Noodles are the quintessential ‘go to’ food in a tight spot. A late night hunger pang, a hostel gathering, a quick bite on the move or even a lavish dinner, noodles find their rightful place. They can be simple or exotic, spicy or bland, crunchy or soft. There are noodles for all kinds of occasions, appetite and budget. From the humble packet of maggi to restaurant like noodles, this particular cooking item has captured the imagination of all.
Food delivery apps have made it simple to order and eat noodles anytime anywhere. It is easy to get a variety of noodles online these days. Ventures like Freshmenu have made it even simpler to eat some authentic noodles. I mean there are always noodles made the Indian way or the original Chinese way! Authentic Chinese food online is far more accessible these days, thanks to the advancement in food delivery tech.
The craze, popularity and accessibility to noodles across the world is so high that it makes me wonder how noodles made it to all these places! A little bit of reading, browsing online and talking to few learned friends from the world of cooking gave me some insights.
It is interesting to note that long before the culture to order Chinese food online become popular, noodles were actually thought to be an Italian dish by some. There is really no fool proof document to state that the very first noodles came into being on a particular day. Renowned Chinese author, Jen Lin Liu in an interview given to the Atlantic, says that noodles were first mentioned in a dictionary in the third century A.D. Such proof of existence of the noodles so long ago gives an indicative time frame. It also nullifies some pinions that noodles are Italian.
Food delivery apps are a big boon today. It is easy to sit anywhere and order food online. But in those days, noodles didn’t arrive at the door step of anyone just like that. More often than not, the journey of noodles across the world happened via trade. The silk route opened up avenues to trade at various places in the world. Along with tradesmen, their staple food also travelled. These trading spots were active breeding grounds for exchange of food and culture. It is highly possible that noodles made their way, in the initial days via trade through the silk route.
No matter when the noodles originate and how they travelled across the world, it is interesting to note that they have made ways to the plates and palates of young and old alike. Noodles are definitely not the staple food for many, but they are an exciting alternative. The combinations of sauces, vegetables, meat and sea food that accompanies noodles makes for a veritable feast of food. Whether noodles are Chinese or Italian, they are here to stay!
