I personally find it a good replacement for noodles. Not pasta. The consistency and texture is not comparable to pasta. Chewy, slick texture. This brand only has it in water and citric acid so I didn't notice any odd smells but still I thoroughly rinsed in cold water and pan fried until dry as recommendations show. Takes sauces well, had mine with mushrooms, shrimp, and miso paste. I look forward to trying it with more things.