- Tender egg noodles meet crunchy snow peas, bean sprouts, and fresh water chestnuts for satisfying texture in every bite.
- A light sauce of stock, soy sauce, and sesame oil plus fresh ginger gives the dish balance and clean umami depth.
- Traditionally served for birthdays or Lunar New Year, these noodles only need 20 minutes of your time.
Food & Wine first published chef and cookbook author Eileen Yin-Fei Lo’s recipe for Longevity Noodles in January 1999.
In 2022, F&W editors named it a F&W Classic — one of four holiday recipes that stand the test of time. Lo passed away in November of 2022 at the age of 85, shortly before the issue was published. She’d recently spoken with F&W about the recipe and its meaning in her life.
“Longevity noodles are passed down from generation to generation,” said Lo. “I was so young when I learned this dish from my grandmother — it’s in my memory forever.” As a grandmother, Lo made these noodles with her granddaughter and said it was rewarding to pass the baton to the next generation. Though longevity noodles are typically reserved for special occasions, their delicious simplicity can, and should, be enjoyed year-round. It helps that they’re incredibly easy to whip up, requiring just 20 minutes of active cooking time. “The recipe is so simple to make that it’s surprising how delicious it is,” Lo said.
The role of longevity noodles in Chinese cuisine
The custom of eating longevity noodles during Chinese New Year and celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries dates back to the time of the Han dynasty. These noodles are thought to bring luck, prosperity, and (as their name suggests) a long life.
What are longevity noodles made of?
Here, lo mein–style egg noodles (usually made with wheat flour, eggs, and water) deliver a satisfying chew, and they’re packed with umami thanks to the combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and peanut oil. Water chestnuts, fresh snow peas, and sprouts add crunch, and fresh ginger gives the dish a warming kick.
Note from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Look for fresh Chinese (or lo mein–style) egg noodles in the refrigerated section at East Asian grocery stores.
Suggested pairing
Match this dish with a softly citrusy white: Joel Gott California Sauvignon Blanc.
