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Different types of Vietnamese noodles
If you are new to Vietnamese cuisine then you might confuse between different types of Vietnamese noodles. In the jungle, you'll find many three main types:
- Flat rice noodle - banh pho (bánh phở)
- Rice vermicelli noodle - bun (bún)
- Glass noodle/ cellophane noodle - Mien ( miến)
Similarities and differences
Flat rice noodle and rice vermicelli, they are both made from long grain rice, but rice vermicelli making is much more complicated. And as a result of the fermenting and boiling process, rice vermicelli is lighter (less fatty) and a bit sour compares to Pho.
Pho making process, in another hand, is much simpler. It is just thick steamed rice pancake, cut into strings.
Glass noodle
We have fresh Phở and Bún but not Miến, the glass noodle.
It's made from arrow root so it's transparent and possess a silky "crunch' bite.
Many people mistake that glass noodle's made from cassava. Commercially it might but traditional, it's made from arrow root. We even have a compound word miến dong: miến - glass noodle, dong - arrow root.
Into the bowl
While glass noodle and flat noodle are mainly for hot noodle soup, rice vermicelli, in another hand, second to plain rice, is much more versatile. It can be served hot or cold, with broth or dipping sauce.
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