By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Apr 28, 2025
Let’s uncover the truth behind your favorite street noodles.
Yes, chow mein is absolutely real. The name comes from Chinese and literally means “fried noodles.”
In its original form, chow mein is a simple Chinese dish with lightly fried noodles, soy sauce, and a few veggies or meat.
But what we eat as "chowmein" in India is a spicy, saucy remix of the original Chinese dish.
Indian chowmein is bold and flavorful, loaded with green chili sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, and sometimes even ketchup.
It may not be authentic Chinese, but Indian chowmein is very real — just a desi version shaped by local taste.
Food evolves. What started in China found a new identity on Indian streets. That’s the magic of fusion cuisine.
Chow mein or chowmein — both are real, both are tasty. It just depends on what you’re craving today.