What type of mushroom are the "slippery" black ones?

[jacquelyncoffey]

I love the black mushrooms that often appear in Hot & Sour soup and other chinese dishes. What exactly should I buy in the asian market? I've tried several kinds of dried mushrooms, but they never get as soft and slippery or taste the same as the ones I get in a restaurant.

[Cheese Boy]

Cloud ear, Wood ear, and Tree ear are all 'slippery' mushrooms that can be used in Hot & Sour soup. Buy the dry varieties and rehydrate them before incorporating them in your soup(s). I've seen these mushrooms with various pricetags. Purchase the larger ones as opposed as to the lesser expensive smaller ones. You'll appreciate their taste and texture.

[JockY]

I think they are called Tree Ear mushrooms.

[Humbucker]

Also known as Wood Ear.