The present invention relates generally to a process for preparing shelf stable fresh noodles, and particularly to wheat-based and rice-based fresh noodles. The present invention includes a process comprising subjecting weighed and packaged wheat-based noodles, which are prepared in a manner known to those skilled in the art, to pasteurisation at a specified temperature range and duration or subjecting weighed and packaged rice-based noodles, which are prepared in a manner known to those skilled in the art, to pasteurisation at a specified temperature range and duration, to obtain shelf stable fresh noodles.