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Chow Mein

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description Chow Mein Overview

Chow mein is a Chinese dish of stir-fried wheat noodles with vegetables and meat, originating in northern China and becoming one of the most widely adapted Chinese dishes in Western countries during the 19th-century immigration era.

help Chow Mein FAQ

What does the name chow mein literally mean in Chinese?

The name chow mein comes from the Cantonese words chāu (炒), meaning stir-fried, and mihn (麵), meaning noodles, so it literally translates to stir-fried noodles. The term is used in both Cantonese and broader Chinese cuisine to describe a wide family of stir-fried noodle preparations.

What is the difference between steamed and crispy chow mein?

Steamed (or soft) chow mein uses parboiled noodles that are lightly stir-fried, resulting in a softer, pliable texture. Crispy chow mein, often called Hong Kong style in Western Chinese restaurants, features deep-fried noodles that form a crunchy bed topped with a saucy stir-fry of vegetables and protein.

What type of noodles are traditionally used for chow mein?

Traditional chow mein uses wheat-based egg noodles, which are round or flat and provide a firm, chewy texture that holds up well to stir-frying. In northern China, where wheat is a dietary staple, various similar wheat noodle varieties are used in stir-fried preparations.

Is chow mein originally a northern or southern Chinese dish?

Chow mein has roots in northern Chinese cuisine, where wheat noodles are a dietary staple due to the region's grain production. However, the dish was popularized internationally largely through Cantonese-speaking immigrants from southern China who adapted it for Western palates during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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