As gourmets and lovers of Asian cuisine, we let ourselves be seduced by the wide range of dishes that this culinary world has to offer. Today we’re delving into the delicious world of Chinese cuisine, with a special focus on two classic side dishes: chow fun and mei fun. Our goal? To explore, compare and celebrate these two wonderful creations.
The main difference between mei fun and chow fun lies in the type of noodles used and the way they are prepared. Chow Fun uses wide, flat noodles and is typically a heavier, heartier dish, while Mei Fun uses thin vermicelli-style noodles and can be used in a variety of dishes from stir-fries to salads and soups.
What is chow fun?
Chow fun, also known as ho fun, is a staple food in southern China, particularly in Guangdong Province. Steeped in history, this dish has its roots in the Qing Dynasty. At its core, chow fun is a stir-fried noodle dish with wide and flat rice noodles as the main ingredient. These noodles are usually stir-fried with protein (beef is popular), bean sprouts, scallions, and dark soy sauce.
There are variations of chow fun depending on the region or personal preference. Some may contain different vegetables or proteins, while others prefer it “dry fried” (no sauce) or “wet” (with sauce).
Ingredients
| ingredient category | Common ingredients |
|---|---|
| pasta | Chow Fun Noodles |
| protein | Beef, Chicken, Shrimp, Tofu |
| Vegetables | Bean sprouts, spring onions, pak choi, peppers, mushrooms |
| sauce ingredients | Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Sugar |
| aromatics | Garlic, Ginger, Onions |
| cooking oil | peanut oil |
Different types of chow fun
Chow fun, or wide rice noodles, is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine. Here are some of the different ways to prepare chow fun:
1. Beef Chow Fun
This is perhaps the most famous version of Chow Fun. It’s a stir-fry that includes marinated beef, bean sprouts, and green onions. The dish is known for its rich and hearty flavor.
2. Chicken chow fun
This variant replaces beef with chicken. The chicken is often marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch before being stir-fried with the noodles and vegetables.
3. Seafood Chow Fun
Seafood Chow Fun includes a mix of seafood such as shrimp, scallops and squid. The seafood is fried with noodles and various vegetables.
4. Vegetable Chow Fun
For a vegetarian twist, this version of Chow Fun is loaded with a variety of roasted veggies. The most common dishes include pak choi, peppers, mushrooms and bean sprouts.
This is how Chow is fun
- First the noodles need to be separated as they tend to stick together. This can be done by soaking in warm water.
- Once the noodles are separated, the meat and vegetables are stir-fried in the wok.
- The noodles are then placed in the wok and fried with the other ingredients. Soy sauce, oyster sauce and other seasonings are added for flavor.
Check out some of our other Chinese dishes you can make at home.
What is Mei Fun?
Mei Fun, also known as Rice Vermicelli or Singapore Noodles, is made of thin rice noodles, unlike Chow Fun. Originally from the Fujian province of China, mei fun is a versatile dish that has gained popularity throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.
Ingredients for Mei Fun typically include thin rice noodles stir-fried with various vegetables and proteins (such as shrimp or chicken) and flavored with curry powder for extra flavor. Just like Chow Fun, Mei Fun also has regional variations; Some versions contain different sauces or additional ingredients.
Ingredients
| ingredient category | Common ingredients |
|---|---|
| pasta | Mei Fun Noodles (Rice Noodles) |
| protein | Chicken, Shrimp, Pork, Tofu |
| Vegetables | Peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, spring onions |
| sauce ingredients | Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Fish Sauce, Sugar |
| aromatics | Garlic, Ginger, Onions |
| cooking oil | Peanut Oil, Rapeseed Oil |
Different kinds of Mei fun
Mei Fun, also known as rice noodles, is an extremely versatile type of noodle used in a variety of dishes. Below are some popular styles of Mei Fun:
1. Singapore Mei Fun
This is a popular dish in American-Chinese cuisine, although it is not native to Singapore. It is a fried dish that typically contains curry powder, giving it a distinctive flavor and yellow color. The dish often consists of a mixture of shrimp, chicken and vegetables.
2. Fried Mei Fun
As the name suggests, this dish involves stir-frying noodles with various ingredients. This can include meats like chicken or pork, as well as a variety of vegetables. The result is a delicious, hearty dish.
3. Soup Mei Fun
In this style, the mei fun noodles are added to the soup. This can be a clear, light broth with vegetables or a stronger soup with meat and spices.
4. Cold Mei Fun Salad
A refreshing dish, especially popular in the summer months. The noodles are boiled, then chilled and tossed with a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables and a flavorful dressing.
5. Seafood Mei Fun
A luxurious take on the dish, Seafood Mei Fun includes a mix of various seafood such as shrimp, squid and scallops. The seafood is stir-fried with the Mei Fun noodles and a vegetable mix.
That’s what makes Mei fun
- Similar to chow fun, mei fun noodles need to be soaked in hot water until softened.
- After the noodles have softened, drain and set aside.
- Meat, vegetables and spices are fried in the wok.
- Then the noodles are added and fried with the other ingredients.
See also: Panda Express Chow Mein recipe
Differences between Chow Fun and Mei Fun
| aspect | chow fun | my fun |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Chinese cuisine, popular in Cantonese cuisine | Chinese cuisine, originally from southern China |
| pasta | Wide, flat rice noodles | Thin, round rice noodles |
| texture | Soft and chewy | Soft and delicate |
| cooking method | Fried or pan fried | Fried or boiled |
| Ingredients | Often includes vegetables, meat and seafood | Usually includes vegetables and a choice of meat |
| sauce | Usually served with a hearty soy sauce | Can be served with different sauces, often light |
| The taste | Absorbs flavors from sauces and ingredients | Less absorbent, retains its own delicate taste |
| Common Supplements | Commonly added with bean sprouts and green onions | Often combined with eggs and various vegetables |
| Regional Variations | Different regional variants with unique ingredients | Various regional styles based on local tastes |
| Culinary Importance | A popular street food and restaurant dish | Commonly enjoyed in Chinese-American cuisine |
| Availability | Found in Chinese restaurants and some Asian shops | Available in Chinese restaurants and grocery stores |
| serving style | Often served as a main course or as a pasta dish | Usually served as a pasta dish or side dish |
| cooking time | Requires longer cooking time due to thicker noodles | Cooks relatively quickly due to the thin noodles |
| Popular Varieties | Beef Chow Fun, Shrimp Chow Fun, Vegetable Chow Fun | Pork Mei Fun, Chicken Mei Fun, Singapore Mei Fun |
| nutritional aspects | Usually gluten free | Usually gluten free |
| Preparation | Crafting may require more skill and practice | Can be easier to prepare |
Although both dishes feature rice noodles and a stir-fry method, they have significant differences. Chow Fun uses wide, flat noodles compared to the thin vermicelli found in Mei Fun. Flavor profiles also differ; The taste of Chow Fun is mainly determined by the soy sauce and the stir-fried noodles, which give it a hearty and slightly smoky flavor. Conversely, Mei Fun gets its unique flavor from curry powder, which gives it a spicy and aromatic flavor.
From a nutritional point of view, both dishes provide carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the meat used. However, Chow Fun’s wider noodles often mean larger portions and more calories compared to the lighter Mei Fun.
Health Benefits of Chow Fun and Mei Fun
Aside from their delicious flavor profiles, both chow fun and mei fun offer health benefits. Chow Fun’s main ingredient—rice noodles—is gluten-free and low-fat. When combined with lean protein like beef or tofu and a variety of vegetables, this makes for a well-balanced meal.
Likewise, the thin rice noodles in Mei Fun are low in fat and can be combined with a variety of vegetables for added vitamins and fiber. The curry powder not only adds flavor but also contains powerful antioxidants.
How to choose between Chow Fun and Mei Fun
The choice between these two dishes comes down to personal preference, dietary restrictions, and health considerations. If you prefer heavier meals with a hearty flavor, you could opt for Chow Fun. On the other hand, if you enjoy lighter dishes with a touch of spice, Mei Fun could be your choice.
Diploma
Our exploration of Chow Fun and Mei Fun unearths two dishes that, while similar at first glance, often using rice noodles and the stir-fry method, offer vastly different culinary experiences in terms of flavor profile, texture, and even nutritional content.
We encourage you to try both dishes – either at your favorite Chinese restaurant or at home – and decide for yourself which one tickles your taste buds!
Now it’s up to you! We’d love to hear about your experiences with Chow Fun and Mei Fun. Which do you prefer? Why? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below! Your insights will surely help other readers on their own culinary journey!
Chow Fun and Mei Fun recipes
Why not try making these dishes at home? Here are easy chow fun and mei fun recipes for you to try!
See also: Naan versus pita
FAQs
-
Which is Healthier: Mei Fun or Chow Fun?
Both dishes can be healthy depending on the ingredients used. However, since Mei Fun noodles are thinner, they tend to absorb less oil when cooked, which could make dishes made with Mei Fun a little healthier.
-
Is chow fun spicy?
Traditional chow fun is not spicy. However, like most dishes, it can be made spicy by adding chili peppers or other spicy ingredients.
-
What is the difference between Mei Fun and rice noodles?
Mei Fun is a type of rice noodle. The term “rice noodles” is a broad category that includes several types of rice flour noodles, including both mei fun (thin rice noodles) and chow fun (wide rice noodles).
-
Are Lo Mein Noodles or Rice Noodles Healthier?
This depends on the ingredients and the cooking method. Lo Mein noodles are made with wheat flour and eggs while rice noodles are made with rice flour. If you are gluten intolerant, rice noodles are a healthier option.