For an Asian-inspired evening, start with the dish you have in mind. Choose dry noodles labelled for stir-frying if you’re making a wok dish, or a type of noodle suited to your soup recipe. Dry spaghetti can work in a fusion version, but it won’t automatically replace the noodles specified in a recipe. Before you buy, check the ingredients and allergens, serving information and cooking instructions on the pack.
If you want to add your own vegetables, sauce and other toppings, look for plain noodles rather than a pre-seasoned meal. Auchan’s listing for Tanoshi describes its dry wheat noodles as suitable for stir-fried dishes.
For a bowl of broth and toppings, choose the type of noodle specified in your recipe. The ranges shown by Carrefour and Auchan include egg noodles, rice noodles, ramen and udon. The general label “pasta” doesn’t tell you how a product should be prepared.
Check each product before serving anyone with dietary requirements. Auchan’s 250 g Chinese egg noodles contain wheat and eggs, and the listing warns that they may contain traces of other allergens. The ingredients list and information on the pack are key to making the right choice.
First decide whether you’re making a wok dish, soup or a fusion version with spaghetti. Then check the ingredients, quantity and cooking instructions for the product you choose.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for the dish | Look for the recommended use — stir-frying or soup — then follow the preparation instructions. | For my wok dish or broth, I want to choose noodles that suit the recipe rather than relying on the word “pasta” alone. The right match for the dish comes before other considerations for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any “may contain” information on the exact pack. | If someone at the table needs to avoid wheat, eggs or another ingredient, I need to be able to check what’s in the product I serve. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Servings and cooking | Compare the weight, stated number of servings and cooking instructions. | When I’m cooking for several people, I want to make sure there are enough noodles and plan their preparation around the rest of the meal. The number of servings and cooking instructions come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Cupboard-friendly format | Check the product name, storage instructions and whether it includes a seasoning sachet. | If I want to keep a base ingredient ready for another evening, I look for a dry product with storage and ingredients that suit my needs. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
The ranges shown by Carrefour and Auchan include different types of noodles, including instant products. A seasoning sachet changes what you need to add to the dish yourself, as well as which ingredients you need to check.
If you’re making your own wok dish or broth, check the product name and see whether it includes a seasoning sachet.
Tanoshi wheat noodles contain wheat; Auchan’s egg noodle product contains wheat and eggs, and warns that it may contain traces of other allergens. So the name “Asian noodles” isn’t enough to choose a product for someone with a dietary restriction.
Before serving, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any “may contain” information for the exact product.
Auchan’s 250 g pack of Tanoshi noodles is stated to serve two or three people, while its 250 g Chinese egg noodles are stated to serve three. The weight alone doesn’t tell you how many servings each product listing recommends.
Start with the number of people you’re serving and the stated servings, taking the rest of the meal into account.
Barilla gives a cooking time of 10 minutes for its Spaghetti N°5, while Panzani gives 10 to 11 minutes for its flat spaghetti. Both brands present these as pasta to serve with sauces, without suggesting they’re interchangeable with noodles intended for a wok dish or soup.
Keep them for a fusion take on the dish. If you’re following a specific recipe, look for the type of noodles it calls for.
These brands offer different types of products. Always check the specific product rather than assuming that all pasta from one brand suits the same dish.
Dry wheat noodles to consider for a stir-fry: Auchan’s listing for the 250 g product mentions this use.
Auchan’s 250 g Chinese egg noodles are stated to serve three people.
The range shown by Carrefour includes rice noodles, egg noodles and mung bean vermicelli.
E.Leclerc’s Asian food range includes 250 g packs of Tables du Monde rice noodles.
Spaghetti N°5 is a dry Italian pasta option to consider if you’re happy to give the meal a fusion twist.
Panzani flat spaghetti is another dry pasta option for a fusion take on the dish.
Lustucru Sélection includes fresh pasta and gnocchi, which are different from the dry noodles you might want to keep in your cupboard.
These dry Asian noodle products suit different dishes, including soups and stir-fries. Choose according to your recipe, then check the ingredients, servings and preparation instructions on each pack.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for ramen soup or a noodle stir-fry. The pack is listed as 270 g. This product contains wheat, which is important to bear in mind if someone needs to avoid it.
Image unavailable
Consider these for a dan dan-style noodle dish or when cooking in larger quantities. The pack is listed as 2 kg, so check that the size suits the number of people you’re serving. This product contains wheat.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a broth or somen dish that suits your recipe. The pack is listed as 400 g. These noodles contain wheat; check the pack for cooking instructions.
Image unavailable
An option to consider for a wok dish you want to season yourself. The pack is listed as 250 g. This product contains wheat and may contain traces of soya, egg or mustard; follow the cooking instructions on the pack.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a Chinese-inspired soup or stir-fry, particularly if the 1 kg pack suits the amount you’re making. These noodles contain wheat; check the pack for cooking instructions.
Yes, for a fusion version or as a handy substitute, but it won’t automatically work as an equivalent in a recipe. Barilla and Panzani present the spaghetti mentioned here as pasta to serve with sauces. If your recipe calls for a specific type of noodle, consider the effect of making this swap before you start cooking.
Look for a product labelled as suitable for stir-frying and follow its cooking instructions. Auchan’s listing for Tanoshi describes its 250 g dry wheat noodles as suitable for this use. Also check that the ingredients are suitable for everyone you’re serving.
The name “rice noodles” alone doesn’t confirm that a particular product is gluten-free. If someone needs to avoid gluten, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any “may contain” information on the exact pack.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Auchan’s listing for Tanoshi dry wheat noodles recommends keeping them in a cool, dry place away from light. Also check the date on the pack you buy.