Bean Thread Glass Noodles (Longkou Vermicelli)

Discover authentic bean thread noodles at Asia Market Ireland. Also known as glass noodles, cellophane noodles or Longkou vermicelli, these delicate noodles are made from mung bean starch and are a staple ingredient in Chinese and wider Asian cooking.

When cooked, bean thread noodles become soft, silky and almost transparent, making them ideal for soups, stir-fries, hot pot dishes and salads. They are highly versatile and absorb flavours beautifully from broths and sauces.

Whether you are looking for bean thread noodles, mung bean thread vermicelli, Longkou glass noodles or Chinese cellophane noodles, Asia Market offers one of the widest selections in Ireland with fast nationwide delivery.

What Are Bean Thread Noodles?

Bean thread noodles are thin noodles made from mung bean starch and water. They are also commonly called:

• Glass noodles
• Cellophane noodles
• Bean thread vermicelli
• Mung bean thread noodles
• Longkou vermicelli

Despite their name, they are not made from beans in the traditional sense but from mung bean starch, which gives them their smooth, translucent texture when cooked.

Longkou Vermicelli (Dragon Noodles)

Longkou vermicelli, also known as dragon bean thread noodles (龙口粉丝), is one of the most popular types of glass noodles in Chinese cuisine.

It is widely used in:

• Hot pot dishes
• Stir-fried noodles
• Soups
• Cold noodle salads
• Steamed dishes

Longkou bean threads are known for their smooth texture and ability to absorb sauces and broth flavours.

Types of Bean Thread Noodles

We stock a variety of bean thread and glass noodles for different cooking styles:

Mung Bean Thread Noodles

Traditional glass noodles made from mung bean starch, known for their clear appearance and soft texture.

Longkou Bean Thread Vermicelli

Classic Chinese glass noodles often used in soups, hot pot and stir-fries.

Saifun Bean Threads

A common alternative name for bean thread vermicelli used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking.

Green Bean Thread Noodles

A slightly broader category used interchangeably with glass noodles in many recipes.

Popular Dishes Using Bean Thread Noodles

Bean thread noodles are extremely versatile and commonly used in:

• Hot pot dishes
• Stir-fried bean thread noodles
• Fried bean thread noodles
• Chinese soups
• Korean japchae-style dishes
• Spring roll fillings
• Braised dishes
• Cold noodle salads

They are especially popular in dishes where noodles absorb rich sauces and broths.

Fried Bean Thread Noodles

Fried bean threads become crispy and light when cooked, making them popular for:

• Crispy noodle bases
• Garnishes for stir-fries
• Textural contrast in Chinese dishes

How To Cook Bean Thread Noodles

Bean thread noodles are quick and easy to prepare:

• Soak in warm water until soft
• Drain well
• Add to soups, stir-fries or hot pot
• Alternatively, briefly boil depending on recipe

They cook very quickly compared to wheat noodles.

Bean Thread Noodles vs Rice Vermicelli

Although often confused, these noodles are different:

Bean Thread Noodles

• Made from mung bean starch
• Transparent when cooked
• Chewy and silky texture
• Used in hot pot, soups and stir-fries

Rice Vermicelli

• Made from rice flour
• Opaque white appearance
• Softer texture
• Common in Vietnamese and Thai dishes

Popular Brands

We stock trusted Asian glass noodle brands including:

• Longkou Vermicelli (龙口粉丝)
• Saifun Bean Threads
• Kaset Glass Noodles
• Other premium Asian vermicelli brands

Frequently Asked Questions

What are bean thread noodles?

Bean thread noodles are thin glass noodles made from mung bean starch that become transparent when cooked.

Are bean thread noodles the same as glass noodles?

Yes. Bean thread noodles are commonly referred to as glass noodles or cellophane noodles.

What are Longkou noodles?

Longkou noodles are a type of Chinese glass noodle made from mung bean starch, known for their smooth texture.

How do you cook bean thread noodles?

They are usually soaked in warm water until soft, then added to soups, stir-fries or hot pot dishes.

Are bean thread noodles gluten free?

Yes. Most bean thread noodles are made from mung bean starch and are naturally gluten free, but always check packaging.

What dishes use glass noodles?

Glass noodles are used in hot pot, stir-fries, soups, spring rolls and cold noodle salads.

Where can I buy bean thread noodles in Ireland?

Asia Market offers a wide range of bean thread glass noodles, Longkou vermicelli and Asian noodles with fast delivery across Ireland.