Rice noodle soup isn't supposed to look like this！ A deep dive into thick and thin rice noodles across the north and south

▲ Rice noodle soup is one of the classic budget-friendly dishes. (Photo / Xiao Hu’s Dream Food Net)

Reporter Huang Shengmin / Comprehensive Report

It’s back-to-school season, and especially for those just starting university, you might find yourself leaving home to study in another city. Aside from a different pace of life, even the most familiar snacks could be different. The most glaring difference lies in“Rice noodle soup”, where the variation in thickness leads to distinct textures that might make you miss home even more. So, what's the difference between northern and southern rice noodles? Read on to rediscover the secrets of rice noodle soup.

▲ Thick rice noodle soup is a common sight across northern Taiwan. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shengmin)

Northern Taiwan — Thick Rice Noodles
In the minds of those from northern Taiwan, the rice noodles used in rice noodle soup look nothing like stir-fried rice noodles. Northern-style rice noodle soup uses thick rice noodles that have a soft and tender texture. With every bite, the noodles slowly melt in your mouth, paired with a rich and mellow broth. Whether eaten on its own or simply enjoyed as a soup dish, it leaves you feeling pleasantly full.

▲ The south, on the other hand, mostly serves thin rice noodles, with their soup-absorbing, lip-smacking feel being utterly captivating. (Photo / Reporter Xie Tingting)

Southern Taiwan — Thin Rice Noodles
But things are different in the south. For many, the rice noodles in rice noodle soup should be thin. For those who grew up eating thin rice noodles, it’s the chewy texture and bounce that they love. Coupled with the tendency of thin noodles to absorb the soup, each bite releases droplets of savory liquid — that’s the charm of thin rice noodles.

▲ Rice vermicelli sheets are thicker, with a texture that emphasizes bounce and chewiness. (Photo / Screenshot fromWikipedia)

Thick rice noodles ≠ rice vermicelli sheets
Many people might assume that “thick rice noodles” are the same as “rice vermicelli sheets,” but they’re actually quite different. Rice vermicelli sheets are thicker and whiter in color, with a chewiness similar to regular noodles but without the melt-in-your-mouth quality of thick rice noodles. So although both are made from rice, the difference in base texture is very apparent.

Even if you're far from home and missing the taste of familiar food, why not embrace the local customs and try the unique characteristics of each dish? You might just embark on a whole new taste adventure.