This is the lucky “long-lived” noodle everyone is talking about!

Asian Longevity Noodles It is a simple symbolic dish traditionally eaten to represent happiness, good luck and long life – especially during Chinese New Year celebrations. The long noodles are the star here, gently tossed with Napa cabbage, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and soy sauce for a light, comforting dish that’s packed with flavour.

I went to a Chinese New Year party last week, hosted by a friend from China. This is what I brought to contribute to the meal. It was a delicious addition, along with the steamed shrimp dumplings, cucumber salad, and vegetable fried rice.

About Chinese New Year:

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China, celebrating the beginning of a new year in the traditional Chinese calendar. There are 16 days of celebration – starting on Chinese New Year’s Eve and culminating with the Lantern Festival on the 16th.

The first day of Chinese New Year always begins on the day the new moon appears between January 21 and February 20. For 2026, Chinese New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17.

Long-life noodles are usually served during Chinese New Year because they represent the wish for a long life. The noodles are not cut or broken by the cook. Pasta should be eaten whole (not cut) or – as the legend says – your life could be shortened!

Required components:

• Chinese egg noodles (or long, thin Asian wheat flour noodles)
• Vegetable broth
• sesame oil
• I am Willow
• Cornstarch
• Peanut oil
• ginger
• garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Napa cabbage
• Green onions
• Salt and pepper

How to make Longevity Noodles:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Rinse them with cold water and leave them aside.
2. Whisk together the sauce (vegetable broth, sesame oil, soy sauce, cornstarch) and set aside as well.
3. Heat peanut oil in a frying pan, add red pepper flakes, ginger and garlic. Then add the shredded Napa cabbage and cook until wilted. Note: If you want to add sliced ​​mushrooms, this is the place to do so.
4. Then add the sauce and pasta to the pan, and simmer until heated through. You don’t want to break any noodles! Add some chopped green onions to the noodles, then serve.

What are the best types of noodles to use when preparing Longevity Noodles?

Asian grocery stores carry “long noodles,” so you can look for those. If you can’t find Chinese egg noodles or Asian wheat flour noodles, brown rice noodles are okay to use pad thai as well. Check the Asian foods aisle at your market, and you’re sure to find noodles that will hit the spot.

Recipe tips

• Add sliced ​​mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra vegetables.
• Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for protein.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer.
• Finish with a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in a pan with a little broth.

Why you’ll love this recipe

1. Pasta can be ready in about 30 minutes.
2. It has simple ingredients with big flavor.
3. It’s a light, convenient and customizable recipe.
4. It is a meaningful dish for Lunar New Year or birthdays.

Common foods eaten on Chinese New Year:

• Jiaoza AKA Dumplings (represents wealth)
• Whole fish (represents increased prosperity)
• Whole chicken (represents teamwork and unity)
• Longevity Noodles (represents happiness and longevity)
• Spring rolls or egg rolls (represents wealth)
• Tangyuan AKA sweet rice balls (representing family gathering)
• Nian Gao AKA glutinous rice cake (represents higher income or higher position)
• Candy and other sweets (represents the sweet life)
• Good luck fruit (represents fullness and wealth)