Image by Mgg Vitchakorn

Prawn noodles

I love Prawn Noodles. It’s a delectable dish with a succulent prawn broth, cooked to perfection with thick yellow egg noodles and served with a medley of accompaniments. The perfect combination of fresh ingredients, spices and seasonings make this dish one of my ultimate favorites.

Prawn noodles


The first time I tasted prawn noodles was at a seafood restaurant in the middle of nowhere, and it was love at first bite! I still remember that extraordinary experience of savoring each morsel of the soup, the juicy, plump prawns, the flavorful and fragrant broth, and the satisfying chewy texture of the noodles. As the subtle flavors of garlic, ginger, and chili peppers mingled together, the soup was transformed into an aromatic and sumptuous masterpiece.

It was a revelation to realize that such a simple dish could be so exquisitely exquisite. Every spoonful of the soup was an adventure, from the creamy sweetness of the broth to the delicate yet delightful hint of lime. The accompaniments added further delight, as I luxuriated in the crunchiness of deep-fried tofu cubes and the pop of fried shallots.

The best part about prawn noodles is that it can be easily customized to suit one’s individual tastes and preferences. You can choose to have your noodles cooked to your desired level of doneness, and you can even spice up your soup with some extra chili if you’re feeling brave. It’s a delectable dish that can be enjoyed alone or shared with friends over a sumptuous feast. And you’re sure to be left feeling more than contented afterward.

Prawn noodles is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and I’m always excited to dive into a bowl whenever I have the chance. It’s truly a stunningly delicious dish that will tantalize every taste bud!

The origin of Prawn noodles

The beloved prawn noodle dish - an amalgamation of noodles, succulent prawns, meat and vegetables - is a staple in many parts of the world. Though the exact origin of the dish is disputed, it seems clear that its humble beginnings were rooted in Southern Chinese cuisine.

It is believed that the beloved dish was first concocted sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Early iterations of the dish involved a generous helping of its namesake crustaceans, a sprinkling of pork, and a heady blend of spices, all accompanied by slippery rice noodles which served as the perfect vehicle for its many flavors.

Soon after its inception, the delectable dish began appearing on menus in China's bustling cities and slowly making its way to the rest of the world. As time went on, different variations started to appear, with different meats and vegetables joining the mix, creating a myriad of permutations of the original.

Though the ingredients used in the dish evolved over time, what remains true to this day is the strong foothold the dish has maintained in many countries' culinary traditions. From its home in Southern China, it quickly spread to other parts of the country, becoming a favorite among those who craved something hearty and flavorful.

The prawn noodle dish went on to become popular in other regions of the world too, with versions appearing in Malaysia, Indonesia, and even Australia! Today, the beloved dish can be enjoyed all around the world, with restaurants now offering a variety of creative takes on the classic recipe.

Whether you enjoy your prawn noodle dish with piping hot broth, an array of herbs and aromatics, or just some chili sauce - we can thank our lucky stars that this incredibly versatile dish found its way into our lives.

FAQs about Prawn noodles

Are prawn noodles spicy?

It depends on the recipe, but prawn noodles can be spicy.


What goes well with prawn?

Popular accompaniments for prawns include apple slaw, garlic butter, roasted vegetables, grilled lemon, teriyaki sauce, pasta salad, mango salsa, roasted potatoes, and couscous.


What is prawn noodle?

Prawn noodle is a type of Chinese noodle dish made with prawns, noodles, and a broth consisting of pork bones and spices. The dish generally includes toppings such as green onion and cilantro, though variations may contain other ingredients such as bean sprouts, fried shallots, and chili paste.


Where is prawn noodle from?

Prawn noodles originated in Malaysia, and is popular throughout Southeast Asia.


Types of Prawn noodles

Ah, the delicate and delirious dish of prawn noodles! Nothing quite captures the essence of a simple yet luxurious meal like the medley of textures and fresh flavours offered by this classic staple.

Often hailed as a traditional delicacy of Southeast Asia, prawn noodles is a delectable arrangement of succulent shrimp, savoury broth, and soft noodles. There is no single recipe for making this dish - in fact, cooks from all over the world have embraced the versatility of this tasty meal and tweaked it to fit their own culinary needs. Whether served dry, wet, or soup-style, prawn noodles can be made with a variety of seasonings, proteins, and vegetables to create a palate-pleasing experience.

One popular style of prawn noodle is the bam-bou, a dry variation from Cambodia. This version is made with a combination of rice noodles, shrimp, and browned shallots. The noodles are cooked until just al dente, then mixed with soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of chilli paste or hot chilli powder. Another common way to enjoy the dish is the Malaysian-style "mee sotong," which uses a blend of thin yellow noodles, juicy prawns, and spicy sambal.

For those who prefer a soupy variant of prawn noodles, there are countless variations available. In Singapore, tai-huo-mee is a popular option, where thick vermicelli is simmered in a creamy broth, and fish cake, squid, and prawns are added for added flavour and texture. In Thailand, the classic tom yum haeng features a tangy broth and strands of vermicelli topped with crispy fried shallots and spring onions.

No matter what type of prawn noodles you choose, you’re sure to love the combination of flavours and textures. For an Asian-inspired meal that’s bursting with flavour, opt for prawn noodles - a delicious and delightful dish for any occasion.