8 Noodles Cooking Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs
Recommended by Andy Ricker, Chris Cosentino, and John Burnmurdoch, these books unlock authentic noodle cooking secrets.


What if you could unlock the secrets behind some of the world’s most beloved noodle dishes? Noodles aren’t just food; they’re a gateway into rich cultures, stories, and traditions that span continents. From bustling street stalls in Xi’an to the heart of Italy’s pasta kitchens, the art of noodle cooking offers endless fascination — and delicious rewards.
Chefs like Andy Ricker, a James Beard Award-winner known for his mastery of Southeast Asian cuisine, discovered new depths in noodles at New York’s Xi’an Famous Foods. Similarly, Chris Cosentino, a culinary innovator, praises Missy Robbins’s dedication to pasta craftsmanship that elevates home cooking to fine art. Meanwhile, data journalist John Burnmurdoch has found joy in the authentic home-cooked pasta traditions captured by Pasta Grannies, highlighting how noodles connect us beyond the kitchen.
These expert-curated books provide tested techniques and inspiring stories, but if you’re looking to tailor your journey — whether it’s mastering ramen broths, perfecting pasta dough, or exploring pho’s nuances — consider creating a personalized Noodles Cooking book that matches your experience and goals. This collection is your gateway to noodles mastery, blending tradition, technique, and culture.
Recommended by Andy Ricker
James Beard Award-winning chef and author
“When I moved to New York to open Pok Pok, I ate at Xi’an Famous Foods probably two or three times a week for months, working my way through the menu of dishes that were unknown to me at that time but came blazing right up my alley. The spicy, herbaceous, meaty flavors and textures of Xi'an cuisine bowled me over; I was hooked. Today, I no longer live in NYC and one of the things I miss the most are XFF Liang Pi Cold Skin Noodles, so when Jason sent me this book I hoped to find the secrets that would allow me to replicate that haunting flavor here in the cold Pacific Northwest . . . and I'm happy to say that Jason has revealed all!”
by Jason Wang, Jenny Huang, Jessica Chou··You?
by Jason Wang, Jenny Huang, Jessica Chou··You?
What happens when a deep connection to family recipes meets the vibrant street food culture of Xi’an? Jason Wang, who grew up immersed in his father's kitchen and later expanded a single Flushing stall into a New York City culinary staple, shares not just recipes but the story behind each dish. You gain detailed insights into crafting authentic Western Chinese noodle dishes like Liang Pi “Cold Skin Noodles” and Spicy Cumin Lamb, alongside the cultural context that shapes these flavors. Chapters unfold with a mix of vivid photography and personal anecdotes, making it clear this book suits anyone eager to master distinctive noodle dishes rooted in tradition and innovation.
Recommended by Chris Cosentino
Chef and culinary innovator
“I am beyond excited to have received this amazing book from Missy Robbins. Her dedication to the art of pasta and love of the craft is infectious. Thank you for sharing this with the world.” (from X)
by Missy Robbins, Talia Baiocchi··You?
by Missy Robbins, Talia Baiocchi··You?
Missy Robbins, a James Beard Award-winning chef renowned for her acclaimed New York restaurants Lilia and Misi, brings decades of hands-on Italian pasta mastery to this book. You’ll explore detailed techniques for crafting 40 pasta shapes, accompanied by 100 recipes spanning Italian American classics to regional specialties and modern innovations. Robbins’s approach demystifies pasta making, whether rolling fresh sheets or stamping Corzetti with goat cheese, offering both inspiration and precise guidance. If you’re eager to deepen your pasta skills and embrace Italy’s culinary traditions at home, this book offers a rich, approachable path. However, casual cooks looking for quick meals may find it more demanding than typical cookbooks.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored exploration delves into the art of noodle cooking, offering a personalized journey that matches your background and culinary interests. It covers noodle preparation techniques, diverse recipes, and cultural contexts, allowing you to develop mastery over textures, flavors, and traditional methods. The approach is tailored to focus on your specific goals, whether it's perfecting ramen broths, crafting handmade pasta, or understanding regional noodle traditions. By synthesizing knowledge from global noodle cuisines, this book provides a curated pathway to deepen your skills with clear, step-by-step guidance that embraces the nuances of noodle artistry. It reveals techniques and recipes that resonate with your individual taste and experience, making the learning process both engaging and effective.
Recommended by Tory Miller
James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Noodle Slinger
“What I love about Let’s Make Ramen! is that it touches on the tradition of ramen, while giving people practical means to recreate their own unique bowls at home.”
by Hugh Amano, Sarah Becan··You?
by Hugh Amano, Sarah Becan··You?
Hugh Amano's culinary and cultural curiosity shines through in this lively comic book cookbook, which breaks down the art of ramen into approachable steps. You’ll explore recipes for broths like Shio and Tonkotsu, learn to make homemade noodles, and discover toppings such as Chashu and Onsen Eggs, all illustrated in a playful, graphic format that demystifies traditional Japanese techniques. This book suits anyone from curious beginners to seasoned cooks who want to grasp ramen’s history alongside practical cooking tips, making it a unique blend of storytelling and instruction that invigorates your kitchen repertoire.
by Carmella Alvaro··You?
Carmella Alvaro’s journey from growing up in an Italian-American household to mastering the craft in Bologna culminates in this detailed guide to homemade pasta. You’ll learn diverse pasta-making techniques, from mixing dough with precision to crafting cut, shaped, stuffed, and extruded varieties, supported by clear photos and instructions. The book dives into the science of ingredients and the role of equipment, offering practical recipes for doughs, sauces, fillings, and complete dishes. If you’re passionate about elevating your noodles cooking and want to embrace authentic Italian traditions, this book provides a solid, hands-on foundation without unnecessary complexity.
Recommended by John Burnmurdoch
Data journalist at Financial Times
“@NaTPMpode We have the book! I love it 😀” (from X)
by Vicki Bennison··You?
Vicki Bennison's experience traveling through diverse cultures shaped this authentic collection of traditional Italian pasta recipes, directly inspired by the beloved Pasta Grannies YouTube channel. You learn a range of techniques from simple hand-rolled pici to intricate lumachelle della duchessa, accompanied by stories that bring Italy's culinary heritage vividly to life. The book serves those who want to master the art of homemade pasta rooted in family tradition, exploring not just recipes but the cultural context behind them. It's especially suited for cooks eager to deepen their understanding of Italian home cooking without relying on shortcuts or modern gimmicks.
by TailoredRead AI·
by TailoredRead AI·
This personalized book explores a focused 30-day journey to elevate your noodle cooking skills through a tailored, step-by-step approach. It reveals techniques suited to your current cooking level and interests, guiding you through essential methods like dough preparation, broth crafting, and flavor balancing. By concentrating on your specific goals, this book offers a clear learning path that bridges classic noodle traditions with practical kitchen experiments. The tailored content ensures you engage deeply with the aspects of noodle cooking that matter most to you, from authentic recipes to nuanced textures and sauces. Every chapter builds on your progress, making the complex art of noodles approachable and rewarding.
by Giuliano Hazan··You?
by Giuliano Hazan··You?
When Giuliano Hazan first realized how modern pasta culture was drifting from its roots, he set out to reconnect cooks with traditional Italian pasta-making techniques. Drawing on decades of experience teaching at his mother Marcella Hazan's renowned cooking school in Bologna, he offers over 100 recipes that range from rustic classics to contemporary dishes, all grounded in authentic methods. You’ll learn how to handle pasta dough, master sauces that complement different shapes, and appreciate the balance of simplicity and complexity in Italian cuisine. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their culinary skills with pasta, whether you're refining familiar recipes or exploring regional Italian flavors.
Helen Le draws directly from her extensive experience as a Vietnamese cooking YouTube host to demystify the art of pho and Vietnamese noodle dishes. You’ll not only master traditional pho noodle soup but also explore creative uses for pho noodles in dishes like spring rolls, bahn mi sandwiches, and even pho-based pizzas. The book guides you through making fresh pho noodles, broths, and distinctive dipping sauces, giving you skills that extend beyond a single dish and into authentic Vietnamese culinary techniques. If you want to bring a variety of Vietnamese noodle dishes into your kitchen with recipes that balance authenticity and convenience, this course serves that purpose well.
by Tadashi Ono, Harris Salat··You?
What started as Tadashi Ono's journey from Tokyo kitchens to acclaimed French restaurants became a captivating homage to Japanese comfort food. In this book, you learn how to master hearty dishes like ramen, tonkatsu, tempura, and lesser-known favorites such as wafu pasta and tatsuta-age, complete with foolproof instructions and vivid step-by-step photos. The authors also explore the surprising origins and global influences behind these recipes, enriching your understanding beyond cooking techniques. This book suits anyone eager to bring authentic, flavor-packed Japanese soul food into their home kitchen, whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned cook looking for depth.
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Conclusion
This collection of noodle cookbooks reveals a few clear threads: deep respect for tradition, the joy of hands-on craft, and the power of authentic flavors to connect cultures. Whether you’re drawn to the spicy, cumin-rich noodles of Xi’an or the delicate artistry of handmade Italian pasta, each book offers a unique path to enriching your culinary skills.
If you’re just starting out, diving into Let's Make Ramen! paired with Pasta Grannies offers a balanced introduction to Asian and Italian noodle traditions. For those aiming to refine technique and elevate dinner parties, Pasta by Missy Robbins alongside Giuliano Hazan’s The Classic Pasta Cookbook provide expert guidance. And if your passion lies in vibrant broths and noodles beyond Italy, Simply Pho and Japanese Soul Cooking open doors to Vietnamese and Japanese comfort foods.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Noodles Cooking book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and make noodles cooking a rewarding and delicious adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with a book that matches your favorite noodle style. For Japanese ramen, try "Let's Make Ramen!" For Italian pasta, "Pasta Grannies" offers accessible classics. These books balance tradition with approachable techniques.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Noodles Cooking?
Not at all. Several, like "Let's Make Ramen!" and "Pasta Grannies," guide beginners step-by-step, while others offer deeper skills for more experienced cooks. You can pick based on your comfort level.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Both have value. Newer books may offer fresh insights or illustrations, like "Pasta." Classics, such as "The Classic Pasta Cookbook," provide timeless techniques. Mixing both enriches your learning.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
"Authentic Homemade Pasta" and "Pasta" lean into technique and theory, explaining dough science and shaping. "Xi'an Famous Foods" and "Simply Pho" emphasize practical recipes with cultural stories.
Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?
You can definitely skip around. Many of these books are organized by recipes or techniques, letting you pick what interests you most, whether it’s noodle types, broths, or sauces.
How can personalized noodle cooking books complement these expert titles?
Personalized books build on these experts’ knowledge by focusing on your unique skills and goals, offering tailored recipes and techniques. They’re a perfect complement to deepen your noodles cooking journey. Explore more here.
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