And full marks for that.

They haven’t patented it yet, by latest reckoning, but maybe, they should.

It has not been fully proven that Marco Polo, in 1266 introduced the lowly Italian noodle into China (Some Chinese claim that Marco, surreptitiously, stole the recipe and got the Italians going on it). Fact is that, for hundreds of years, one of the most popular foods in China has been the ubiquitous noodle.

This popularity was further enhanced when, not so long ago, pre-packaged instant noodles were invented by the Japanese, known in China as fangbian mian or easy to prepare noodles.

Entire supermarket shelves are devoted to these fast noodles which may now be had in a bewildering range of varieties and flavours. From beef to bean curd and anything in-between. And all presented in a way to facilitate preparation and opening of the ingredient sachets.

All one has to do is pour boiling water on this melange and, hey, presto, an instant and delicious meal is ready to substantially fill any depleted stomach.

Even yours truly has taken to Chinese fangbian mian and not infrequently substitutes these cheap and common noodles for his favourite staple: brown bread and butter with cheese, for the evening meal.

Curiously, from my observation, I have found that 98 per cent of all instant noodle meals on most Shanghai superstores feature a square noodle patty. And that, while, in China, most bowls and dishes are rounded.

Now this presents a major problem. The square patty requires a larger bowl to accommodate the extremities of the patty and more water to get the patty fully “dunked?to ensure a proper soaking and absorption prior to consumption.

Sadly, the larger volume of water dilutes the taste of the flavouring ingredients, thus rendering the flavour of the noodles rather watery and insipid.

To remedy this dreaded flavour deficiency, I have taken to trimming the sides of square noodle patties with my kitchen scissors but, sadly, the result is usually a heap of crumbs rather than the much desired half metre long noodles which taste much better than noodle crumbs.

I have discovered in some forlorn corner of my local superstore shelf some noodles with round patties but this critical facet is not clearly advertised on the packaging and, besides, these superior shaped noodle patties do not come in the flavours that I have come to appreciate.

Ah, how to get through to all fangbian mian manufacturers to stop trying to fit square noodles in round bowls and produce simple round ones...

For the sake of the many Chinese who regularly savour their instant noodle meals and for the sake of moi.

Bon appetit!