From Japanese ramen and Vietnamese pho to Italian spaghetti and Thai pad thai, noodles are loved in nearly every culture. National Noodle Day, on October 6, celebrates noodles in all their forms. They can be made from wheat, rice, buckwheat, egg or beans, served in soups, stir-fries or sauces. It's a perfect day to slurp a bowl of your favorite noodles.
History of National Noodle Day
In 2005, archaeologists in China discovered a 4,000-year-old bowl of noodles at the Lajia site in Qinghai province. The noodles were made from millet and are among the oldest ever found.
Noodles spread across Asia and the world. Japan developed udon and soba, Vietnam developed pho, and Italy became famous for pasta. Noodles became a staple in many cuisines.
In 1958, Japanese inventor Momofuku Ando created instant ramen, which revolutionized fast meals. In 1971, he introduced cup noodles. Today, billions of servings of instant noodles are eaten worldwide each year. Who created National Noodle Day is not documented.
Noodle traditions often carry special meaning. In China, long noodles are eaten on birthdays and at Lunar New Year to symbolize long life, and cutting them is considered bad luck. In Japan, people eat toshikoshi soba on New Year's Eve to let go of the hardships of the past year.
Why National Noodle Day Matters
Noodles are an affordable, filling food that feeds billions of people.
They reflect cultural traditions and creativity, with countless regional dishes.
Making noodles from scratch is a fun cooking project that connects people to culinary traditions.
Noodles are also a practical food for busy households. Dried noodles store well, cook quickly and can be combined with vegetables, proteins and sauces for a fast, balanced meal. Learning to make a simple noodle stir-fry or soup is a useful skill for students and new cooks.
How to Celebrate National Noodle Day
- Try a new noodle dish: order pho, ramen or pad thai.
- Make noodles: try homemade pasta or hand-pulled noodles.
- Upgrade instant noodles: add eggs, vegetables and herbs.
- Visit a noodle shop: support a local restaurant.
- Learn about noodle history: read about Momofuku Ando.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a noodle bar with different types and toppings is a fun lunch. In classrooms, students can map noodle dishes from different countries, or learn about Momofuku Ando as an inventor. At home, families can make homemade noodles, upgrade instant ramen with vegetables and eggs, or try a new noodle restaurant. Slurping is encouraged in some cultures.
Fun Facts About National Noodle Day
- 4,000-year-old millet noodles were found in China in 2005.
- Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen in 1958.
- Cup noodles were introduced in 1971.
National Noodle Day FAQs
When is National Noodle Day?
National Noodle Day is October 6.
What are the oldest noodles?
4,000-year-old millet noodles found in China.
Who invented instant ramen?
Momofuku Ando, in 1958.
What's the difference between noodles and pasta?
Pasta is a type of noodle, usually made from durum wheat.