In a hot pan, stir-fry fish with garlic, then add the noodles. Mix in a sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Add bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime. Adjust the seasoning to taste. This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, offering a taste of Thailand’s street food culture right at your table.

3. Korean Japchae

Japchae is a Korean favorite, liked for its chewy glass noodles made from sweet potatoes. Stir-fry 200 grams of these noodles with 100 grams of sliced beef, carrots, spinach, and mushrooms. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. This dish is not only delicious but visually stunning with its array of colors. Excellent for different occasions, Japchae is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a wholesome meal option for your family.

4. Vietnamese Pho

Vietnamese Pho is a fragrant and aromatic noodle soup that warms the body. Boil 500 ml of beef broth with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger for an aromatic base. Add 150 grams of rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs like cilantro and basil. Serve with lime wedges and chili for an extra kick. This dish is a classic example of Vietnamese cuisine, offering a soothing yet complex flavor profile that delights noodle lovers.

5. Chinese Zhajiangmian

Zhajiangmian is a popular Chinese noodle dish with a rich, umami-packed soybean paste sauce. Cook 300g of thick wheat noodles until tender, then drain. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and cook 100g of minced beef. Stir in 3 tablespoons of fermented soybean paste, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar, cooking until fragrant. Add 100ml of water and simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve the sauce over the noodles, topped with 100g of julienned cucumber and 50g of thinly sliced radish. Garnish with chopped scallions for extra flavor.

6. Indian Seviyan Kheer

Seviyan Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert with a creamy, aromatic flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan and roast 100g of vermicelli noodles until golden. Add 1 liter of milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Mix in 100g of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder, and a pinch of saffron, cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in 50g of chopped almonds or pistachios for added texture. Simmer for 5 more minutes, then remove from heat. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra nuts or a drizzle of rose water for an elegant touch.

7. Indonesian Mie Goreng

Mie Goreng is a beloved Indonesian stir-fried noodle dish. Start by boiling 200 grams of egg noodles. Stir-fry with garlic, shallots, and vegetables like cabbage and carrots. Add kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) for a sweet and savory flavor. Top with a fried egg for richness. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a excellent weekday meal that captures the essence of Indonesian home cooking.

8. Laotian Khao Piak Sen

Khao Piak Sen is a comforting Laotian noodle soup with thick, chewy noodles and a savory broth. To make the noodles, mix 200g of tapioca flour with 100g of rice flour and knead with 200ml of warm water until smooth. Roll and cut into thick noodles. For the broth, simmer 1 liter of chicken broth with 500g of bone-in chicken, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper for 30 minutes. Cook the noodles separately, then serve in a bowl with shredded chicken, chopped cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges for garnish.

9. Thai Green Curry Noodles

Thai Green Curry Noodles combine the creaminess of coconut milk with the spicy kick of green curry. Simmer 400 ml of coconut milk with green curry paste. Add 200 grams of rice noodles, sliced chicken, and bamboo shoots. Garnish with Thai basil for fragrance. This dish is a tropical delight, offering a mixing of spicy, sweet, and aromatic flavors that transport you to the heart of Thailand.

10. Thai Noodles

Thai Noodles is a spicy, savory stir-fried dish packed with bold flavors. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok and stir-fry 3 minced garlic cloves with 2 sliced red chilies. Add 200g of broad rice noodles, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir in 100g of Thai basil leaves and 1 teaspoon of sugar, tossing everything together for 2 minutes. Adjust chili for heat preference. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges for a fresh citrus balance. The key to this dish is cooking on high heat to achieve a smoky wok flavor.

11. Burmese Coconut Noodles

Burmese Coconut Noodles offer combination of creamy and spicy flavors. Cook 200 grams of egg noodles in a rich sauce made from coconut milk, turmeric, and fish paste. Add tender pieces of chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This dish is a comforting, exotic noodle experience that showcases the diverse flavors of Burma, ideal for those seeking something different.

12. Nepalese Thukpa

Thukpa is a Tibetan-inspired noodle soup popular in Nepal. Boil 500 ml of chicken broth with ginger, garlic, and chili. Add 200 grams of wheat noodles and sliced chicken, along with vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. Season with soy sauce and finish with fresh cilantro. This dish is a warm, hearty meal ideal for cold days, reflecting the simplicity and warmth of Nepalese home cooking.

13. Sri Lankan Kottu Roti

Kottu Roti is a Sri Lankan street food delicacy made with chopped roti, meat, and vegetables. Stir-fry 200 grams of sliced chicken with onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Add pieces of roti and season with curry powder, soy sauce, and coconut milk. This dish is a flavor-packed, hearty meal that captures the essence of Sri Lankan street food, offering a delicious experience.

14. Tibetan Momo Noodles

Momo Noodles are a delightful Tibetan dish combining steamed dumplings with noodles in a savory broth. Prepare a broth with chicken stock, ginger, and garlic. Add 200 grams of flat noodles and steamed chicken dumplings. Garnish with green onions and coriander. This dish is a comforting fusion of flavors and textures, offering a taste of Tibetan tradition and hospitality, ideal for a hearty meal.

15. Japanese Soba Noodles

Soba Noodles are a healthy, refreshing dish made from buckwheat. Cook 200 grams of soba noodles until tender, then cool in ice water. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Garnish with nori and wasabi for an extra kick. This dish is ideal for hot days, offering a light, nutritious meal that highlights the delicate flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine.