Where to Shop for the Best Variety of Asian Gluten Free Noodles?

Noodles are a ubiquitous ingredient common in a wide range of Asian dishes. They are simple, easy to prepare, and can be combined with a host of different spices and flavourings; however, many types are made with gluten. If you follow a gluten free diet, there are alternatives, so let’s take a look at where you can find them.

How are Asian gluten free noodles different?

At their most basic, noodles are strips of unleavened dough. This dough is often made using wheat-based flour, which is not suitable for those with coeliac disease or gluten insensitivity. Some people also simply prefer gluten free food. As noodles are a dietary staple in many parts of the world, this means having alternatives is important.

Luckily, there are many different types of noodle, some of which are highly traditional and will be available in most shops. Rice noodles, for instance, spread from China throughout South and Southeast Asia over hundreds of years, becoming the main ingredient in dishes such as Pad Thai. Noodles can be made from both brown and white rice, although brown rice is less processed and sometimes considered healthier.

Other Asian gluten free noodles include buckwheat noodles which, despite their name, are unrelated to wheat. Like rice noodles, they can be suitable for low GI diets, vegans and those who keep kosher in addition to those who eat gluten free. Nutrients associated with buckwheat include protein, fibre and minerals, all of which can form an important part of your diet. Magnesium can be found in rice noodles, as can selenium and B vitamins.

How are they the same?

You may be worried that having to choose gluten free noodles might limit your choices; however, most Asian gluten free noodles can be used in exactly the same way as wheat noodles. You cook them in boiling water for just a few minutes, separating them with a fork and refreshing them in cold water to prevent clumping. They can then be combined with common Asian flavours, such as garlic, chilli and soy sauce. You can add them to a stir fry with different vegetables and proteins or use them as an alternative to pasta.

The fact that rice noodles are such a common feature of Asian cuisine means they are relatively easy to find. At King Soba, we offer a great selection of rice noodles, including those made with both black and brown rice. Sustainable agriculture and organic certification are both central to our ethos so you can be assured that not only are you buying tasty noodles, they are also organic with no hidden nasties.

We make it easy to find gluten free noodles that can be used interchangeably with their wheat cousins to ensure those who cannot eat gluten can still take advantage of tasty, healthy meals. If you’re looking for the highest-quality noodles, you’re in the right place.