- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CookingFoodItalian Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍜
National Noodle Month celebrates the versatile and comforting staple throughout March. From ancient Chinese origins to global culinary traditions, noodles offer endless possibilities for delicious meals. Explore new recipes, visit your favorite pasta spot, or try making fresh noodles from scratch.
Want to sponsor National Noodle Month? Learn how
National Noodle Month timeline
A team of archaeologists reported finding an earthenware bowl that contained a 4,000-year-old noodle in China.
Instant noodles are invented by Momofuku Ando, and first marketed in Japan.
The earliest written record of noodles is found in a book dated to the Eastern Han period.
Arabs adapted noodles for long journeys, which is the first written record of dry pasta.
National Noodle Month FAQs
When is National Noodle Month?
In 2027, National Noodle Month also takes place throughout March, inviting everyone to discover the endless varieties of pasta, ramen, and other noodle dishes from around the globe.
How many types of noodles are there?
While an exact count is impossible, culinary experts estimate there are over 350 official pasta shapes alone, not including the vast array of Asian and other global noodle varieties. This number continues to grow with innovation.
How popular are noodles in the US?
The average American consumes about 20 pounds of pasta per year, making it one of the most beloved food categories. Instant ramen alone accounts for billions of servings annually, highlighting its widespread appeal.
What is the difference between noodles and pasta?
The key distinction lies in origin and ingredients: pasta is specifically Italian, usually made from durum wheat semolina, whereas noodles are a global food, with variations like Japanese udon, Chinese egg noodles, and Vietnamese pho noodles using diverse flours and preparation methods.
National Noodle Month Activities
Experiment and be bold
With limitless combinations and recipes, noodles offer a plethora of cooking options for you to explore the subtle nuances of your choosing. From the Asian dishes of China, Japan, or Malaysia, to the dishes of Europe and North America, the possibilities are endless.
Host a potluck party
Noodles can be found in virtually any dish, including appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and even desserts. Celebrate noodles by inviting friends and family to put their own “flavor” in a personal dish, and see how many exciting and clever dishes are created.
Give back to those in need
Noodles offer the perfect opportunity to give back to those who may not be as lucky as we are. Due to their reasonable sales price, noodles provide a chance to give a tasty and filling meal to those in need without having to break the bank.
Why We Love National Noodle Month
Noodles are easy
Boiled water and a strainer are all that are required to make noodles. Whether you are a Certified Master Chef at a 5-star restaurant, or a lowly college student just rolling out of bed, anyone can create a noodle dish.
Noodles are fast
Most noodles cook in 8 to 12 minutes. You can eat them right away, add some seasoning, or pour a sauce of your choosing on top, and dig in.
Noodles are price-friendly
With the average Ramen Noodle packet costing only 13 cents, you could eat three square meals a day for an entire year for just $142.65.
