Fěn
(粉, Fun, Cellophane Noodles, Chinese Vermicelli, Bean Threads, Bean Thread Noodles, Crystal Noodles, Glass Noodles, Bai Fun, Sai Fun, Asian Non-wheat Noodles)
Fěn is the name of the broad group of Chinese noodles made out of non-wheat ingredients. The most common variety are rice noodles, which come in many different forms, and range from thin vermicelli noodles to the wide cheung fun variety.
Usually, they are extruded from a paste or cut into various forms from rice sheets. Most rice noodles are white in color, and have a particular glassy and almost see through appearance. They are incorporated in numerous traditional and modern Chinese soups, stews, and stir-fry dishes.
Another common variety is the mung bean noodle, in appearance similar to rice noodles, also usually transparent, and often referred as cellophane noodles. Noodles made with sweet potato are also traditional, but not as popular as the rice and mung bean varieties. Read more
Non-wheat Chinese noodles are usually bought dry, and rarely found in the fresh form. Their texture is unusual and glutinous, and when they are boiled, depending which variety is used, they range from the opaque white color to the glass, almost see through look.
Before usage, they are soaked and briefly cooked in boiling water. They are easily incorporated in numerous Chinese dishes, from hearty soups and stews to the refreshing salads, and have been established as an essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine.
From China, they have also spread to numerous other Asian countries, primarily Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Today they can are easily found at better-equipped supermarkets or specialized international stores everywhere in the world.
