Are rice noodles the same as cellophane noodles?

Rice and cellophane noodles have different characteristics: cellophane noodles also called bean threads- are made from mung bean starch and are gelatinous and translucent. Rice noodles are white and often opaque. Despite the difference, they can often be substituted for each other in recipes.

For tips on cooking rice noodles, also known as rice sticks or rice vermicelli, see this recipe for Cooked Rice Noodles (pictured at left).

Chicken and Glass Noodle Salad from Cooking Light is an example of a recipe that uses cellophane noodles.

For more exampls of cooking with different types of Asian noodles, see 5 Asian Noodle Dishes.