>China, and especially Shanxi province, is a place where noodles aren`t just a culinary staple - they`re a cultural institution. Ye Jun reports in Beijing.

There`s perhaps nowhere in the world where people love their noodles like in Shanxi province.

Locals say the world`s best noodles come from China, and China`s best noodles come from Shanxi, chef Hao Jinyang says.

Hao is a native of Shanxi`s provincial capital Taiyuan and executive chef at the noodle bar of Red Chamber Chinese Restaurant, China World Summit Wing Beijing.

Shanxi people can`t go without noodles, even at the most lavish banquet where tables are piled with rare and pricey delicacies.

"It`s simply not a meal without noodles," Hao says.

While noodles are made everywhere in the country, Shanxi`s are the most diverse, arguably because its people are most obsessed with the staple.