Cart noodle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Cart noodle

Cart noodles with beef soup
Type	Noodles
Course	Main course
Place of origin	Hong Kong and Macau
Serving temperature	Hot
Main ingredients	Flour, egg and depend on toppings

A bowl of thin noodles with sour wheat gluten and fish curd at a restaurant in Sham Shui Po

A menu in a cart noodle restaurant in Wan Chai

Cart noodle (traditional Chinese: 車仔麵; simplified Chinese: 车仔面) is a super popular dish from Hong Kong and Macau. It became famous in the 1950s. Back then, street vendors sold these tasty noodles from small carts. They set up their carts on roadsides and in public housing areas. Even though many original street vendors are gone, cart noodles are still a big part of the local food culture.

History of Cart Noodles

How Cart Noodles Started

In the 1950s, many people moved to Hong Kong from mainland China. To make a living, some became hawkers. These hawkers sold food from carts they pushed through the streets. Some specialized in cooking noodles right there. They offered different toppings and styles for their noodle dishes.

The Original Carts

The old carts were often made of wood. They had metal basins inside to keep the food warm. In the past, you could get a lot of noodles for a very low price. This made them a popular meal for everyday citizens. Because they were so cheap, some people called them "filthy noodle" (嗱喳麵). This was due to concerns about hygiene. Over time, hygiene rules became stricter. This led to many street vendors disappearing.

Cart Noodle Today

A Lasting Legacy

Even though the old street carts are mostly gone, the idea of cart noodles lives on. You can still find them almost everywhere. They are very common in casual restaurants called eateries. The price of your cart noodle dish can change. It depends on what ingredients you pick. It also depends on where you buy them.

Modern Cart Noodles

Sometimes, cart noodles are even sold in fancier restaurants. This is because they are now seen as a cool, old-school food. These places might offer more expensive toppings. But the basic idea of choosing your own noodles and toppings remains the same.

Building Your Own Cart Noodle Bowl

Cart noodles are special because you get to create your own meal! You choose everything that goes into your bowl. This includes the type of noodles you want. You also pick your favorite soup broth. And, of course, you add all the toppings you like.

Popular Toppings

There are so many toppings to choose from! Here are some common ones you might find:

Noodle Choices

You can pick from many different types of noodles. Each one has a unique texture.

Soup Flavors

The soup is a very important part of cart noodles. It often has a curry flavor. Some places might let you choose other soup flavors too.

See also

In Spanish: Fideo de carro para niños