Discover the Authentic Chinese Cuisine at Brothers Chinese Food in Southwest Calgary
As a small local Chinese restaurant owner in Calgary, I am often asked about the dishes on our menu, especially those that may be unfamiliar to some customers. One dish that seems to spark a lot of curiosity is Cantonese chow mein. In this blog, I would like to share some information about this beloved Chinese food dish and its origins.
What is Cantonese chow mein?
Cantonese chow mein is a traditional Chinese food dish made with thin, soft wheat noodles stir-fried with vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. It is a popular dish in the Guangdong province of China and is known for its high-quality ingredients and savory, slightly salty flavor. Cantonese chow mein is often served with a side of soy sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping and can be found at many local Chinese restaurants.
What is Cantonese chow mein vs chow mein?
Cantonese chow mein and chow mein are similar dishes that are made with wheat noodles, vegetables, and proteins such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. However, there are a few key differences between the two.
Cantonese chow mein originates from the Guangdong province in China and is known for its thin, soft noodles and authentic flavors. It is typically stir-fried and served with a variety of vegetables and proteins.
Chow mein, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to any dish made with wheat noodles and vegetables. It can include a variety of flavors and cooking techniques and is not necessarily tied to any specific region or cuisine.
In general, Cantonese chow mein tends to be more authentic and traditional, while chow mein can be more diverse and open to interpretation.
What is the difference between soft and crispy chow mein?
The main difference between soft and crispy chow mein is the texture of the noodles.
Soft chow mein is made with thin, soft wheat noodles that are stir-fried until they are tender and chewy. This style of chow mein is typically found in Cantonese cuisine and is known for its savory and slightly salty flavor.
Crispy chow mein, on the other hand, is made with deep-fried wheat noodles that are crispy and crunchy. This style of chow mein is often found in American-Chinese cuisine and may be flavored differently than traditional Cantonese chow mein. It is typically served with a variety of vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
In general, the main difference between soft and crispy chow mein is the texture of the noodles, with soft chow mein being tender and chewy and crispy chow mein being crunchy and crispy.
What’s the Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
Chow mein and lo mein are both dishes that are made with wheat noodles and vegetables, but there are a few key differences between the two.
Chow mein is made with thin, firm wheat noodles that are stir-fried until they are crispy. The noodles are typically the star of the dish and are served with a variety of vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Chow mein is a Cantonese dish that is known for its savory and slightly salty flavor.
Lo mein, on the other hand, is made with softer, thicker wheat noodles that are boiled and then stir-fried with vegetables and proteins. The noodles are typically mixed with the other ingredients rather than being served as the main focus of the dish. Lo mein is a more versatile dish that can be found in a variety of Chinese cuisines and can be flavored in a range of different ways.
In general, the main difference between chow mein and lo mein is the texture and preparation of the noodles, with chow mein being made with thin, crispy noodles and lo mein being made with softer, thicker noodles.
At our restaurant in Calgary, we are dedicated to bringing the authentic flavors of Cantonese cuisine to our customers. We source our ingredients from local farmers to ensure that they are fresh and flavorful, and use traditional cooking techniques to give the dish its signature crispness.
In terms of flavor, authentic Cantonese chow mein is savory and slightly salty, with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. It is also usually served with a side of soy sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping.
We hope this helps to give you a better understanding of Cantonese chow mein and the care that goes into its preparation. We are proud to offer this delicious dish at our small local Chinese restaurant in Calgary and hope you will give it a try on your next visit. Thank you for supporting local businesses and for choosing to experience the delicious flavors of Chinese cuisine with us.
