Fast food has become a lifeline for many in a world where time is of the essence and hunger strikes without warning. While burgers, fries, and pizza often steal the limelight, a hidden gem in the world of quick and satisfying meals deserves its moment in the spotlight – Chow Mein Fast Food.
Chow Mein, a beloved Chinese dish, has evolved into a fast food phenomenon that’s taken the culinary world by storm.
With its irresistible blend of flavours, satisfying textures, and lightning-fast preparation, Chow Mein Fast Food has become a go-to option for those seeking a delicious meal in the blink of an eye.
Join us on a flavorful journey as we explore the world of Chow Mein Fast Food, uncovering its origins, its irresistible appeal, and why it’s a must-try for food enthusiasts and busy individuals alike.
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just looking for a quick and tasty bite, prepare to be enticed by the allure of this savoury sensation that’s capturing hearts and taste buds worldwide.
What Is Chowmein?
Chowmein consists of stir-fried noodles often paired with meat and vegetable slices. The noodles are typically soft and a bit chewy, while the sauces used to flavour chowmein can range from soy sauce and oyster sauce to sesame and hot chilli.
Some key ingredients commonly found in chowmein include:
- Noodles – The noodle base of chowmein is typically made from wheat flour or rice flour. Thin egg noodles or lo mein noodles are prevalent.
- Vegetables – Typical veggies are cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, onions, and celery.
- Protein – Chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu can be the protein element.
- Sauces – Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and chilli sauce helps flavour the noodles.
The dish originated in northern China but has spread across Asia and the world. It evolved into a convenient, fast food, adapted to local tastes in different regions. The crispy noodles with flavorful sauce make it an irresistible meal for people seeking something quick, filling and delicious.
Top 10 Chowmein Fast Food You Should Try
Here are 10 mouthwatering chowmein dishes from fast food chains that you should add to your bucket list!
1. KFC’s Chowmein
With over 50 years of history, KFC has made its version of Chowmein a worldwide favourite. KFC’s take on the classic Chinese dish consists of crispy fried chicken, shredded green cabbage, and spring onions mixed with soft noodles doused in a signature chowmein sauce.
The savoury sweet sauce strikes the perfect balance of flavours and goes perfectly with the tender chicken pieces and chewy noodles. It’s an easy meal option that never disappoints!
2. Hot Star Fried Chicken’s Manchurian Fried Noodles
Based in Taiwan, the Hot Star chain is best known for its XXL Fried Chicken fillets, but it also serves impressive chowmein dishes like the Manchurian fried noodles. Hot Star’s recipe features ramen noodles fried with chicken, cabbage, bell peppers and signature spicy Manchurian sauce.
The sauce’s smoky heat and satisfying noodles crunch make for an addictive flavour bomb. Hot Star’s massive portions will surely satisfy big appetites.
3. Quick Bite’s Chicken Curry Noodles
Quick Bite is a popular Indian fast-food chain serving a range of Chinese-style noodles, including the irresistible chicken curry noodle. This unique fusion dish combines Chinese egg noodles, chicken, veggies and a rich curry sauce.
The bold curry flavour paired with tender noodles is a fantastic combination that will leave you craving more. It’s an adventurous twist on chowmein you have to taste.
4. McDonald’s Chowmein
The Golden Arches fast food giant serves its take on chowmein across various Asian markets. McDonald’s chowmein features signature soft noodles topped with chicken strips, shrimp, red cabbage, carrots and green onions drizzled with a tasty sauce.
It captures the classic chowmein flavours in a convenient, fast food meal. Grab a side of McDonald’s Spicy Chicken McNuggets, and you’ve got a tasty meal combo!
5. KFC’s Sweet Chilli Noodles
KFC restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia offer this tasty spin on chowmein made with the Colonel’s crispy original recipe chicken paired with ramen-style noodles in a sweet and slightly spicy chilli sauce. Toppings like cucumber, red onion, chilli and toasted sesame add extra flavour and crunch.
The sweet and savoury flavours complement each other wonderfully in this dish. It’s the perfect guilty pleasure meal.
6. Domino’s Vegetable Chowmein
Who would have thought this popular pizza chain makes tasty chowmein, too? Domino’s take on the classic Chinese noodle dish features lo mein noodles mixed with fresh cabbage, carrot, beansprouts, bell peppers and onions in an umami soy sauce.
It’s a flavorful meatless option with lots of crispy veggies. Get it delivered with your favourite Domino’s pizza for the ultimate combo meal.
7. McDonald’s Fried Noodles
In Hong Kong, McDonald’s serves these aromatic fried noodles coated in soy sauce with sliced tender chicken breast, shrimp and veggies. The lightly seasoned noodles allow the fresh ingredients to shine.
It’s a healthier chowmein option, but it is still packed with that signature McDonald’s flavour. Perfect for noodle cravings on the go.
8. KFC’s Fried Noodles
KFC’s fried noodle features signature crispy chicken pieces and egg noodles seasoned with aromatic oyster sauce and topped with spring onions, lettuce and red chilli.
The tangy oyster sauce gives the noodles excellent umami depth, while the crispy chicken and crunchy veggies provide texture and flavour contrast. It’s simple yet highly satisfying.
9. Pizza Hut’s Chowmein
Pizza Hut’s unique spin on chowmein includes juicy chicken, shrimp, cabbage, carrots and green onions mixed with noodles in the brand’s signature schezwan sauce. The sauce’s authentic Sichuan peppercorn and chillies deliver a bold kick that livens up the dish.
It’s an unexpected flavour journey from a chain known for pizza, proving Pizza Hut can do more than just pies!
10. McDonald’s Pizza Chop
Found on McDonald’s menus in Malaysia, this creative dish combines two fast food icons – pizza and chowmein! McDonald’s pizza chop consists of crispy egg noodles and chicken coated in tomato pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese.
The fusion of Italian and Chinese flavours is comfort food at its finest. This tasty mash-up is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
What types of Chow Mein are there?
There are several common types of chow mein that you’ll find in Singapore, but the most popular would have to be beef, pork and chicken.
You can also order seafood chow mein if you want a more filling meal or kway teow instead if you prefer your noodles thicker.
Some hawker centres also serve chow mein, stir-fried with onions and cabbage, or sometimes even mushrooms.
I prefer my chow mein with garlic, vinegar and chilli oil, but you can order yours however you like it. Chicken Broccoli Zucchini Mushroom Beef Mushroom Pork Fish Pork Chicken Garlic Squid Kway Teow Seafood Special Fried Rice.
Why do people eat Chowmein?
The first thing that comes to mind when people hear of Chowmein is food from fast-food restaurants. The greasy, salty, and unhealthy combination of fried noodles or pasta with beef instantly comes to mind when most people think of a good chow Mein meal.
This dish is, however, not simply Chinese-American junk food. While it is true that most people eat Chowmein to satisfy the taste buds desire for a nice, salty and greasy meal, there are, however, many others who enjoy chow Mein because of its unique texture and flavour.
The Bottom Line
Chowmein has become a versatile fast-food item embraced by chains worldwide. From traditional chicken and shrimp to unusual fusion flavours, many quick and tasty versions exist. Open your mind and taste buds to new chowmein creations from your favourite fast food spots!
The variety of noodles, sauces, meats and veggies in these fast food chowmein dishes prove this iconic comfort meal can be re-imagined in endless delicious ways while staying convenient for your busy lifestyle.
So next time you’re looking for something speedy and satisfying, go for chowmein fast food. Your tastebuds will thank you!
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