Different kinds of Vermicelli

What are Vermicelli?

Traditionally rice noodles or vermicelli were a luxurious treat - if guests came around unexpectedly, instead waiting the hours it takes to properly rinse and steam rice, you could cook a quick dinner in a matter of minutes. Today they are a staple across Asia. In Singapore they are the base of Singapore fried noodles, with their deep yellow color from turmeric and curry powder. In Vietnam, cold rice noodles stuff summer rolls. And in Thailand, the wider 'tagliatelle' style 'rice sticks' are fried in a pad Thai. However, rice noodles are white, opaque and certainly not glass-like or translucent - as you'd expect from a glass noodle. So what are vermicelli?

Vermicelli are made from vegetable starch - most commonly mung bean, and less often sweet potato, or pea. Semi-translucent when dry, when freshly cooked, glass noodles are truly glass-like and translucent. All are great for a gluten free diet.