Newfoundland chow mein
| Type | Stir fry |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Associated cuisine | Canadian Chinese cuisine |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients |
|
Newfoundland chow mein is a dish from Canadian Chinese cuisine.[1] While traditional chow mein is a stir fried noodle dish, and its name means "fried noodles",[2] Newfoundland chow mein includes cabbage strips instead of noodles.[3]
History
[edit]The dish was invented by Chinese chefs on Newfoundland who had difficulty obtaining traditional Chinese ingredients on the island. To replace egg noodles, they cut thin slices of cabbage as a substitute.[4][5]
Description
[edit]Newfoundland chow mein is a stir fry that features thin cabbage slices, vegetables and meat in a sauce made from a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce.[2] Common ingredients include carrots, onions,[1] bok choy, pea shoots, gai lan, mushrooms, or rapini. Chicken, pork, shrimp, and beef are commonly included as the main protein in the dish.[2] The flavor of the cabbage has been described as adding a more savory, umami flavor to the dish than traditional chow mein.[1]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Hui, Ann (2019-09-04). "In Newfoundland, You Have to Ask for Noodles in Your Chow Mein". Eater. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
- 1 2 3 Van Rosendaal, Julie (March 26, 2019). "Julie Van Rosendaal's Newfoundland-style chow mein". CBC.
- â Housman, Andrew (2023-07-09). "What Is Chow Mein, And How Is It Different From Lo Mein?". Food Republic. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
- â Chan, Bernice (2019-12-24). "Chop suey and chow mein: Chinese food, but not as we know it". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
- â "These dishes from Chinese restaurants are uniquely Canadian. Is your favourite on the list?". CBC. January 31, 2019.
