National Noodle Day is celebrated every year on October 6th, honoring one of the most versatile and universally loved foods around: the humble, endlessly adaptable noodle.
History of National Noodle Day
Noodles have an incredibly long history, with archaeological evidence of a 4,000-year-old noodle discovered preserved in a sealed pot at the Lajia site in China. Despite this, the exact origin of noodles remains a friendly point of dispute among food historians, with Italian, German, Chinese, and Arab culinary traditions all having their own parallel claims to early noodle-making. Some accounts even credit Marco Polo with bringing noodles back from China to Italy, though most historians agree this particular story is more legend than documented fact.
National Noodle Day itself is believed to have been informally established in the early 2000s, with some sources crediting Thomas and Nanette MacCord, owners of the Noodlehead restaurant in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, though the exact founding details aren’t universally agreed upon across sources.
10 Noodle Varieties to Try on National Noodle Day
- Ramen: Japanese wheat noodles typically served in a flavorful broth with toppings like pork, egg, and scallions.
- Spaghetti: Long, thin Italian pasta, the classic base for marinara or bolognese sauce.
- Udon: Thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodles often served in a savory broth.
- Rice Noodles: Light, springy noodles used in dishes like Pad Thai and pho.
- Egg Noodles: Soft, comforting noodles common in soups and casseroles.
- Fettuccine: Flat, ribbon-like Italian pasta traditionally paired with creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Soba: Japanese noodles made from buckwheat, served hot or cold.
- Lo Mein: Chinese wheat noodles typically stir-fried with vegetables and protein.
- Instant Ramen: The quick-cooking noodle invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, born out of post-war food shortages in Japan.
- Glass Noodles: Translucent noodles made from starches like mung bean, common in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Noodle Day?
National Noodle Day is celebrated annually on October 6th.
Where did noodles originate?
The exact origin is genuinely debated among food historians, with China, Italy, Germany, and Arab culinary traditions all having claims to early noodle-making, supported by a 4,000-year-old noodle discovered at an archaeological site in China.
Who invented instant ramen?
Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen in 1958 in Japan, inspired by widespread food shortages following World War II.