The Chinese have been feasting on noodles for at least 5,000 years, since the Han dynasty. In fact, some experts believe that the Italians got their first taste of pasta when Marco Polo in the late 13th century returned home from his long trek across China with a host of exotic food items, including noodles. The relationship between noodles and pasta goes back more than 700 years.

Noodles have significant importance in the Chinese culture; they symbolize "longevity", and to consume them is considered a means of attaining long life. Traditionally, noodles are served on birthdays in much the same way birthday cakes are presented in the West.