I still remember the time I confused lo mein with chow mein at a Chinese restaurant. I thought I would get those soft, sauce-soaked chow mein, but they were fried. At that time, I realized I should find out the true distinction between lo mein and chow mein.

If this situation is familiar to you, remember that many people share your experience. Clearly, these two dishes include many of the same things, yet they taste and feel quite different when prepared. Let’s break it down together.

What is Lo Mein?

The name lo mein comes from the Chinese phrase, “tossed noodles.” First, boil the noodles until soft and then add them to stir-fried vegetables, a sauce, and any chosen protein.

Because of its delicious taste and chewy, tender noodles, lo mein is a favorite at American-Chinese restaurants.

Key Features of Lo Mein:

• Soft and chewy noodles
• Boiled, not fried
• Tossed in sauce after cooking
• A typical salad is usually served with meat and vegetables.
• Sauce-heavy and flavorful

What is Chow Mein?

Chow mein (炒麵) is a Chinese word that means "fried noodles. Catering to Cantonese-style. There are two styles—crispy chow mein (popular in the U.S.) and soft chow mein (less crispy, more like a lo mein hybrid).

It has a smoother sauce and a distinct taste compared to the other one.

Key Features of Chow Mein:

• Thin and sometimes crispy noodles
• Stir-fried in a wok
• Less sauce, more oil
• Often includes vegetables and meat.
• Crunchy or slightly chewy texture

Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Should You Order?

You should go for lo mein if you prefer noodles that are a little saucy and soft. It makes a great meal, whether you want it for lunch or dinner. If lightness, crispiness, and a reduced amount of sauce are important to you, chow mein is the answer.

When I feel like eating something special, I usually opt for house special lo mein. It has shrimp, chicken, beef, and some vegetables in one great-tasting bowl. This is my House Special Lo Mein recipe, House Special Lo Mein recipe, and you can find it here.

Common Ingredients in Both Dishes

Even though cooking methods can differ, many of the ingredients stay the same.

• Vegetables: Carrots, bok choy, onions, bell peppers
• Proteins: Chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu
• Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil
• I use garlic and ginger to boost the flavor of the stir-fry

Because of this, many people easily make the mistake of confusing one for the other, mainly at places where food is served.

Can You Use the Same Noodles?

Technically, yes—but the texture matters. Lo mein uses thicker egg noodles made to hold sauce. Chow mein often uses thinner noodles that can get crispy in the pan.

If you’re cooking at home, look for fresh lo mein or chow mein noodles at an Asian market. In a pinch, spaghetti or ramen noodles can work too (but they won’t give you the exact taste).

Is One Healthier Than the Other?

It depends on how you cook them.

Lo Mein might have a lot of sodium because of the sauces used. But if you load it with veggies and use lean meat or tofu, it’s a balanced meal.

Chow Mein is often fried in more oil, which may make it higher in fat.

For a healthier version, use less sauce, go light on the oil, and add extra greens.

Cooking Time & Difficulty

Lo Mein:

• Easier for beginners
• Boil noodles + quick stir-fry
• Takes around 25–30 minutes

Chow Mein:

• Slightly more advanced
• Requires frying noodles evenly
• If you want your chicken to turn crispy, you’ll need to cook it a little longer.

If you’re new to Chinese cooking, lo mein is an easier dish to make.

Flavor Experience

Lo mein is enjoyable because it is both smooth and very tasty. It collects the sauce and tastes good with various meats and vegetables.

Chow Mein has a little crunch to it. They are somewhat plain, tasting slightly smoky from being cooked on the stove.

Experiment with both, and you’ll decide which you like more.

Quick Tips for Cooking at Home

Try looking up recipes online that fit your style of cooking and schedule, gather the right ingredients, make a list of what you need, and feel free to ask friends or family for advice if you get stuck.

For Lo Mein:

• Don’t overcook the noodles; stop cooking them when they still have a bit of bite to them.
• Add sauce at the end and mix everything up fast.
• Use sesame oil to make your burgers taste a bit smoky and savory.

For Chow Mein:

• Dry the noodles by letting them sit on the counter for a few minutes before you fry them, so they get more crunchy.
• Use a pan or wok that doesn’t stick so the shrimp gets cooked nicely on both sides.
• Don’t put too many noodles in the pan or they’ll end up getting soft and mushy.

Final Thoughts

Lo mein and chow mein are both delicious, but eating them feels pretty different from each other. Whether you’re in the mood for a soft, saucy noodle dish or a lighter, crispy version, understanding the difference can help you pick just what you feel like eating—whether you’re ordering out or making it at home.

If you love big, hearty noodle meals, my favorite one to make is House Special Lo Mein. It’s great for any meal, especially when you want a quick and easy dinner, a quick family dinner, or just some Chinese food you’re missing. Give it a go and tell me how it works for you!

FAQs

Q1. Can I make lo mein or chow mein so it doesn’t have any meat in it?

Yes! Swap the meat for things like tofu, and mushrooms mushrooms, or even use more vegetables instead.

Q2. What’s the best sauce for lo mein

Is actually up to your personal taste, but a classic mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar can make the noodles taste very good.A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of chicken stock is what you want for this sauce.

Q3. Can I use spaghetti noodles?

You can, but they won’t feel as chewy as the regular kinds of egg noodles.