Dish comparison
Lo mein vs chow mein vs chow fun vs mei fun
These four names are among the most common sources of Chinese menu confusion. They sound similar, but they point to different noodle types, textures, and restaurant formats.
Quick comparison
| Dish | Noodle | Texture | Typical menu role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lo mein | Soft wheat or egg noodles | Soft, sauced, tangled | Takeout staple; often ordered as a complete noodle entrée. |
| Chow mein | Varies by restaurant | Can mean crispy noodles, soft stir-fried noodles, or vegetables with crunchy noodles | Requires menu context; the American takeout meaning is not always literal fried noodles. |
| Chow fun | Wide flat rice noodles | Broad, slippery, lightly charred when well cooked | Cantonese-style wok noodle dish, especially beef chow fun. |
| Mei fun | Thin rice vermicelli | Fine, springy, separated strands | Often stir-fried; Singapore rice noodles are a common version. |
What it tastes like
Lo mein is usually the sauciest and most familiar option. It is built to carry soy-based sauce, vegetables, and protein. Chow fun is more about the rice noodle itself. A good version has wok aroma, tender beef, scallions, bean sprouts, and enough sauce to season the noodle without turning it wet. Mei fun is thinner and lighter in texture, although it can absorb oil quickly. Chow mein is the unstable term: in one restaurant it may mean crisp noodles; in another it may mean a vegetable-heavy takeout dish served with rice.
Common proteins and variations
Chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, roast pork, and vegetables can appear with all four families. The protein is less important than the noodle. Beef chow fun is especially associated with Cantonese menus. Singapore mei fun, more accurately a curry-seasoned rice vermicelli dish in many American Chinese restaurants, often contains shrimp, roast pork, egg, onions, and peppers. Vegetable lo mein is a safe entry point for someone who wants a soft, mild dish, but vegetarians should still ask about oyster sauce or chicken stock.
What should you order?
Order lo mein if you want a familiar, soft, saucy noodle. Order beef chow fun if you want a Cantonese wok dish and the restaurant seems strong on noodles. Order mei fun if you want a thinner rice noodle, especially if you like curry-style Singapore rice noodles. Ask about chow mein before ordering if the menu does not show a photo or clear description.
Where to go next
Return to the Chinese dish guides hub, use the Chinese menu tools, or search the site if the menu uses another spelling.