Noodle i-d 5 Shanghai noodles

What

Big worm-like noodles that are similar to Hokkien noodles, but in a raw state. Shanghai noodles are paler in colour, and are generally sold fresh, uncooked and unoiled. They are the traditional choice for serving with the famous pork and brown bean sauce the Chinese love as much as the Western world loves spaghetti Bolognese. They are also happy in soups and stir fries. Shanghai noodles work well in any dish that calls for hand-thrown Peking noodles.

Why

Because they are good solid, workmanlike noodles that slurp up soups and sauces with a desert island thirst. Because they’re a particularly good alternative to the oiled Hokkien noodles when using sauces that are already quite oily.