Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein: What’s the Difference?

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If you go to a typical Chinese-American restaurant, you can expect to find several classic items on the menu. Chow mein and lo mein are two of them. In addition to their similar-sounding names, these dishes are often made from the same ingredients. But you shouldn't confuse them when placing your order; according to PureWow, there is a difference between chow mein and lo mein.

In Chinese cuisine, the word meinmeans noodles. Chow mein roughly translates to “fried noodles,” while lo mein means “tossed noodles.” The preparation is the main thing differentiating the two meals.


To make chow mein, cooks must first par-boil the egg noodles or soak them in hot water to soften them. Next, the partially cooked noodles are pan-fried along with vegetables, protein, aromatics, and sauce. In the final product, the chewy, slightly crispy noodles are the main attraction.

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Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein: What’s the Difference?
 
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