Aug 16th, 2025 Saturday Cloudy
If you can eat one single thing for the rest of your life, what would that be?
My response to this question has shifted directions over the years. At first, I went with some versions of favorite food (e.g. berries). Then, as I imagine what life would be like if I eat berries for every meal, I realized that not only will I suffer from nutrition imbalance, but I will most likely get bored by day three 😛
After reflecting on it further, I have decided that my answer would be: rice noodles.
Rice noodles belong to the category of staple food, so they provide enough calories to sustain me. The endless combinations of soup base and toppings allow variations from day to day, making every bowl/plate unique. In addition, rice noodles are gluten free, relatively soft to chew, and easy to digest, so I can safely consume it until old age. All boxes checked!
How did I identify this “super food”? Not because I get excited at the sound of it (I would definitely be more enthusiastic to know sea scallops are on the dinner menu) – almost the opposite: I notice that when I do not have much appetite, or feel exhausted after a long day, or simply get tired of picking restaurant options on a trip, I would always accept rice noodles as a suggestion.
It is satisfying to my belly as much as it is calming to my soul.
What is interesting is that I did not grow up with rice noodles. In fact, the region I spent my childhood and teenage years is known for wheat noodles, and my parents never cooked rice noodles at home as far as I remember. How did I fall in love with it?
During my college years, a rice noodle shop on campus became my preferred study spot. Due to an unusually heavy course load, I often had to stay up late to finish homework. Unlike most cafeterias that closed after dinnertime, this shop opened until 2am, even later than the libraries. Moreover, despite its long hours, not many people hang around after 9pm (there were plenty of other places to go for a date/gathering). As a result, it tended to be the quietest, best-lit space, ideal for solo studying. Plus, there was abundance of tasty snacks (e.g. marinated soy puffs) in case I felt hungry!
Once, I was wrapping up an assignment for colloidal chemistry – not a particularly difficult subject but detailed, accurate calculations were a must for a good grade. I ordered and ate one bowl of rice noodles at half past nine, and kept working among my textbook, notes, and piles of scratch paper, until way past midnight (I lost track of time). When I was finally done, fatigue rushed in like a wave, and I closed my eyes for what I thought was merely a two-minute nap.
I was woken up by the kind voice of the cook, who brought a cup of freshly squeezed soymilk.
“You studied so hard. This is just made in the kitchen. My treat for you.” he said, with a doting smile.
I started, a little embarrassed, and immediately thanked him. Holding the warm drink in my hands, I became aware that no other customers remained, which was not surprising given it was approaching 3am. This little diner stayed open just for me.
Perhaps my emotions associated with that memory have transferred onto rice noodles. Not flashy, not fancy, yet soothing, welcoming, and gratifying. In some ways, it is the flavor of home.
Is there such a special taste for you as well?